Former New York Metropolis Labor Council Chief of Employees Brendan Griffith will now lead the nation’s largest regional labor group.
Photograph courtesy of New York Metropolis Central Labor Council, AFL‑CIO
Longtime union member and labor advocate, Brendan Griffith, was elected on Thursday night time by multiple million staff throughout New York to function president of the New York Metropolis Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
Griffith, a member of Iron Employees Native 40 and United College Professions, has labored with the New York Metropolis Labor Council for over ten years. Griffith was additionally appointed Chief of Employees of the New York Metropolis Labor Council in 2011 and has served as Interim President following the departure of longtime chief Vincent Alvarez. Griffith was chosen as president by acclamation throughout a delegate assembly.
As Chief of Employees, Griffith coordinated main CLC applications and oversaw the day-to-day operations of town’s largest labor group. As Chief of Employees, Griffith helped His management set up occasions just like the Employees Memorial Day Commemoration, the Triangle Shirtwaist Hearth remembrance, and town’s Labor Day Parade—the nation’s oldest and largest.
He succeeds Alvarez, who stepped down earlier this month after serving 14 years as president.
“I’m honored by the trust delegates have placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our city’s Labor Movement,” Griffith stated in a press release. “Thanks to President Alvarez’s years of leadership and deep commitment to working New Yorkers, we have a strong foundation to build on. His legacy has helped position our Movement to take on the challenges ahead. Going forward, I’m committed to working in partnership with our affiliates to meet this moment and fight for a fairer, more just city, with an economy that works for all working people.”
Labor union organizations and leaders have praised Griffith’s election. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler applauded Griffith’s choice. “Brendan brings a wealth of experience to the position as a former Iron Worker and a deep passion for the labor movement,” stated Schuler.
Iron Employees Worldwide echoed that sentiment. “Brendan’s leadership is a win not just for working people across New York, but for the entire labor movement,” the union stated in a press release. “Having an Ironworker in this position sends a powerful message; when we elevate tradespeople to leadership roles, we bring real-world experience and working-class values into the rooms where decisions are made.”
Different labor leaders emphasised Griffith’s credibility and sensible expertise. “Griffith is intelligent, genuine, and deeply committed—traits that make him an ideal fit for the crucial role of President of the New York City Central Labor Council,” stated Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO.
“Brendan knows what it means to fight for working people and stand shoulder to shoulder with union members from every trade and sector,” stated CWA Native 1180 President Gloria Middleton. “Brendan’s rise is a testament to the importance of elevating tradespeople into positions of power where their voices can shape policy and drive change.”
Griffith additionally holds management positions outdoors the CLC. He serves on the boards of the American Labor Museum-Botto Home and the Employees’ Justice Venture. He’s an advisory member of the Mount Sinai Selikoff Middle for Occupational Well being. He’s additionally Vice Chair of the New York Committee for Occupational Security and Well being and teaches labor research at SUNY Empire State Faculty.
A graduate of Fordham College with a level in political science, Griffith additionally accomplished coaching on the NYS AFL-CIO/Cornell Union Management Institute.
The New York Metropolis Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, is the most important regional labor federation in america. It unites over 300 native unions spanning industries akin to training, building, transportation, hospitality, leisure, and healthcare.
Griffith’s appointment comes at a time when unions are going through each renewed momentum and protracted challenges nationwide.
