John Frey

John P. Frey (June 13, 1862 – March 7, 1942) was a prominent early‑twentieth‑century American labor leader, attorney, and outspoken anti‑communist whose influence shaped the trajectory of organized labor in the United States. Born in New York City to Irish immigrant parents, Frey entered the workforce as a printer’s apprentice before pursuing a legal education, eventually graduating from New York University School of Law. His legal expertise paved the way for his rapid rise within the International Association of Machinists, where he served as secretary‑treasurer from 1900 until his death, steering the union through turbulent strikes, government investigations, and the Red Scare. Frey’s tenacious advocacy for collective bargaining was matched by his fervent opposition to socialist and communist infiltration, leading him to author a series of pamphlets and articles that warned of radical subversion in labor ranks. Throughout the 1910s and 1920s he testified before congressional committees, urging legislation that curtailed subversive activities while promoting the rights of honest workers. His strategic alliances with business leaders and political figures, including a close relationship with the American Federation of Labor, allowed him to wield considerable sway over labor policy at the national level. Despite criticism from more left‑leaning unionists, Frey’s legacy endures as a complex figure who balanced vigorous defense of workers’ rights with a staunch commitment to anti‑radicalism, leaving an indelible mark on American labor history.