We mourn the loss of Jane McAlevey, a tireless advocate who left an indelible mark on the labor movement, including here in California, where she impacted many of our SEIU Local 1000 members. Her recent passing at the age of 59 after battling multiple myeloma cancer has deeply saddened us all.
Jane McAlevey’s legacy resonates deeply with our mission at SEIU Local 1000. She championed the principle that workers should lead negotiations and not merely be passive participants. McAlevey’s influence transformed union practices across Southern California, particularly among grocery workers represented by UFCW locals. Under her guidance, bargaining became more transparent and member-driven, empowering workers to shape their futures through collective action.
McAlevey’s commitment to transparency and democratic organizing was exemplified in her final work, co-authored with labor lawyer Abby Lawlor, advocating for fair negotiations and equitable treatment in workplaces nationwide. Her journey began with activism during her college years at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where she fought for social justice causes that resonate with our union’s values today.
In her own words, McAlevey reminded us that unity is our strength: “Corporations must pay their fair share. Together, we can demand justice and rewrite the rules in favor of working people.”
Jane McAlevey leaves behind a legacy of empowerment and advocacy that continues to inspire us in SEIU Local 1000. Her dedication to worker solidarity and transparency will forever shape the future of labor movements across California and beyond.