Portland, OR
Our friend and sister Evelyn Dubrow has retired as vice president, legislative director and executive secretary of the political department of the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees after more than five decades of incomparable service to her union and to working families across the nation and around the world.
Evy has brought a rare and impressive combination of intelligence, wit, pragmatism, personality, tenacity, compassion, integrity and grace to her lifetime of work as the labor movement's most esteemed lobbyist. Tireless -- and ageless -- she has been the labor movement's devoted fighter for the rights of workers and a dedicated champion of social justice and human dignity.
Whether she has been on the front lines fighting against the return of the sweatshop and industrial homework, against unfair trade laws that exploit the poorest workers here and around the world, for a raise in the minimum wage, for pay equity, labor law reform, family and medical leave, civil rights or universal health care, Evy's limitless knowledge and straightforward manner has always won the respect of every senator and representative, regardless of political party. While she is treasured by some as a strong ally and feared by others as a formidable adversary, she is appreciated universally as a valued friend.
Among her brothers and sisters in the labor movement, Evy has been a leader, showing by example how to combine fiercely held personal commitment with personal integrity and cool-headed political savvy. And she has helped to teach many elected representatives a reverence for the history and value of the institution of the Congress, a knowledge of the power and responsibility of the legislative process, and a deeper understanding of their obligation to understand and serve the needs, dreams and hopes of the men, women and children they are privileged to represent.
One of the founders of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, Evy holds a special place in the hearts of women union officers and staff who have been inspired by her leadership, instructed by her example and heartened by her courage.
RESOLVED: on behalf of the men and women of the American labor movement and of their families, the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations salutes and honors Evelyn Dubrow for her lifetime of commitment to the trade union movement and to the fight for social and economic justice and human dignity.