New York, NY – CLC President Vincent Alvarez will be stepping down after 14 years leading the nation’s largest regional labor federation. I have first hand knowledge of Vinnie’s success as one of the most important labor leaders in New York. His ability to unify a very diverse group of unions, in the largest and most complex city in the nation, is nationally recognized.
“Serving as President of the NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO and working on behalf of its more than one million union members has been the honor of my life, and I am filled with an immense sense of pride in all we’ve accomplished together over the past 14 years,” said Alvarez. “We are stronger, more united, and better prepared to meet our ongoing challenges as the nation’s largest regional Labor federation. New York City is a Union Town, and our power will always come from our unified voice and collective action. I am deeply grateful to the Executive Board, staff, affiliates and delegates of the CLC for their unwavering support and solidarity throughout the years. It has been a privilege to stand shoulder to shoulder with you, and I have every confidence that together, our Labor Movement will continue to grow worker power and advance the fight for dignity, justice, and respect for all working people.”
Since taking office in 2011 as the CLC’s first full-time President, Vincent Alvarez has been a class act. During his tenure, the CLC has consistently championed the fight for higher wages, retirement security, adequate funding for public services and transportation, and of course – improved education for the children of New York City. As a visionary he saw changes in the job market that affected union organizing and continually discussed this with labor leaders. From the day he began as president and throughout is tenure, he was dedicated to building a collective force to confront the anti-worker agenda. He continually has worked hard to build a strong unified labor community. President Alvarez has led a force of tough independent union
leaders through many difficult situations as Super-storm Sandy, the COVID-19 pandemic; and anti-union attacks by corporate giants.
“Vinny Alvarez has spent his life tirelessly fighting for the rights and well-being of working people in the city that never sleeps,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Vinny’s an organizer at heart who strengthened one of the most robust and vibrant labor movements in the country. His legacy can be seen in every New York City worker who has a good union job, with a contract that provides for their families and improves their workplace. I join the entire New York labor movement in expressing my deep gratitude to Vinny for all he’s done to elevate our movement in New York City and nationally. I’m proud to call Vinny my IBEW brother and friend, and wish him the absolute best in retirement, though we know he’ll never be far from the fight.”
“I have known and worked with Vinny for nearly two decades and have seen firsthand his passion and dedication to the Union Movement,” said Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO. “His deep understanding of the issues important to working people is unparalleled, and he always presents Labor’s point of view in such detail that no one can better articulate the challenges workers face. He has been a tireless advocate for workers’ rights, dignity, and respect throughout his tenure as President of the New York City Central Labor Council, and undoubtedly made many sacrifices along the way. I wish him good health, happiness, and the opportunity to fully enjoy his next chapter.”
“For more than a decade, Vincent Alvarez has been a constant and outspoken advocate for the rights and interests of some of New York City’s hardest-working people, including our tradesmen and tradeswomen,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “With his departure from the NYC CLC, he leaves the labor movement better than he found it and with a legacy sown by strong leadership, progress, and collaboration. BCTC is grateful for his contributions to and advocacy for our cause and wish him well as he enters this next wonderful chapter.”
