Art Gruntman Fonds
The Art Gruntman [Grundmann] fonds offers a valuable glimpse into the history of labour activism and the pulp and paper industry in British Columbia. Gruntman, who rode the rails from Alberta to Vancouver in the 1940s, became a prominent figure in the provincial labour movement.
Shop Steward Class Local 630, Campbell River, 1969. Art Gruntman Fonds, 2022.1.2.1.9
Art Gruntman’s journey began as a millworker and union activist in key BC industrial towns like Ocean Falls and Powell River, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs of working-class communities.
Gruntman’s dedication to workers’ rights led him to rise through the union ranks, eventually achieving the significant position of vice-president of the Canadian Paperworkers Union. His influence extended beyond his own union, as he also served as an elected member and vice-president of the BC Federation of Labour, a testament to his broader commitment to the labour movement across the province.
The collection itself is a rich repository of historical materials, providing tangible evidence of union activities. It features an array of annotated photographs that visually document pulp and paper union events held in various locations across BC.
Samples of union letterhead are included, providing insight into the official communications and organizational structure of the unions during this period. Union buttons, pins, and convention badges from Gruntman’s personal collection were integrated into the BC Labour Heritage Centre’s broader button collection or donated to Simon Fraser University’s David Yorke Labour History Collection.