Our good friend and brother, Mike Welch, passed away on Sunday, March 25. Mike retired from his Field Representative position in 2004 due to health reasons.
Mike first worked at the Fairmont Hotel in the dish room beginning in the late 70s. It was a time, not unlike today, of social and political upheaval; and as an activist, Mike threw himself into the labor movement.
Over the course of approximately 30 years, Mike was an important part of the transformation of our Union, making it more member-driven, more militant and more relevant to industry workers.
Among his many accomplishments at Local 2, Mike was:
- A member fo the 1980 hotel negotiating committee leading to the watershed hotel strike that year
- An organizer and representative during the 1984 restaurant strike
- Both an organizer and a candidate in numerous Local 2 elections seeking to make the Union more accountable to its membership
- Always a strong voice for democracy and member participation in the Union
- A leader in labor-management cooperation initiatives, like the opening of Michael Mina’s restaurant at the St. Francis
- A strong advocate for all Local 2 members, especially our immigrant members who fought for a stronger voice on the job.
Mike recruited and trained key rank & file leaders in both the food service and hotel division of our Union. He demonstrated a unique mix of both patience with the process of change and also righteous indignation when faced with societal and workplace injustice.
In spite of obstacles and the usual setbacks we encounter in our movement, Mike never wavered in his thoughtful and committed approach to improving workers’ lives. We are indebted to Mike for his service to and belief in our members during times of labor peace and times of struggle. He will be truly missed.
Mike Welch Memorial
Friday, April 20, 2012 – 4:30 PM
Local 87 Union Hall
240 Golden Gate Ave. (Across from Local 2)
