Jacob Ogles
Mike Williams, president of the Florida AFL-CIO, died in an accident this weekend. He was 72.
The labor group confirmed Williams’ death on social media.
“Florida’s union families are mourning the passing of Mike Williams, President of the Florida AFL-CIO, following a water accident on June 17th at his home in St. Marks, Florida,” reads a post from the organization. “Williams was one of the most transformative labor leaders in Florida history.”
Williams first became active in labor during an apprenticeship as a construction electrician, his official biography states. He would ultimately become business manager for the Local IBEW 177 in Jacksonville. He was President of the Florida Building and Construction Trades Council from 2001-2009, a time that saw some tumultuous workers’ compensation battles between labor and business associations.
Williams, who served as the Florida AFL-CIO’s president since 2009, could be easily spotted among a crowd of Tallahassee lobbyists. He resisted the blue and gray wool suits, choosing instead to don jeans, a colorful shirt and a tweed blazer while he championed the union’s positions on workers’ rights, wages, health care access, retirement benefits, education and training opportunities. And in a town where some male lobbyists trim their hair twice a month to ensure a neat appearance, Williams also allowed his curly locks to hit his collar.
“During his term, he has revitalized the vision of labor to represent all workers and fostered new alliances with community, immigrant and faith-based groups,” his bio reads. “He refocused the organization on its core values and strengthened its political influence through grassroots activism and mobilizations.”
He has advocated at the state level to protect workers’ compensation, while the AFL-CIO under his leadership also has fought to support domestic production.
Political leaders across the state mourned Williams’ death.
“Mike Williams was a giant and labor icon across the state of Florida,” tweeted U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, an Orlando Democrat. “Someone who woke up each and every day committed to helping working people and to building long-lasting coalitions of power to ensure Floridians thrived, not just survived. Rest in peace, Mike. God bless.”
U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat, also noted the loss.
“We are shocked and saddened by the untimely death of Florida AFL-CIO President Mike Williams. He was a legendary labor leader who passionately fought for fair wages and benefits, workplace safety and Florida’s working families,” Soto posted.
Nikki Fried, Chair of the Florida Democratic Party and former Florida Agriculture Commissioner, also released a statement.
“Mike will remain a giant in the labor movement, leaving a long legacy of service and commitment to America’s workers,” she said.
“As President of Florida AFL-CIO for the past 15 years, Mike organized, advocated and revitalized the labor community in Florida, serving as a powerful advocate for workers’ rights fighting until the end for a living wage, health care, retirement benefits, education and training. A man of character and conviction, Mike showed us how to stand up for what we believe in and never failed to remind us who built America. We are committed to continuing the work of his enduring legacy. May he rest in peace.”
State Rep. Dotie Joseph, a North Miami Democrat, also remembered the labor leader.
“My deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of AFL-CIO President Mike Williams, a pillar in our labor community and relentless fighter for the rights of workers,” she tweeted. “We will honor his legacy by continuing to fight for the people and our increasingly fragile democracy.”
13 comments
Dont Say FLA
June 19, 2023 at 4:31 pm
What even is a water accident at a home? Was Rhonda having him water boarded and it went wrong?
Earl Pitts American
June 19, 2023 at 5:35 pm
Good evening America,
We better look into this most big labor leaders are up to their ears in crime. The leadership of dook 4 brains leftist orginazation such as labor and those Biden boys are all corrupt.
However we never found the dook 4 brains lefty who killed Jimmy Hoffa so theres that.
Maybe we just let this one go. He knew he would be dealing with dangerous dook 4 brains lefty’s when he took the job.
Thank you America,
EPA
Paul Brewer
June 19, 2023 at 7:53 pm
Too those commenting. If you did not know him, your opinions are worthless. He was a great guy.
John P. Ricketson, Jr
June 20, 2023 at 12:17 pm
The sad part is, they are not bright enough to know he fought for them too! RIP Brother Mike
Dont Say FLA
June 20, 2023 at 2:32 pm
Sorry but when I hear “water accident” I take it to mean one party was drinking while boating and crashed into another party who may or may not have been drinking while boating. What is a water accident in the home? I don’t mean to say anything negative about the man. I’m just confused by the description that means something other than at home in my experience
Bongo
June 20, 2023 at 6:29 pm
Mike lived on a boat which was his home!
Bob Reynolds
June 20, 2023 at 8:15 am
He was a good man and excellent leader of the AFL-CIO. Salt of the earth. A man who spoke up for the rights of the middle class and advanced the issues of inclusion and equality for all.
Catherine Leisek
June 23, 2023 at 2:55 pm
Can’t agree more . Terrific man and union leader . Solidarity my brother.
CFH
June 20, 2023 at 9:33 am
Rest In Peace brother and thank you for your contribution to our labor movement.
Deborah Ryan
June 20, 2023 at 10:36 am
Mike Williams was a great leader and all-around nice guy. He treated all members with dignity and respect.
Conservative always
June 20, 2023 at 3:04 pm
Mike was one of the BEST people in this world. His smile would make a room light up. RIP and my prayers go out to his family.
Andy Madtes
June 20, 2023 at 3:55 pm
Mike was a dear friend and I had the privilege of working with him for many years. He transformed the AFL-CIO in the state of Florida and was respected by elected officials on both sides of the isle. His untimely death is a tragedy and loss to the labor family. Rest in peace my Brother!
Ronald George Cleary
June 20, 2023 at 6:54 pm
RIP Mike , Thank you for the many services you did for the working class .
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