Union Mourns Jane LaTour, 76, Fighter for Women's Rights in Labor Movement

Jane LaTour, 76, died last Monday in hospice care after battling cancer. She was an outspoken champion for women in non-traditional occupations who invigorated the New York City labor movement on the issue and was a source of inspiration to many in the movement. Her death was reported by her husband, former TWU Local 100 organizer and staff rep Russell Smith, who worked in the tour bus industry.

She was the author of "Sisters in the Brotherhoods," (2008) which tells the tale of union women breaking into non-traditional jobs. Safety Rep and Power Cable Section Vice Chair Celeste Kirkland, who herself has blazed a trail for women in transit, said: "I first met Jane in Yale Women's Summer School. She was a fighter and activist for women. She will be remembered for her passion for involving sisters like myself in the brotherhood."

LaTour was an Associate Editor at DC 37's Public Employee Press. She also managed labor history archives and ran a nonprofit supporting democratic reforms within unions. She worked as a spot welder, drill press operator, and warehouse worker, along with other jobs. She also worked as an organizer for District 65 of the UAW.