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On the occasion of his retirement as Minnesota AFL-CIO president in 2001, labor, business and government leaders described the legacy of Bernard Brommer.
Betty McCollum, Congressional Representative, 4th District:
“Bernie has given his life to protecting and defending working families. With a strong voice and tireless commitment, Bernie has brought real benefits to the labor movement, as well as countless progressive issues that have made Minnesota a better place to live. Thank you, Bernie!”
Dave Kemnitz, North Dakota AFL-CIO president:
“What a guy! It was a pleasure to serve with him. He served the movement well and will do so in the future in other roles. Upstanding, trustworthy, dependable . . . one of the true statesmen of the labor movement.”
Judy Schaubach, Education Minnesota president:
“When Education Minnesota was formed [by merging the Minnesota Education Association and the Minnesota Federation of Teachers], I was president of MEA. We didn’t have an affiliation with the AFL-CIO. The kind of leadership Bernie provided and the kind of organization he helped create made affiliation a positive discussion. I don’t think you can underestimate how important his leadership has been in making the transition smoother for MEA members.
He’s been very credible, very professional and very articulate. That kind of leadership makes our members proud to be affiliated with the AFL-CIO.
This spring, at our education funding rally at the Capitol, his comments impressed our members. His ability to articulate the important relationship between the labor movement and public education is something we really value.
He’s willing to listen to different points of view and find common ground is fundamental to unifying the entire labor movement.
Former MEA members are new in the AFL-CIO and Bernie has created an environment that’s very welcoming. All of the Education Minnesota members on the AFL-CIO Executive Council admire his leadership skills. He is not only open to the the issues we bring to the table, he always treats people respectfully and fairly. That speaks volumes about the kind of leadership he’s provided and a key reason the Minnesota AFL-CIO has been so successful.”
Sandra Peterson, Education Minnesota vice president:
“I’m so high on his leadership abilities. He’s been really beneficial for the labor movement. He has presented an image and a profile that will be difficult to emulate.
For us, he was instrumental in making sure Education Minnesota would be affiliated. There could have been much more resistance if we didn’t have someone like Bernie in a leadership position.
He came to our meetings, our conventions and he just talked with people. He talked with them in a way that made it seem imperative that they be part of the labor movement “- and not only part, but an active part. He made sure we had appointments for vice presidents to match the number of folks we brought in.
He also has been visionary in looking for new roles for minorities and women in leadership in the AFL-CIO. The workforce has changed, and Bernie wanted to make sure the faces of vice presidents also started to change. He couldn’t do it on his own, but he certainly made that request.
The other thing Bernie has been very effective at is lobbying on educational issues. When he walks into a meeting room with legislators, they perk up. He talks about education in a way that relates to all union members, that union members’ children are the ones we educate and how important that is.”
Tom Keegel, president of Minnesota Teamsters Joint Council 32:
“Bernard Brommer has done a tremendous amount of good for working families. He has been a dedicated labor leader who has worked tirelessly to enact laws which will improve workers’ rights. We wish Bernie and his wife, Phyllis, a happy and healthy retirement.”
Shar Knutson, president of St. Paul Trades and Labor Assembly:
“Bernie is a great leader and a strong, articulate, passionate voice for working men and women in Minnesota. Whether at the Legislature, within the AFL-CIO, on “Almanac” or MPR, or at a demonstration, he was there fighting for us. I will miss his experience, insights and command of the issues – as well as his friendship and offbeat sense of humor.”
Collin Peterson, Congressional Representative, 7th District:
“Bernie Brommer has been a powerful and consistent voice for the working people of Minnesota.Bernie has defended the needs of organized labor with dedication especially when we have disagreed. I have great respect for his integrity and strength of character. I am confident that Bernie will continue to speak for those who have no voice in our society.”
Duane Benson, former Republican state senator (1981-94) and current executive director of the Minnesota Business Partnership:
“If you believe the old adage that the world belongs to those who show up, then you believe in Bernie Brommer. He was always there.
I found him to be intense, respectful, honest and sincere. From that perspective I would consider Bernie a friend of mine.
