JAY MAZUR

MAZUR-Jay. Jay Mazur, a prominent U.S. labor leader, passed away peacefully on January 14 at the age of 92. He was the last president of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU), and the first president of its successor, the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE). In a career that spanned seven decades, he fought for human rights, labor rights, civil rights, and social justice. He was especially renowned for championing immigrants' rights and global labor solidarity. Born in the Bronx to immigrant parents, with his father working as a presser in a garment factory, Jay's journey from humble beginnings to the leadership of a storied union was extraordinary. Jay began his working life at age eight, selling shopping bags. After graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School, he joined the ILGWU as staff, enrolled in the union's training program and rose through its ranks. While working full time, he obtained his bachelor's degree from CUNY and his master's degree from Rutgers. He was elected President of the ILGWU in 1986, and served until 1995 when he led the merger of the union with the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union (ACTWU) to form UNITE. He served as president of the merged union until his retirement in 2001. Upon his retirement, he served as President of the 21st Century ILGWU Heritage Fund, whose mission is to preserve the legacy of the ILGWU. Jay traveled the globe promoting democratic trade unionism and advocating for better wages, living conditions, education, and social welfare for working people. As the sole labor leader on the Trilateral Commission for over 15 years, Jay spoke out against unfair trade practices that devastated the garment industry. He coined the phrase "Fair Trade versus Free Trade," underscoring his commitment to protecting the livelihoods of his union members. Jay's passion for justice extended beyond the labor movement. He worked with the likes of Nelson Mandela, Lech Waf sa, Bayard Rustin, A. Philip Randolph, and Cesar Chavez to express solidarity and support for their causes. Deeply invested in international affairs, he was an active member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the American Ditchley Foundation, the Trilateral Commission, and a board member of the International Rescue Committee. He became an early and prominent voice in the labor movement for rights of immigrants and programs that support them, including ESL (English as a Second Language). His dedication to social progress was matched by his deep love for his family. Jay took immense pride in watching his four grandchildren grow and cherished the joy of becoming a great-grandfather. Jay is survived by Connie Mazur, his beloved wife of 37 years. He will be dearly missed by his children Marc (Nora) and Ilana (David); his grandchildren William (Emma), Jamie (Alex), Alison (Max), and Matthew (Natasha); and his great-grandchildren Olivia, Atlas, and Wyatt. Jay Mazur's legacy as a tireless advocate for labor and human rights will continue to inspire generations to come. His life was a testament to the power of compassion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to equality. 21st Century ILGWU Heritage Fund.