CWA Remembers Barbara J. Easterling

The following statement is from CWA President Claude Cummings Jr.:

It is with deep sadness that I share news of the passing of Barbara J. Easterling, a labor pioneer for women's labor rights.

Originally from Akron, Ohio, Easterling began her career in the labor movement when she joined CWA Local 4302 as a telephone operator at Ohio Bell. She went on to serve within her Local as a steward, secretary, and eventually as vice president. Her skill, drive, and vision did not stop there, however.

In 1970, Easterling accepted an appointment to secretary of the Ohio Labor Division where she drafted laws to protect women's rights at work, and restrict child labor. She stepped down from that position in 1973 to work full-time for CWA, and in 1980 became assistant to then-president, Glenn Watts. She was later elected as an executive vice-president of the union, and in 1992 made history as the first woman elected to serve as CWA's international secretary-treasurer. She would continue in that position for 16 years.

In 1995, Easterling made history again when she accepted the role of secretary-treasurer for the AFL-CIO, becoming the first woman to serve as one of the federation's top officers. In 2001 she was elected as the first-ever president of the World Women's Committee of Union Network International, representing more than 17 million workers worldwide.

Throughout her career, Easterling also worked to raise awareness of domestic violence and improve the lives of working families everywhere. She served on the Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee, was Vice Chair of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and held leadership positions with the Faith & Politics Institute, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, the United Way of America, and several charitable organizations. She was also an active supporter of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

In 2009, Easterling was elected to lead the Alliance for Retired Americans where, during her six-year tenure, she focused on protecting Social Security, strengthening Medicare, and lowering prescription drug prices.

Barbara Easterling's legacy of tireless service and her dedication to helping others should serve as an inspiration to us all as we continue the fight for worker rights.

Click here to send flowers to her family or here to plant a tree in her memory.

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