Legends of Labor
Hall of Fame
Legends of Labor
Hall of Fame
Bio details
Sam Staten Sr.
Laborers Local 332
Business Manager
(1978-2008)
An iconic labor leader and humanitarian, Sam Staten Sr was the Business Manager of Laborers’ Local 332 from 1978 to 2008. Under his leadership, the organization played a major role in shaping labor and politics in Philadelphia at the highest levels
Sam Staten, Sr’s leadership was demonstrated in a wide array of elected and appointed positions including Secretary-Treasurer of the Laborers’ District Council, board member of the Philadelphia Housing Authority, member of the African American Chamber of Commerce, President of the Philadelphia Building Trades Council, and much more.
“Throughout his career, Sam never forgot his roots as a laborer, and was a tireless advocate for his members. He came up through the ranks working ten years as a construction laborer before becoming a Field Representative for the union in 1970, Assistant Business Manager in 1973, and then being elected in August, 1978 to the office of Business Manager, a position he held and to his retirement in May 2008.
His mantra was ‘a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay,’ and that is a goal for which all of us must continue to fight for.”
In 1991 under his leadership, Sam Staten Sr established the Local 332 Retiree Council, the first ever of its kind in the region for Laborers.
QUOTES:
“He was an innovator and a tireless advocate for working families,” wrote Samuel Staten Jr. in a correspondence about his father that was addressed to friends, family and colleagues. “He was a man of his word, if he told you he was going to do something, it was done. He was loved and respected by all of labor and management.”
Upon hearing of his passing in 2016, In a statement, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said “Sam Staten was nothing less than a giant in the world of Philadelphia labor for more than a half-century. “I counted Sam as a friend, and I will miss his wisdom and guidance.”
Sam Staten, Sr was a man of opportunity. He created opportunities for many people. He found ways to say “yes”. He took care of people. He loved people and they loved him back. He was truly one of a kind…..local332phila.org
Making A Difference Through Giving Back
Sam Staten Sr. believed in making a difference and giving back to the community and supported many charitable endeavors.
At Local 332, Sam Sr. redirected the energies of the members to improve their work skills and to get involved in improving the community and taking care of each other.
He started the Qa’id Staten Scholarship Fund, in honor of his youngest son, Qa’id, who was 17 when he was slain in North Philadelphia just months before he was to attend Howard University. The scholarship aids students seeking to attend college.
A Sergeant of Arms Committee was established to provide scholarships for the children of Local 332 members and an Emergency Relief Committee was set up to provide financial assistance to members who encountered catastrophic experiences such as fires, evictions and foreclosures.
“We chose our charities based on how they relate to our members,” Staten Sr. wrote on his website. “We have given to charities that research disease, educate youth, teach life values, provide a safe haven to disadvantaged children and much more. Our events continue to be magnificent successes. The longevity of the golf event and the funds we have raised for various charities prove that organized labor can truly make a difference in the community.”
Honors, Awards and Recognitions: Mr Staten received hundreds of awards and honors from Mayors, Governors, Legislators, and non-profit organizations alike but his greatest honor came in December, 2014 when the Laborers’ District Council honored him by naming its newly built office building at 665 N. Broad St-The Sam Staten, Sr. Office Building.