We haven’t always been on the same side of issues . . . one area where we did work together was the founding of the Skills for Tomorrow Charter School. I remember Bernie even invited me to speak to the Rochester (AFL-CIO) convention.
I don’t think the warhorses like Bernie Brommer retire. They’re just on a different track. I don’t think we have seen the last of Bernie Brommer.”
Dave Roe, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Emeritus:
“In 1978, a vacancy occurred on the executive council of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, with the resignation of Jim Aschenbrener of Plumbers Local 34 who was elected to the international staff of the United Association. I appointed Bernie Brommer, the first AFSCME member to sit on the executive council.
From the day I appointed Bernie to the council, I knew he had leadership qualities. His service to the Federation as executive vice-president and secretary-treasurer prepared him to excel in the position of president. For the past 10 years, Bernie represented and carried the banner of the Minnesota AFL-CIO very well. I am proud of him and his service. Audrey and I wish Bernie and Phyllis many years of a long and healthy retirement.”
U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone:
“Bernie has never forgotten for whom we are fighting. Everyday, men and women get up and go to work to make life better for themselves and their families. Bernie unselfishly gets up every day and goes to work to make life better for all working people.
Sheila and I send our very best wishes to Bernie, his wife, Phyllis, and their entire family as they move into this next stage of their journey.”
U.S. Senator Mark Dayton:
“Bernie Brommer is one of the most dedicated public servants I have ever known. He is also a great leader! This combination of talents makes him an even more rare and extraordinary human being.
Bernie is also my good and long-time friend! From 1983 to 1987, we served together on the first board of the Minnesota Economic Development Authority. We spent hundreds of hours working together to build an organization that financed manufacturing plant expansions and public infrastructure improvements throughout Minnesota. At Bernie’s insistence, we required living wage agreements, buy American provisions, and workers’ protections. They worked, and more Minnesotans worked at good, well-paying jobs, because of Bernie’s dedication.
As State Auditor and, now, as United States Senator, I have continued to work with President Brommer. I have always found him to be a man of his word, of integrity, and of concern for his members’ best interests. He has given his utmost and his very best to help improve the lives of working men and women throughout Minnesota.
Bernie and Phyllis both deserve their respite from these demanding responsibilities and time commitments. I wish them both many, many years to enjoy this time together and with family and friends. I hope that I will always be considered one of their friends, as they always will to me.”
David Olson, President, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce:
“I have had the opportunity to serve with Mr. Brommer for the past six years as co-chairs of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council. This council, which is comprised of representatives of labor and business, is responsible for developing legislation that is fair to both the employer and employee. Bernie has been a strong, but fair advocate as we worked together to craft legislation that represents the interests of both parties.”
Ray Waldron, President, Minnesota AFL-CIO:
“Bernie is a great chapter in the history of the Minnesota labor movement. He and Phyllis are good family and good friends.”
Danny Gustafson, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Emeritus:
“Bernie’s done a good job. He came from a little different approach. He speaks well, of course. He earned the respect of some people in the business community. I think he touched some chords there in a different way. But he maintained the same message as other presidents before him. No matter who is in that office and whatever their style, the message is the same because it comes from those 400,000 or so people out there who belong to AFL-CIO unions in the state. Bernie carried out that tradition.”
Roger Moe, Majority Leader, Minnesota Senate:
“Bernie will be missed at the Legislature. His detailed, accurate description of the issues facing Minnesota’s working men and women provided a great service to legislators in our deliberations.”
Tom Hennessy, retired executive director of AFSCME Council 14 and longtime friend and colleague:
“I’ve known Bernie for a long time, going back to when he worked for Council 6 and I was with Local 151. We shared an office.
“He’s going to be missed — his dedication to the labor movement, his preparedness, his hard work for the working people of Minnesota.
“There have been some tough times for Bernie up at the state Capitol. He was always prepared for what was coming. On a legislative level, I think we (the labor movement) are much more accepted. He did a good job.”
Jaye Rykunyk, principal officer of Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Local 17:
“He’s one of the most extraordinary labor leaders we’ve ever had in Minnesota. He’s extremely bright, extremely articulate, extremely well-grounded in labor history and American history. He understands the role labor plays in the overall economic scheme. His grasp and understanding of labor’s role in the economy is equaled by no other person I know of.
