Statement from U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin on the Passing of Marty Beil

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following is a statement from U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin on the passing of Wisconsin labor leader, Marty Beil:

“This is the loss of a friend who I have stood in solidarity with for many years, fighting on behalf of Wisconsin’s working families. Marty was never afraid to stand up for workers when the deck was stacked against them. His life’s work was committed to building a stronger middle class in Wisconsin and his leadership as he fought for our progressive values will be sorely missed, but I have no doubt there are many people who will carry on his fight to rebuild a Wisconsin that once again respects and rewards hard work.”

Marty Beil, one of Wisconsin’s most influential and memorable labor leaders, died peacefully last night at his home in Mazomanie. Beil, who was 68, began his career in 1969 as a Wisconsin probation and parole officer. He quickly became active in the union. In 1973, he became president of his statewide Local and a member of its bargaining team. In 1978 he was elected Council 24 president, a position he held until being selected as the Council’s executive director. Beil recently retired after more than 40 years as a prominent leader of AFSCME, the public service employee union that was founded in Wisconsin and has grown to 1.6 million members nationally.