The Richard and Janet Metcalf Union Activist Fund was established in 2026 to assist children of workers who have been penalized, injured, fired, jailed or who have died for their efforts to organize or build unions, improve working conditions and elevate living standards for all in the workforce.
Richard and Janet are lifelong union members and activists who believe that strong, diverse, and socially active unions are a necessary building block for a democratic and progressive society.
Janet was the second woman to complete a union sponsored statewide apprentice program to become a journeyman machinist in the state of Minnesota and an active member of the Machinists Union. Richard organized the shop he came out of and was an elected steward and union leader. He retired as the Director of Organizing and Corporate Affairs of the Laborers International Union of North American. He was arrested several times for his union activity. Anyone who wishes to donate to the Richard and Janet Metcalf Union Activist Fund should indicate that designation when making a contribution to the RFC.