William Murphy
Director of the Bureau of Labor Education

Bill Murphy is comfortable both in academic settings and in Union Halls, labor council meetings and work centers. Bill can tell you the names of every union local in the state of Maine, and knows union members state wide. He will rattle off the latest union demographics and Supreme Court decisions affecting employment law, and will often do so every day, to both willing and unwilling listeners.

He first started at the University of Maine in 1967 as an undergraduate, receiving a B.A. in history and then completed graduate work in history and government. In 1974 Bill began a full-time position with the bureau advancing first to assistant director and then to director in 2005. His work and professional development have continued to evolve, reflecting changes in the economy, labor education, and the labor movement. He has conducted, produced and / or directed research and training in a wide range of areas; from employment trends and labor law trends and labor law to occupational safety and health.

Bill has been largely responsible for obtaining over 2 million dollars in grant funding for projects and training grants. He has also facilitated the Bureau’s development of new labor studies courses, as well as co-teaching them.

Bill’s responsibilities demand a lot of heart and mind. Through his organizing efforts, the University of Maine labor education has continued to a resurgence of worker activism statewide. His tireless work and dedication continues to make a real difference, bringing recognition to the University throughout our state.

Congratulations Bill and thanks for your 35 years of service from your colleagues in BLE and DLL.