We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our president, Alphonso Mayfield. It’s difficult to put into words what his hard work and dedication have meant to our local union. In good times and difficult ones, his steadfast leadership helped guide us as we sought to improve the lives of FPSU members and all Floridians.
Born in Mississippi to a working-class family, Alphonso understood the plight and troubles of regular workers, and these early experiences shaped his outlook and his passion for economic and social justice. He believed that joining together in a union was the clearest path to a better future, and he never wavered in his quest to build this union into a force for good. He was appointed as the Interim President of FPSU in 2009 and was elected to serve as the President in 2010. He has been president ever since.
Through his leadership, we’ve won strong contracts for our members and improved services. Whether it was school workers in Palm Beach County or utility workers in Pinellas County, all members had a profound respect for our fearless leader. There was no challenge we would back down from, and that inspired us to move forward.
His voice reached beyond our local union, too. He was an Executive Board member of SEIU International and Secretary-Treasurer for the SEIU Florida State Council. He was passionate about organizing the South to overcome historical injustices that kept workers of color from reaching their full potential. We are so sorry he was unable to see his vision through.
His passing affects me deeply. He was a trusted partner as we tackled the various challenges facing our union together. I worked closely with him for years; he was not only my colleague, but also a great friend. I will miss him dearly.
As we mourn our leader, we know he would not want us to give up. It’s up to us to carry on his vision and to continue his legacy. We pledge to build a bigger, bolder, and better union that would make him proud.
Alphonso leaves behind his wife Alexis and his daughter Eden. We ask that you hold his family in your hearts and in your prayers.
