[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E29]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THE PASSING OF SAN FRANCISCO LABOR LEADER WALTER JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 18, 2012

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, with the passing of Walter Johnson, the 
working men and women of San Francisco have lost an extraordinary 
champion and a powerful advocate; our nation has lost a strong voice 
for economic justice. Many of us in Congress were proud to call him a 
friend.
  Walter Johnson was a giant in the labor movement, who dedicated his 
life to advancing and expanding the rights of workers--the cornerstones 
of a thriving middle class. He championed fair pay for a full day's 
work, equal rights and protection in the workplace, and social justice 
and opportunity for all. Walter's imprint can be seen across our city, 
whether in better conditions for home care workers, greater access to 
health care, more affordable housing options for families, or increased 
diversity at San Francisco City College.
  Born on April 22, 1924, in Amenia, North Dakota, Walter arrived in 
San Francisco following three years of service in the United States 
Army during World War II. While working as an appliance salesman for 
Sears, he joined the Retail Clerks Union, where he was elected 
President in 1958, and in 1964 was elected Executive Officer, the top 
position in his local. Under Walter's leadership, the rights of women, 
people of color, and gay people working in retail were protected. His 
expert guidance resulted in his subsequent re-election over the next 11 
years.
  Walter was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the San Francisco Labor 
Council in 1985 and held that post until he retired in 2004. From that 
powerful perch, he fought for workers' benefits, health care reform, 
and workplace equality. Walter educated, enlightened and mobilized 
union members to fight the unjust and unfair practices that existed in 
the workplace. He had a special talent for negotiation, helping to 
settle many contentious disputes.
  Walter possessed unflinching moral courage. He spoke out against the 
Vietnam War, even though it was supported by the AFL-CIO national 
leadership. He was one of the first labor leaders to give unconditional 
support to the gay rights movement. Even after his retirement, he was 
active in labor demonstrations, where he walked picket lines and was 
arrested at sit-ins.
  A humanitarian, Walter's friendships extended far beyond the labor 
community. He was known by all, from the owner of the corner store to 
the homeless person on the street. His friends were blessed by his 
generous nature, his wry sense of humor, and his penchant for 
storytelling. He was rarely without a personal anecdote or a footnote 
from history.
  Walter Johnson's life was a story of extraordinary courage, 
leadership, and service to the labor community and the people of San 
Francisco. His legacy will live on in our continued pursuit of fairness 
and workers' rights in our city and across the country.
  We hope it is a comfort to Walter's son Lawrence, his daughter Emily 
Davis, his grandchildren and a multitude of friends and loved ones, 
that so many share their grief and are praying for them at this sad 
time.

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