Lenore Miller

Jim Baker gets it exactly right. Lenore was both a splendid trade unionist and a true mensch. Like Jim, I feel lucky to have known her. The truth is that in Lenore´s generation-even more than now-a woman had to be a lot smarter, wiser, tougher, more disciplined, more sensible, and more charismatic to be elected president of a union. Lenore was all of those things. She was one of the first women in the history of the US trade union movement, if not the first, to break through that formidable glass ceiling when she became president of the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU). She also happened to be incredibly witty and charming and funny. (I´m sure she´s the only union president who ever noticed that the legs of some pigeons are a conspicuous red and the legs of others blend in with their natural habitats.) Small wonder that tens of thousands of her members over the years dearly loved her. It sure didn´t hurt that she helped them win higher wages, better health insurance, larger pensions, and simple dignity on the job. It´s quite a legacy. May this wonderful woman rest in peace for a while, until she starts organizing a new RWDSU local, appearing on a Jewish Labor Committee panel, and joining a demonstration on the main avenue wherever she´s happened to land.

Norkie, you were the best. I'll miss you.

Lenore was a good trade unionist and a warm and decent human being. I feel lucky to have known her. Her contributions to her trade union and to her country live on. Condolences to her family and friends.

Lenore is sad but praying Andy sad