University of Washington Professor David Olson passed away on September 15th at the age of 71. He was the first person to hold the position of Harry Bridges Chair in Labor Studies from 1992-1994. David’s interpersonal skills, integrity, commitment to the working class, and expertise in the political economy of ports made him well-suited to be the first Bridges Chair. His leadership was central the program’s success.
“David’s vision for the Bridges Chair was to have it become more than just another industrial relations department but a real center for labor studies with the potential to be the best in the nation said IBU Secretary-Treasurer Terri Mast. “He thought it was important for workers to have a seat at the table and he built relationships with the ILWU and the broader labor movement to make sure that our vision was implemented in the curriculum, that ILWU members were present in classes to share our stories and also to be involved in putting on educational forums for students and the labor movement.”
Gene Vrana, retired ILWU Director of Educational Services & Librarian added, “David saw to it that labor’s voice was not only heard but heeded in the development of the Harry Bridges Chair and the multitude of programs sponsored by the Bridges Center. He led by example and set the tone for a unique and inclusive enterprise that, if his principles and standards are followed, will continue to provide resources and innovation for increased solidarity among workers, academics, and the larger community for decades to come.”
Olson was a highly respected scholar and researcher. He was often quoted about political matters in local and national media. He wrote and coedited several books and numerous articles about on topics ranging from urban politics, state politics, living wage campaigns, term limits and labor politics. He also was a pioneer in studying the governance of public ports.
“He was one of the leading experts in the country on the political economy of ports before he became the Harry Bridges Chair,” said friend and colleague Margaret Levi, who served as the Bridges Chair from 1996-2000.
“That became not only a very important for academic research but it was also very useful in his role as the Harry Bridges chair and his role in the labor movement. During the 1972 longshore lockout—all of the newspapers were looking for somebody to talk to try and understand this event—and here you have David Olson who is one of the leading experts on ports but also understood the labor dimension of the situation as well.”