This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Willie E. Haywood of AFGE.
Willie E. Haywood Jr. is a Navy veteran who began his work as an AFGE lifetime advocate at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center, where he held various positions within AFGE Local 31. He retired from the VA Medical Center in 2006 and continued his position and dedicated duties as the 6th District president of AFGE National VA Council 262 until May 2023. He always had the passion and will to fight for bargaining unit employees, and he had the honor of being a part of the midterm bargaining committee at the national level. Haywood always volunteers during election season with phone banking and post card writing. He is always willing to join in informational pickets in support of union causes.