I think that Bernie really elevated organized labor in the level of esteem it’s held in by the political community. That’s because of his ability to be so articulate in his lobbying at the state Capitol, in Minneapolis, in St. Paul and on a statewide basis.
When we talk about the true sharpened intelligence in the labor movement, he sets the standard. Let’s face it, the image of people who work in organized labor is that we’re uneducated, we’re not articulate, we’re the brawn of the operation. Bernie puts the lie to that notion.
You know, Bernie’s usually dressed up in his suit and tie, he’s sort of Mr. Proper. But his views and politics are extremely radical when you listen to what he’s saying.
There’s been criticism that he’s not militant enough. I don’t think that’s fair. I don’t think those people are listening to his message. . . . I talk about corporate greed; he talks about the excesses of capitalism. It’s the same thing, just a matter of style. . . . At the core of what he believes, his politics are far more radical than many people who have made a lot more noise, been a lot more boisterous in their speech – but not in their actions.”
Martin Duffy, retired labor educator and staff member of University of Minnesota Labor Education Service:
“The first time I met Bernie was in a stewards’ training class in Duluth many years ago. My last meeting was a couple of months ago at a luncheon. There was no difference – he had not changed. The union steward and the state federation president are both the same guy.
I’ll leave it to others to write glowing accounts of Bernie’s competence and knowledge. My tribute is simply that he was always the workers’ representative. I can’t think of a better way to describe him.”
Erv Neff, President Minnesota State Retiree Council, AFL-CIO:
“Bernie’s ability to articulate issues and build labor organizations is terrific.”
Duke McVey, President Emeritus, Missouri AFL-CIO:
“Bernie Brommer is held in the highest esteem by his peers, his membership and his adversaries. As one who treasures my personal friendship with Bernie, I wish him many years of blissful retirement.
Simply put, Bernie will be missed! I especially appreciate his patient demeanor in waiting until the right moment near the end of a protracted discussion to inject some logical, straight-forward and pointed remarks as he skewers some expert from out of town with an inflated ego. Actually, the memory of Bernie’s puncturing my inflated ego was always more bearable because he was smiling and telling me how wonderful I was, and how he knew that I knew that I didn’t knowingly want to pursue such a dumb idea.
Bernie Brommer is a gem, one of those special people that God has put on this earth to keep the sheep on the right path. And, every now and then, when I am looking for guidance, I will sit out on my screened-in porch, with my Minnesota Twins baseball cap that Bernie makes me wear periodically, and wait for the divine inspiration and the answers to my questions — especially those dealing with the latest scheme to raise per-capita.”
Bill Luther, Congressional Representative, 6th District:
“Bernie Brommer has been a friend, ally and a constituent of mine since my election to Congress in 1994. His commanding voice and friendly presence were and are always welcome at my town meetings. The working families of Minnesota have few, if any, better friends than Bernie Brommer.”
Dave Frederickson, President, Minnesota Farmers’ Union:
“Bernie Brommer has supported the issues that are important to Minnesota’s family farmers without question. He instinctively knows what’s good for Minnesota farmers. My greatest fear is that he will tire of retirement and decide to run for president of the Minnesota Farmers Union. He’d win in a minute. On a personal level, I’ll miss his leadership and the camaraderie I’ve enjoyed working with him over the past 10 years.”
Dick Anfang, president of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council, executive secretary of the St. Paul Building and Construction Trades Council, and a vice president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO:
“Bernie is about accuracy in his statements, about being prepared, about respecting everybody’s position but being absolutely focused on what his mission was as leader of the AFL-CIO.
He was always keenly aware what his goals and missions were in representing working people. He has a very keen ability to carry that message in front of any crowd, especially the adversaries, and get his point across with respect. He pretty much all the time held his cool, but got his point across very eloquently.
He was always there if you had a question, if you needed advice. He had an uncanny way of helping you figure it out for yourself, he really did. He never seemed to allow himself to be boastful or all-knowing; he would rather you draw things out for yourself, help you figure it out yourself.”
