Aida Aranda, Passing of a Labor Legend

WRITTEN BY EMIILY SAHLER OF OREGON WOMEN LABOR LEADERS (OWLL)

It is with great sadness that we write to inform you of the passing of Sister Aida Aranda, Oregon AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer and Oregon and Southern Idaho Laborers-Employers Training Trust Director. Sister Aranda passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, February 27.

Sister Aranda was a truly committed, dedicated, and devout unionist. A 25-year member of LiUNA, she brought her decades of experience to the Oregon AFL-CIO and strengthened our organization. Her professional passion was union apprenticeships and she poured her heart and soul into her work as the Training Trust Director. Everyone who knew her will remember her for her smile, her values, and her steadfast commitment to Oregon’s unions and workers.

We mourn the passing of Sister Aranda and our hearts are with her family during this incredibly difficult time. She made the Oregon AFL-CIO a stronger organization, and we will continue to advocate fiercely for Oregon workers in her memory. We are thankful for everything she brought to the Oregon Labor Movement throughout her career and know that her efforts made Oregon a better place for working people.