ALPA’s Moak, AFT’s Johnson and SMWIA’s Nigro Named to AFL-CIO Executive Council
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The AFL-CIO Executive Council welcomed three new members today: Airline Pilots (ALPA) President Capt. Lee Moak, Lorretta Johnson, executive vice president of AFT and Sheet Metal Workers (SMWIA) President Joseph Nigro. The Council also honored three retiring members at its annual August meeting, held this year at the National Labor College (NLC) in Silver Spring, Md.
Johnson chairs the AFT Paraprofessionals and School-Related Personnel program and policy council and started her career in 1966 as a teacher’s aide at a Baltimore elementary school. She served as president of the Baltimore Teachers Union’s paraprofessional chapter for 35 years.
Moak joined ALPA in 1988 and is a former Marine Corps fighter pilot and Delta Airlines B-767 300 ER captain. A 22-year veteran at Delta, he served three terms as the chairman of the Delta Master Executive Council (MEC), which represents the more than 12,000 Delta pilots. He was elected ALPA President in October.
Nigro comes to the Council after being elected SMWIA president July 1. He served his apprenticeship from 1969 until 1973 in Boston and held several offices in SMWIA Local 17 before beginning his tenure on the international level as assistant to the president in 1999. He was elected SMWIA secretary-treasurer in 2006.
Recently retired SMWIA President Michael Sullivan, former ALPA President Capt. John Prater, and AFT Vice President Laura Rico are retiring from the Council.
Sullivan, who led the SMWIA since 1999, “has gained a well-deserved reputation as both a progressive firebrand and an organizational problem-solver,” the Council said in a statement.
SMWIA President Sullivan Retires; Nigro to Assume Top Post
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Sheet Metal Workers (SMWIA) President Michael Sullivan will retire July 1 after leading his union for 12 years. Altogether, Sullivan served 28 years in the SMWIA national leadership, as secretary-treasurer and vice president before his election as president in 1999.
At the helm of SMWIA, Sullivan confronted difficult issues head-on. He brought the union’s National Pension Fund onto sounder financial footing. On the political stage, Sullivan strongly stood for accountability on the part of politicians—including those who are considered allies of working families. Sullivan also established strong relationships with employers and industry groups.
Williams, Gage, Sullivan Re-Elected, Urge Fast Action to Rescue America’s Workers
Saying the best is yet to come for working people, three affiliated unions called for teamwork and urged their members to take advantage of the new political landscape in Washington to help working families.
Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) President James Williams, AFGE President John Gage and Sheet Metal Workers (SMWIA) President Michael Sullivan, who all were re-elected at their unions’ conventions, echoed AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka‘s call for union members to work together to take back the country. Trumka spoke at all three conventions.
Williams said the challenges facing working families will require unity and teamwork.
It’s all about team…we can’t overcome the challenges ahead of us all alone, we need each and every one of you to help us.
Labor College Announces Sweeney Leadership Institute
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One of AFL-CIO President John Sweeney’s priorities throughout his years as labor leader has been to build and strengthen the union movement by educating workers so they can meet the challenges ahead in the workplace and at the bargaining table. Now, Sweeney’s efforts will carry on after he retires in September.
During a gala celebration of the 40th anniversary of the National Labor College (NLC) last night, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka announced the creation of the John Sweeney Leadership Institute, which will open this fall at the Labor College. Trumka says the institute will
help to foster the next generation of union activists and leaders. Goodness knows we need them now more than ever for the tough battles ahead.
Labor College to Celebrate 40 Years, Honor Sweeney
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For four decades, the National Labor College (NLC) has strengthened the union movement through education and training. Next week, the college will celebrate its 40th anniversary, and at the same time honor three union leaders who symbolize what the school means to workers.
During the July 28 anniversary gala, the Labor College will honor AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney for his strong commitment to the NLC and labor education and NLC graduates, James Williams, president of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), and Michael Sullivan, president of the Sheet Metal Workers (SMWIA).
Former U.S. Labor Secretary Alexis Herman will be the emcee for the event.
For more information on the gala and to purchase tickets, click here.