Margaret Blackshere, President, Illinois State AFL-CIO:
“The thing that struck me about Bernie the very first time I met him was what a gentleman he is and what an advocate for working people. He is a strong, determined voice who doesn’t shout, but clearly delivers the message. I’ve never seen him loose control, but, no matter how fierce the pressure, he doesn’t bend to the will of corporate interests. He mentored a lot of us as we came into our positions and has been a great help.”
Tom Pugh, Minority Leader, Minnesota House of Representatives:
“I enjoyed my three legislative sessions as minority leader working with Bernie very closely. He has a great understanding of the legislative process and has been diligent and persistent in representing the interests of working families in Minnesota.”
Harry Sieben, attorney and former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives:
“I’ve known Bernie since he was with Council 6 and I was a state legislator. He is one of the leaders with the highest integrity and strongest voice for what he believes in that I’ve ever worked with – not just on labor issues, but for the good of the whole community. One of the issues I remember well was when we were fighting for clean air and clean water in Minnesota and to establish a state Superfund to clean up pollution. Bernie understood that part of the solution could be a legal provision called joint and several liability to hold polluters accountable for what they’d done.
This was not widely understood, except by the corporations who fought against it tooth-and-nail. But Bernie worked hard for it and, with the help of him and his allies in the labor movement, the Superfund legislation passed with joint and several liability requirements. Later, under Governor Carlson, these requirements got watered down, but Bernie stayed with the cause and helped get them reinstated.”
Roger Juaire, who retired last October after 31 years as president of the St. Cloud Trades and Labor Assembly. Juaire, a Machinist, is a vice-president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO:
“I personally thought he brought a lot of class and dignity to labor movement. He is very eloquent as far as speaking and presenting a case. No one in my mind is more eloquent in representing the trade union movement than Bernie, and he is a true trade unionist.
I remember he was addressing a particular Congressmen about a certain issue and the Congressmen responded, ‘There’s a lot of other issues out there. Why is labor interested in a non-labor issue?’ And Bernie told him, ‘I think, Mr. Congressmen, it’s up to us to decide what are the interests of the labor movement, not you.’ He did it politely, but he made his point.”
James Oberstar, Congressional Representative, 8th District:
“Bernie Brommer has spent a large part of his life fighting to keep the labor movement strong and vital in Minnesota, at a time when labor faced unprecedented challenges and obstacles. He has been an extraordinarily good steward of labor’s interests.”
Connie Dammen, president of the Southeast Minnesota Central Labor Council in Rochester, and a vice president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO:
“He is a fantastic labor leader. . . Bernie was never one to tell you to do something. He said it in a fatherly fashion that made you understand what you’re supposed to do.
When I would get very excitable, he very deliberately calmed me down and gave me food for thought so I knew what was the right thing to do.”
Tim McCoy, attorney:
“In 1990, I had the opportunity and pleasure to work side by side with Bernie Brommer in the legislative process in opposition to the continuous attempt to have workers’ rights limited and their benefits reduced. That battle is still being waged today and through all these years Bernie Brommer has been in the forefront of protecting injured workers. Bernie is motivated by what is fair and just and what is truly right for the working people of Minnesota. He has never deviated from those principles.
I have always said about Bernie Brommer that, if I had to go into a room with 50 political adversaries and I could choose only one person to be on my side, I would choose Bernie Brommer because then the odds would be even. I will remember Bernie as a tireless fighter for injured workers in the state of Minnesota. Those workers have better lives because of the battles he fought.”
Dick Johnson, president of the Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council and a vice president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO:
“He has given the labor movement a professional image. He’s a great spokesperson – always well-informed, always articulate on the issues. He has helped, I believe, to improve the image of labor in this state.”
David Newby, president of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
“I know Bernie Brommer from attending meetings of state federation officers, which have often included top officers and staff from the national AFL-CIO. Bernie’s fellow officers always feel more secure when he’s in the room: his wisdom, his wit, his commitment to the union movement and his willingness to speak the truth forcefully – but always diplomatically – are unsurpassed. Lord, we’re going to miss him!”