Lifelong labor movement proponent Eileen Willenborg, who believes that the labor movement brings out the best in human nature, was named Labor Woman of the Year by the Chicago Federation of Labor.
Willenborg, local AFTRA/SAG executive director since 1995, was honored at the 25th Annual Tribute to Trade Union Women last week, with delegates from many of Chicago’s 300 labor organizations in attendance.
The honor took her by surprise, Willenborg said. “I was quite shocked, frankly, when I saw the list of women who preceded me, and quite humbled.” She was unaware of who had nominated her for the prestigious award, although she had worked with the CFL for years.
CFL president Dennis Gannon praised Willenborg for her “leadership in advancing the cause of justice and respect for all workers. In particular, her commitment to organizing has been tremendously effective in defending workers’ rights, protecting families and strengthening organized labor in Chicago.”
