Crusader for workplace safety rights dies at 69
Windsor labour activist Rolly Marentette, a crusader for workplace safety and the rights of injured workers, has died.
The chair of the Injured Workers Coalition and longtime Local 444 member died Wednesday at the age of 69 after a short battle with cancer.
“He was honest, humane, compassionate, genuinely concerned. And he was tough,” said Ken Lewenza, former president of the CAW and Local 444. “His presence was huge.”
Unifor Local 444 confirmed Marentette’s death and said the membership is saddened by the loss of one of their most committed voices on worker health and safety.
“He was an amazingly empathetic individual,” said current Local 444 president Dino Chiodo.
Essex MPP Tracey Ramsey added her condolences, describing Marentette as a “labour giant” who fought tirelessly for injured workers.
Marentette was a Chrysler employee for 35 years. His activism dated back to the 1980s, when he held organizing roles with the Windsor and Essex Clean Water Alliance.
By 1991, Marentette was chair of the Windsor and District Labour Council’s education committee.
In 1994, Marentette organized the first local recognition of the International Day of Mourning for workers hurt or killed on the job.
That year, a monument dedicated to dead and injured workers was completed at Windsor’s Reaume Park.
An outdoor march and gathering at the monument would become an annual tradition — every April 28 — with Marentette in attendance, rain or shine.
“That monument is a testament to Rolly’s determination,” Lewenza said.
“It was he that did the fundraising for that monument. It was he that suggested we needed a lasting memorial.”
Marentette was a constant and reliable face at demonstrations, conferences, and discussions regarding workers’ rights and wellbeing. He also taught health and safety practices at Chrysler plants.
In 2000, Marentette received the Charlie E. Brooks award for outstanding community service.
From 2007 to 2016, he led the Injured Workers Coalition, and was an outspoken critic of the policies of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
In recent years, Marentette acted as chair of the labour council’s heath and safety committee.
“Needless to say, Rolly was a teacher,” Lewenza said.
“He was an instructor. He taught thousands of people about workplace safety. Go to work safe, go home safe. That was Rolly’s attitude.”
In 2014, Marentette received the Ontario Federation of Labour’s Occupational Disability Response Team award in recognition of his lifetime of advocacy.
“He led by example. Any time Rolly took on a responsibility, he took it on with great pride,” Lewenza said.
Lewenza said that at this year’s Day of Mourning event, Marentette was unable to speak due to his condition, but he had someone else in attendance read aloud a statement he had written.
“He told us to keep fighting,” Lewenza said.
The Windsor and District Labour Council plans on honouring Marentette on June 1 — Injured Workers Day. A rally will be held in front of the local WSIB offices (2485 Ouellette Ave.) at 4 p.m.
A reception will follow at the Fogolar Furlan Club (1800 North Service Rd.) starting 5 p.m., with speeches at 6 p.m. Admission is $25. Injured workers attend for free.
Marentette is survived by his wife, Sandy, and his son, Jamie. A funeral service was still being arranged at press time.
He was honest, humane, compassionate, genuinely concerned. And he was tough. His presence was huge.