Matt Fennell

In April 2008, Matt Fennell was arrested as a result of his participation in a civil disobedience action, a sit-in within the University of Montana President's office with seven other students and a United Students Against Sweatshops Organizer.  Through such formative experiences, Fennell learned the value of organizing at UM (Go Griz!).  In the 16 years since, Fennell has worked for various Unions as a Labor Representative and organizing in the private and public sector, in urban and rural environments, and in collective and non-collective bargaining states.  His principles for democratic unionism and intent to effect transformative progress drove him to establish the Organizers Union for Just Cause.

Fennell considers himself a generalist organizer and recognizes organizing as an industrial craft.  He has led workers on strike and in collective action; bargained, interpreted, and enforced contracts; represented workers in grievances and investigations; and won endorsements from civic and political leaders for campaigns that he has staffed.  He has professional experience representing and organizing workers in hospitality, public education, healthcare, and human services.