Longtime union member and labor advocate, Brendan Griffith, was elected on Thursday night by more than one million workers across New York to serve as president of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
Griffith, a member of Iron Workers Local 40 and United University Professions, has worked with the New York City Labor Council for over ten years. Griffith was also appointed Chief of Staff of the New York City Labor Council in 2011 and has served as Interim President following the departure of longtime leader Vincent Alvarez. Griffith was chosen as president by acclamation during a delegate meeting.
As Chief of Staff, Griffith coordinated major CLC programs and oversaw the day-to-day operations of the city’s largest labor organization. As Chief of Staff, Griffith helped His leadership organize events like the Workers Memorial Day Commemoration, the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire remembrance, and the city’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 said in a statement. “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 selection. “Brendan brings a wealth of experience to the position as a former Iron Worker and a deep passion for the labor movement,” said Schuler.
Iron Workers International 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 said in a statement. “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.”
Other labor leaders emphasized Griffith’s credibility and practical experience. “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,” said 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,” said CWA Local 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 also holds leadership positions outside the CLC. He serves on the boards of the American Labor Museum-Botto House and the Workers’ Justice Project. He is an advisory member of the Mount Sinai Selikoff Center for Occupational Health. He is also Vice Chair of the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health and teaches labor studies at SUNY Empire State College.
A graduate of Fordham University with a degree in political science, Griffith also completed training at the NYS AFL-CIO/Cornell Union Leadership Institute.
The New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, is the largest regional labor federation in the United States. It unites over 300 local unions spanning industries such as education, construction, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, and healthcare.
Griffith’s appointment comes at a time when unions are facing both renewed momentum and persistent challenges nationwide.
