It is with great sadness that Local 3, Workers United, SEIU announces the loss of our member, our sister our friend and colleague Gail Muhammad.

Gail was president of Local 3 for more than a decade.  There she fought for workers in the Newark public schools, where Gale worked for more than two decades. She led workers in protest and demonstration for better wages and benefits. She stood up against the State appointed superintendents and was joined the fight for community control of the School Board.

“Gail led the fight for decent wages and benefits for Newark School Board employees” said Megan Chambers, Co-Manager of the Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board. “She put her heart and soul in fighting for her members. We will miss her”.

In addition to being a labor leader, Gail was a political and community leader in Newark.

“Politicians from the Governor, to the Mayor,  to City Council candidates, wanted her support and endorsement because they knew that she always delivered” said Alberto Arroyo, the Co-manager of the Joint Board.

“Gail used to always say ‘when we fight, we win.’ She was a fighter and a winner,” said Hashim Shomari, acting executive director of the SEIU New Jersey State Council. “She’ll be remembered for her caring and her humility. She knew people in high places and she knew people in low places and she treated all the same.”

“Gail’s passing is a big loss for the council, for Local 3 and for the progressive movement in Newark,” said Wilfredo Larancuent, president of the state council and secretary-treasurer of the Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board, Workers United. “We’ll miss her warmth, humor and friendship. Our sincere condolences to her family.”