We Remember Phil

One year ago today, on November 4, 2018, just days before unseating union-busting Scott Walker from elected office, we lost our union brother and inspiring leader Phil Neuenfeldt. Phil worked tirelessly for decades to advocate for and advance the rights of working families in Wisconsin.

After serving in the Navy, Phil began his career in the labor movement on the shop floor in the manufacturing sector of GE as a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) Local 1916. Phil advanced within his local union and held various positions of leadership, including chair of the bargaining committee. He started at the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO in 1986, serving as our Secretary-Treasurer and Legislative Director and then as President from 2010 until his retirement in September of 2018.

Phil worked to pass legislation to support working families throughout Wisconsin. He created skills and training programs to teach the next generation of workers and connect young people to good union careers. As President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, Phil strove to create solidarity and togetherness in our movement and to engage workers in all sectors in both workplace democracy and our electoral process. Phil addressed and inspired thousands of Wisconsinites and union activists, delivering countless memorable speeches during the Wisconsin Worker Fight Back of 2011 and beyond.

Phil embodied the vision and values of organized labor. He firmly believed in the unity of trade unionism and in the power of collective bargaining to better peoples’ lives, build our middle class, and advance our nation.

Phil was first and foremost a loving father and grandfather. His friendship lives on every day with so many of us.

In solidarity and remembrance.

Comments

[Richard L. Staley]

Good family man indeed.
I retired from the Steelworkers Union within the Timken Company, Canton, Ohio on December 31, 2013.
I was hired in February 1973. I was happy working for the family owned business because on my paycheck it was written “You earned and Timken paid”.
Lazy employees was let go including non Union.