Neuenfeldt was longtime labor leader
Phil Neuenfeldt, who retired in September as president of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, died Sunday at his home, the labor group said Monday.
Neuenfeldt, who was given the title president emeritus by the union, had been battling cancer. He was 67.
Stephanie Bloomingdale, who succeeded Neuenfeldt as state president, said he “embodied the vision and values of organized labor.”
“Phil was one of the great leaders of the labor movement, and I know he would want us to carry on the fight to which he dedicated his life,” Bloomingdale added.
“Phil would no doubt agree with Mother Jones, who advised, ‘Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living,’ ” said Bloomingdale.
Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse), called Neuenfeldt “a relentless advocate for the workers of Wisconsin,” and added, “Phil was always ready to step up and fight for workers’ rights, even when it meant taking on powerful special interests.”
He led the union during battles over Act 10, right-to-work and prevailing wage efforts. Even though labor took setback after setback, Neuenfeldt had a steadying presence and remained optimistic about labor’s future.
“As tough as the environment was, he never gave up,” Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said.
Barrett said Neuenfeldt “was an incredible moral force in this state, an incredible pragmatic voice for working people. I’ve never seen a leader who was more effective than he was in fighting for working people. His ability to communicate with working people, employers, public officials was the best I’ve ever seen.”
According to a news release, Neuenfeldt began his labor career as a member of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) Local 1916.
He worked in manufacturing with General Electric and had various leadership positions with his local union, including chair of the bargaining committee.
He had been with the Wisconsin AFL-CIO since 1986, serving as legislative director, secretary-treasurer and president.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran.
Neuenfeldt is survived by children and grandchildren. Memorial services will be announced at a later date, the union said.