José D'Elía

José D`Elía (Treinta y Tres, June 21, 1916-Montevideo, January 29, 2007) was an Uruguayan labor leader and politician. He worked as a shop employee and since his youth he took part in the trade unionism movement. In 1942, he participated in the foundation of the General Union of Workers (UGT), and he was the general secretary. Three years later, he stick on the creation of the Worldwide Labor Union Federation. Between 1964 and 1966, he was a fundamental factor in the unification of the Uruguayan labor movement, what finished in the creation of the Workers National Central (CNT), whose first president was D`Elía.

A Socialist Party militant since his youth, D`Elía supported the creation of the Frente Amplio in 1971. In the 1984 elections, who mark the end of the dictature begin in 1973, D`Elía was the vice president candidat of his party. The presidential candidat was Juan José Crottogini.

In 1993, he resigned to the Presidence of the CNT (since 1984, PIT-CNT) and he was honoured with the title of Honour President.

His last public intervention was between 2000 and 2003, when he took part in the Peace Commission, who investigate the whereabouts of the persons forcedly disappeared under the military dictature in the 70's years.