J.J. Rodriguez; Southland Labor Leader, Advocate of Minority Rights, Benefits

J.J. Rodriguez, well-known Southern California labor leader who was president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor AFL-CIO from 1972 to 1989, died Tuesday morning. He was 83.

He died in Monterey Park Hospital after a brief illness and heart-related problems.

Rodriguez, who was a delegate to three national political conventions, was named by former Gov. Edmund G. (Pat) Brown Sr. as a member of the state Industrial Welfare Commission and served as its chairman. He was also named by former President John F. Kennedy to a group of labor leaders who toured West Germany, and by former President Lyndon B. Johnson to the President’s Committee on Equal Employment Opportunities.

Active in the Mexican-American community as well as in labor groups, Rodriguez served as president of the Community Service Organization and as president of Plaza de la Raza. He strongly backed the United Farm Workers and advocated improved standards and rights for all minorities.

A native of Los Angeles who had lived in Monterey Park for more than 30 years, Rodriguez is survived by three children who are all active in the labor movement, Helen Holguin, Edmond Rodriguez and Jim Rodriguez.

Also surviving are 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. His wife of 56 years died two years ago. A daughter, Josie Hughes, also preceded him in death.