W. Willard Wirtz

William Willard Wirtz was an American lawyer, educator, and public servant who served as the United States Secretary of Labor from 1962 to 1969 under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. His career spanned academia, wartime labor administration, and federal policy development, culminating in a legacy that includes contributions to labor law scholarship, the establishment of a major departmental library, and the authorship of a reflective memoir.

Early life and career

Wirtz was born on March 14, 1912, in DeKalb, Illinois. He grew up as the son of Alpha Belle (née White) and William Wilbur Wirtz. His early education led him to Northern Illinois University, where he became a member of the fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. While attending Beloit College, he met Mary Jane Quisenberry; the couple married in 1936 and would later have two sons, Richard and Philip.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Wirtz pursued legal training at Harvard Law School, graduating in 1937. Immediately upon finishing law school, he joined the faculty of the University of Iowa College of Law, appointed by Dean Wiley B. Rutledge—who would later serve on the United States Supreme Court. His academic career continued at Northwestern University, where he taught from 1939 to 1942 and returned after World War II until 1954.

During the war years, Wirtz served with the War Labor Board (1943–1945) and was appointed chairman of the National Wage Stabilization Board in 1946. His influence extended into the political arena; he was active within Democratic circles and contributed to speechwriting for Adlai Stevenson’s 1952 presidential campaign. In 1961, the Under‑Secretary of Labor selected him to join the department’s senior staff, setting the stage for his subsequent appointment as Secretary.

Cabinet tenure

Wirtz was confirmed by the Senate as Secretary of Labor in 1962 and held the position through the remainder of Kennedy’s term and into Johnson’s administration until 1969. During this period, he confronted a series of labor disputes involving trade unions across various industries. His approach emphasized mediation and negotiation, aiming to resolve strikes while maintaining industrial productivity.

One notable initiative under his leadership was the Athletes in Temporary Employment as Agricultural Manpower (A‑TEAM) program. Created in response to the termination of the Bracero Program in 1964 and a concurrent shortage of farm labor, A‑TEAM sought to recruit high school students—primarily 17‑year‑olds—to fill seasonal agricultural jobs. The program initially attracted more than 18,000 applicants; however, only about 3,300 actually entered field work. Many participants left prematurely or engaged in strikes due to harsh working conditions, inadequate housing, and extreme heat. Consequently, the program was discontinued after its first summer season.

Beyond labor disputes, Wirtz played a role in shaping policies linked to President Johnson’s War on Poverty. He advocated for remedial education initiatives targeting school dropouts and promoted retraining programs designed to assist unemployed workers. His efforts reflected an emphasis on expanding educational opportunities as a means of reducing unemployment and fostering economic mobility.

Wirtz also maintained direct communication with the executive branch regarding foreign policy matters. In particular, he sent a private memorandum to President Johnson expressing concerns about the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War—a reflection of his willingness to address national issues beyond labor affairs.

Legacy

After leaving public office, Wirtz returned to legal practice in Washington, D.C., partnering with several firms over the next two decades. He was a partner at Wirtz & Gentry (1970–1978), Wirtz & Lapointe (starting in 1979), and Friedman & Wirtz (1984–1989). His post‑government career continued to be marked by professional engagement within the legal community.

In recognition of his contributions, the Department of Labor named its primary library the Wirtz Labor Library in 2000. Located in the Frances Perkins Building, the library houses approximately 181,000 items, including specialized collections such as the James Taylor labor history archive, a series of trade union serials known as the Folio collection, and an extensive compilation of labor law volumes.

Wirtz also documented his experiences through writing. His memoir, *In the Rear View Mirror*, was published in 2008 by The Beloit College Press. The book offers a reflective account of his career in academia, government service, and legal practice, providing insight into mid‑20th‑century labor policy.

On a personal level, Wirtz remained married to Mary Jane Quisenberry until her passing in 2002. Together they raised two sons. He died on April 24, 2010, at an assisted living facility in Washington, D.C. At the time of his death, he was recognized as the oldest living former cabinet member and the last surviving member of President Kennedy’s cabinet.

Wirtz’s career bridged legal scholarship, wartime labor administration, and federal policy development. His tenure as Secretary of Labor is noted for addressing industrial disputes, experimenting with workforce programs during a period of agricultural transition, and contributing to broader social initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment. The library that bears his name continues to serve scholars and practitioners in the field of labor studies, preserving the historical record of the department’s work and honoring his lasting impact on American labor policy.