Frank (Pancho) Valdez

Born in San Antonio, son of a federal civil service worker who introduced me to organized labor. Also the nephew of a union bus driver (ATU) and firefighter (IAFF).

First civil rights action at age 13 when a white cafe owner refused to seat an African American man and his son. A total of 40+ federal workers and their sons walked out in protest.

Active in the labor movement since 1972 with SEIU, UFW, Laborers, Teamsters, TWU, and the CWA.

Currently assisting organizing at Hyatt in San Antonio with UNITE HERE.