Samuel Staten Sr., labor leader, 80

Samuel Staten Sr., 80, a longtime leader of the Philadelphia Laborers union and an ally to top Democratic politicians, died Tuesday, April 26.

"Sam Staten was nothing less than a giant in the world of Philadelphia labor for more than a half-century, and I'm tremendously sorry to learn of his passing," Mayor Kenney said in a statement.

"I counted Sam as a friend, and I will miss his wisdom and guidance. My condolences go out to the entire Staten family, including Sam Staten Jr., the current business manager of Laborers Local 332, as well as to all union members whose lives he worked to improve," Kenney said.

"Sam's mantra was 'A fair day's work for a fair day's pay,' and that is a goal for which all us must continue to fight," he said.

At a 2010 tribute dinner, Mr. Staten recalled how "old-timers" would say how much times had changed and that he didn't understand what they were talking about.

"Now today, I look back and think about the roads over which I have traveled and it's amazing," he said.

"My first pay rate was $2.60 per hour," he said. "We had no health and welfare; we had no pension, dental, or legal plan. It was a different world for laborers. We have come a long way, and now have the power to truly help those in need."

According to a biography on the website of the union's charitable trust, named in his honor, Mr. Staten was born in Jacksonville, Fla., and moved to Philadelphia in his youth, attending schools in the city.

He worked as a construction laborer until 1970, when he became a Local 332 field representative.

In 1973, he was appointed assistant business manager, and in 1978 he was elected business manager, a position he held until 2008. Mr. Staten officially retired in 2010.

"Sam truly was a self-made man," Kenney said.

"Throughout his career, Sam never forgot his roots as a laborer, and was a tireless advocate for his members. He created an emergency fund to help members facing severe financial hardships, and raised thousands of dollars for scholarships for the children of members.

"His good work went beyond the world of labor: the Samuel Staten Sr. Charitable Trust has provided millions to charities in Philadelphia and the outlying counties," Kenney said.

Mr. Staten also served as secretary-treasurer of the Laborers' District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity.

He was a trustee of the Laborers' District Council Building and Construction Health and Welfare Fund, a delegate to the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, and a board member of the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

The biography on the charity's website said Mr. Staten had nine children. In 2003, Qa'id, his 17-year-old son, was shot to death outside a North Philadelphia pizza shop.

There was no immediate information about funeral arrangements.

Source: Philly.com