Jobs With Justice mourns the passing of longtime retired president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), labor leader, and former Jobs With Justice treasurer Gerald “Jerry” McEntee.
Jerry was a legend in the labor movement, joining AFSCME more than 65 years ago and he dedicated most of his life fighting for and alongside working people. Jerry was a visionary labor leader, and notably led the first strike against a state government in the early 1970s.
Jerry was a close friend of Jobs With Justice, serving as our first treasurer and a critical voice of support during Jobs With Justice’s earliest years. His support in the late-1980s and early-1990s was critical in building alignment around Jobs With Justice among other union leaders, and he remained our friend and ally for decades.
“We lost a legend and true champion of workers this week,” said Jobs With Justice Executive Director Erica Smiley. “Jerry knew the power of collective action, building worker power, and how united together, workers can win enormous victories and change the course of history. From his working class roots in Philadelphia to the halls of power in Washington, D.C., Jerry got the job done for ASFCME members and workers throughout the country.”
May Jerry’s memory be a blessing to his family, friends, and everyone at AFSCME. Our hearts are with you.
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