Cilento Unanimously Reelected President of the New York State AFL-CIO

ALBANY, NY (08/20/2012)(readMedia)-- Today, August 20, 2012, Mario Cilento was reelected unanimously by the delegates of the 32nd Constitutional Convention of the New York State AFL-CIO to a four year term as president. Cilento was first elected president by the organization's Executive Council in December 2011 to complete the term of Denis Hughes who retired.

Cilento thanked the delegates for their faith and trust, and credited them as the strength of the Labor Movement. Cilento said, "We have 2.5 million members throughout the state – public sector, private sector and building trades, and we're going to make the most of that strength. We will educate and engage them year-round from Buffalo to Montaulk and Plattsburgh to Brooklyn. Elected officials will understand that there is a connection between legislation and politics, and those that do not support our members – their constituents – will not earn our support on Election Day."

Cilento presented a plan to mobilize union members at home in the neighborhoods and communities that they live in. He spoke of better coordinating at the local level in terms of legislative, political, grassroots, and communications activity to build a stronger statewide Labor Movement. In addition, Cilento spoke of efforts to improve the perception of unions and their members to ensure that they are seen for what they are – hard working, skilled, taxpaying citizens.

In addition to Cilento, Terrence Melvin was reelected Secretary-Treasurer, and members of the Executive Council were elected. The oath of office was administered by national AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka, who addressed the delegates earlier in the day.

Referring to the convention theme, Cilento added, "We are Stronger Together. Our opponents may be able to outspend us by vast amounts, but they will never be able to buy our heart or the commitment and dedication we have to one another."

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The New York State AFL-CIO is a federation of 3,000 affiliated public sector, private sector, and building trades unions throughout the state representing 2.5 million members, retirees and their families. Our State Federation, which is the largest and most diverse in the country, is committed to helping working families achieve a better life. For more information on the Labor Movement in New York, visit www.nysaflcio.org.