[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 34 (Thursday, February 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING LABOR LEADER MATTIE JACKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2009

  Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a longtime labor 
and community leader, Mattie Jackson, who died February 7 in San 
Francisco. Mrs. Jackson devoted her life to fighting for equal rights 
in the workplace and social justice for all San Franciscans. During her 
tenure the rights of women and people of color were protected and 
preserved. She educated and mobilized union members to correct the 
unjust and unfair practices that existed in the workplace. She was an 
inspiration to all who knew her.
  Mrs. Jackson was born October 3, 1921 in Livingston, Texas and moved 
to San Francisco with her husband in 1943. Mrs. Jackson began her 
distinguished career in the labor movement when she took a job at Koret 
of California as a blind stitch operator in 1947 and worked for the 
next 20 years as shop steward. In 1967 she joined the staff of the 
Pacific Northwest District Council of the International Ladies Garment 
Workers Union (ILGWU) and the National Board of the ILGWU. As Manager 
over the next 20 years she earned the reputation of an unrelenting 
advocate for garment workers and a tough negotiator. She was chief 
negotiator of contracts for the Pacific Northwest Division from 1970-
1989. As a union leader her endorsement was sought by all those seeking 
elected office in the San Francisco area.
  Upon her retirement in January 1990, the International President of 
the ILGWU, said, `Mattie Jackson is an institution not only throughout 
our union, but throughout the entire labor movement.'
  To her beloved daughter, Gail Jackson, her grandsons, Toriano Gordon, 
Marco Boccara, and granddaughter Angelique Boccara, I extend my deepest 
sympathy. Mattie Jackson was a beloved friend of San Francisco and will 
not be forgotten.

                          ____________________