It is difficult to comprehend the sudden passing of Miguel Contreras or to assess the loss to the labor movement as well as to our country.  Knowing Miguel added a lot to my life and to the lives of everyone around him.     

As Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Miguel reenergized our movement by bringing unions and workers together across craft, class and income divisions.  He gave special pride to Latino workers and fought tirelessly for the rights of immigrants—even as he gave voice to all working people in Los Angeles.  And he rebuilt the progressive political coalition in Los Angeles by building bridges between the Latino, African-American, Asian-Pacific American and Native American communities.

Miguel Contreras began his life working in the fields of Southern California alongside his immigrant parents.  He ended it fighting beside working families there as one of the highest ranking and most influential labor leaders in America.   But the example he set and the lessons he taught reach far beyond the borders of California, and they will endure as long as men and women struggle for justice.

Contact Esmeralda Aguilar 202-637-5018