Robert Byrne (trade unionist)

Robert Byrne (born 1882, died 1958) was an Irish trade unionist and political activist. He was a prominent figure in the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union (ITGWU) during the early 20th century, particularly in Dublin.

Byrne played a significant role in the 1913 Dublin Lockout, organizing and supporting striking workers. He was a close associate of James Larkin and James Connolly and was imprisoned for his activities during the Lockout. Following the Easter Rising in 1916, he was interned in Frongoch internment camp in Wales.

After his release, Byrne continued his involvement in the ITGWU and served as a Dublin city councillor. He was known for his commitment to workers' rights and his socialist ideals. He was a key figure in shaping the ITGWU's policies and strategies in the years following the Irish War of Independence. While overshadowed by Larkin and Connolly, Byrne's contribution to the Irish labor movement was substantial and enduring.