Labor Pioneer, Community Activist Ah Quon McElrath Dies (during major strikes of the 1940s and 1950)

[Omaha Steve]

Note that 1 in four workers in Hawaii are in a union and covered by a contract.

http://www.kitv.com/news/18269235/detail.html

HONOLULU -- Longtime Hawaii social worker and community activist Ah Quon McElrath died Thursday, just a few days shy of her 93rd birthday.

She was a pioneering labor and community organizer, counseling members of the ILWU union and their families during major strikes of the 1940s and 1950s.

While she retired in 1981, she remained an outspoken advocate for the poor and working-class people, speaking five years ago to KITV about the labor movement.

"And this is the problem of the trade union movement is we have forgotten the history that made us an important force," McElrath said in a 2003 interview.

A celebration of McElrath's life is being planned for late February.

Hawaii officials have expressed sadness and appreciation for McElrath's contribution to the state and the world.

FULL story at link.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Definitely someone who should be recognized by Obama.