New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes Unanimously Re-Elected By Convention Delegates

Hughes Tells Membership Labor is Well Positioned to "Manage Change" as State Federation Celebrates 50th Anniversary

NEW YORK, NY (08/19/2008)(readMedia)-- At the New York State AFL-CIO's 31st Constitutional Convention, delegates unanimously re-elected the slate of Denis Hughes, President and Terrence Melvin, Secretary-Treasurer.

This is President Hughes' third election to a full, four year term. This will be Secretary-Treasurer Melvin's first full term in office. The New York State AFL-CIO is an umbrella organization of unions representing 2 ½ million members across the state. The State Labor Federation is the largest in the country, accounting for one of every seven union members in the United States.

Upon his election, President Hughes stated, "I am deeply honored and profoundly humbled to lead the strongest, most progressive and diverse state labor movement in the country."

President Hughes addressed the issue of "change", a common campaign theme throughout this year's election season. Said Hughes, "The labor movement is well positioned to deal with any changes that lie ahead because we have managed change for the better part of five decades, both economic and political." Referring to the theme of the convention "Planning for the Future", Hughes noted, "We have to manage change. Political leaders come and go, our economy rises and falls, but the labor movement is here to stay."

"It's our responsibility to manage change in a way that protects our members. We need to look at change as an opportunity. No matter how the upcoming elections turn out in November, it is our responsibility to position ourselves in a way that furthers the cause of working men and women. These are challenging times. But I know that if we join together, fight together and work together we can own the future, and we can write history."

The New York State AFL-CIO's 31st Constitutional Convention marked the 50th anniversary of the State Labor Federation. In marking the occasion, Hughes stated, "As we join together today we celebrate 50 years of progress as a statewide labor movement; and rightfully so. We have much to be proud of collectively, as this movement has been at the forefront of real social and economic change. We have a great tradition upon which to build but our history is only a stepping stone to future success. We have work yet to do, but I am confident that the commitment and dedication of our affiliates across this state will further grow and strengthen this movement in the years to come."

In his acceptance speech, Secretary-Treasurer Melvin noted the importance of the Employee Free Choice Act and the urgency of passing the measure. Said Melvin, "the Employee Free Choice Act would shift the balance of power from CEO's to workers. It would move the choice of whether employees can come together to bargain for a better life away from corporations and gives it back to working men and women. And that's where it belongs."

Melvin also outlined the State Federation's plan to enhance labor's participation with constituency groups, as well as community and religious organizations. Said Melvin, "We must create standing alliances with these groups, and look to work together on issues of shared concern and interest. It is imperative that the labor movement become a relevant part of our local communities by showing that we truly care about the bread and butter issues that affect them."

Denis Hughes was originally elected in 1999 to serve the final year of Edward Cleary's term. Terrence Melvin was elected Secretary-Treasurer in 2007 to serve the final year of Paul Cole's term.

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