New York City Central Labor Council


New York City Central Labor Council is the largest local labor membership organization under the direction of the national AFL-CIO. Founded in 1959 the NYCCLC represents over 400 local New York City unions in both the public and private sectors of the New York economy. Of the 11 million total workers represented by the AFL-CIO, the New York City Central Labor Council alone represents close to 15% of its total membership. The organization represents over 1.5 million New York City workers, including teachers, truck drivers, operating engineers, nurses, construction workers, electricians, firefighters, retail workers, janitors, train operators, bakers, etc. The New York Central Labor Council is a labor membership organization devoted to supporting, advancing and advocating for its member organizations and all 'working class' people of New York City.
The New York City Central Labor Council plays a major role in New York City affairs and politics. The Council sponsors many protests, and throws its weight behind many New York City organizing drives. It also hosts the oldest and largest Labor Day Parade in the United States.

Purpose

The NYCCLC's purpose is to improve the lives of its workers, their families, the communities of all five New York City boroughs, and to bring economic and social justice to New York City. The NYCCLC works with government leaders and various community groups to further worker empowerment in New York City. The council works to pass legislation and worker friendly policies through the New York City Council and New York State Legislature. The New York City Central Labor Council wields considerable influence with both local NYC and national policy makers.
The NYCCLC also builds worker power through political education and action, supporting economic development in New York City, being an active partner with business and government leaders, organizing workers who choose to be in a union, providing community service and job training, and conducting educational programs for its affiliate unions.
The Labor Council today reigns as “the largest municipal labor council in the country” a federation with 400 union locals and over 1.5 million members.

Governance

The NYCCLC is governed by a President, a Secretary-Treasurer, and Executive Council, made up of representatives from its affiliated unions. Prominent national labor leader Harry Van Arsdale, was the first President of the New York City Central Labor Council. He held this post from its formation in 1959 until his death in 1986. Another early leader was Morris Iushewitz.
Since 2007 Vincent Alvarez has served as President, and Janella T. Hinds serves as the Secretary-Treasurer.
The NYCCLC is the local New York City affiliate of the national trade union center American Federation of Labor - Congress of Industrial Organizations. The New York City Central Labor Council is also the organizations largest local affiliate. The AFL-CIO's current national president is Richard Trumka.