The New York City Central Labor Council (CLC), AFL-CIO, completed a thorough restructuring, changed its constitution and elected Teamster Gary LaBarbera president on June 26. LaBarbera will serve a three-year term. He also serves as president of Teamsters Joint Council 16, which represents more than 100,000 members in the New York City area, and is president of Local 282 in Lake Success, N.Y., as well as a vice president for the New York State AFLCIO, the Long Island Federation of Labor/-AFL/CIO, and the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council.

“I am overwhelmed by the support of the executive board and the delegates, and frankly humbled,” LaBarbera was quoted as saying in the Chief Civil Service Leader.


Gregory Floyd Elected VP

Local 237 President Gregory Floyd was elected a vice president of the CLC, which represents more than 1.3 million workers from 400 affiliated labor organizations, and vice president of the New York State AFL-CIO.

“It is gratifying to be part of a bold initiative that brings together these labor organizations to serve the broadest population of city workers,” said Floyd, adding, “Progressive changes for working families can only be accomplished with such a commitment to solidarity.”

The CLC Executive Board and Delegate Body also voted for Jack Ahern as executive vice president. Ahern, who serves as the business manager and financial secretary for the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 30, will serve a three-year term at CLC, after which he will succeed LaBarbera upon the CLC board’s approval, according to the revised constitution. Ed Ott continues to serve as executive director, a position created last year when former CLC President Brian M. McLaughlin stepped down amid fraud investigations.


"Great Day for Labor"

Denis Hughes, president of the New York State AFL-CIO, was quoted in a PR Newswire release as saying, “This is a great day for organized labor in New York City. The historic document crafted by the council’s executive board addresses the needs and concerns of a 21st century labor movement. Union members throughout the city can be proud that their leadership acted quickly and decisively to ensure a strong and vibrant labor movement for generations to come.”