Labor Movement Loses Key Leader with Passing of Mike Garcia

On Cesar Chavez Day  we remember another key Labor Movement leader who passed away earlier this week, former SEIU USWW President Mike Garcia.  Garcia was an unwavering advocate for working families, dedicating his life to improving working conditions, increasing wages, and empowering those who were most vulnerable, especially immigrant workers. He championed the Justice for Janitors movement, leading a historic strike in Los Angeles in 2000 in which workers at 500 worksites walked off the job for three weeks.

SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry said, in a tribute statement, “Mike Garcia was a union warrior and a fierce advocate for immigrant workers…He was an early leader in our Union who understood the need to speak against anti-black racism and link the fights for racial justice, economic justice, immigrant justice and environmental justice.”

Garcia changed the landscape of the national Labor Movement and gave janitors, among many other marginalized workers, a voice at the workplace.  His legacy and his contributions to working families nationwide will live on.

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1 Comment

  • staceyross Mar 31, 2017 at 10:10 am

    Such a sad loss. Mike was an incredible leader for social justice. I remember interviewing him as a reporter decades ago for the Justice for Janitors campaign in Silicon Valley. His dedication and determination were infectious and inspiring. My thoughts are with his family and all those who admired and loved him.

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