Tribute to Marty Berger, Labor Leader

June 19, 2006

On Sunday, June 16, 2006, a light went out in the House of Labor. At 76, Martin “Marty” Berger lost his valiant fight against cancer. He fought a good fight against bad odds, but Marty was a fighter all his life and always battled the odds. He worked as an organizer for the International Ladies Garment Workers (ILGWU) and the United Needle International Trade Employees (UNITE/HERE) for most of his life and then after his “retirement” on behalf of his beloved Pennsylvania Association of Retired Persons (PARA).

Marty was a kind, gentle man who fought fiercely for the union. He may have been slight of build, but was one of the toughest men I ever met. Marty would aggressively argue for the rights of workers and retirees. He didn’t loose many arguments and never gave up. There is a Sicilian proverb that best describes him, “Forte e Gentile,” which means “strong and gentle.”

His life is the history of the Labor Movement, and his work a testimony to courage and devotion to the cause. Marty had many causes, but they all encompassed his belief in the dignity of man and his love of the union. Whether he was organizing in the South in the early days or fighting for an issue for Retired Americans the last few years, he never gave up or gave in.

Marty organized thousands of workers in his long career and because of him they achieved better living standards, higher pay, and dignity and respect on the job. He spent the last few years working for the rights of retired union members and all seniors to live out their golden years with dignity and security. Through his leadership, PARA represented 250,000 senior activist and union retirees in Pennsylvania. Through his leadership, PARA has grown to include 145 affiliated organizations. PARA is the state affiliate of the Alliance for Retired Americans, a national grassroots organization representing 3 million retirees. Marty will always be the heart of PARA.

We will miss him dearly and think fondly of him for the rest of our days. There may never be a monument built for him or building named after him, but we celebrate his life every time we walk one more picket line, sign up one more union member; lobby in the State House or the halls of Congress for workers and seniors rights, or work at the polls to elect labor-friendly candidates. We will continue the work he did all of his life, organizing workers and demanding dignity for all retirees.

We are all better for knowing this bright light of the labor movement. We all became taller by standing on his shoulders. He made us just a little bit better by being our friend and our mentor. His light will shine in our hearts.

As Winston Churchill put it, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Marty Berger made a life!

He is survived by his wife Helen, a son and 3 stepchildren. Donations can be sent in memory of Marty to his favorite charity: Jewish Family and Children Services, 133 Coulter Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003.