New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes to Retire

Hughes Makes Announcement at State Labor Federation's Executive Board Meeting

ALBANY, NY (11/07/2011)(readMedia)-- At today's regularly scheduled Executive Board meeting, New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes announced he will be retiring effective December 16th, the date of the State Labor Federation's next Board meeting.

A successor to President Hughes will be elected by the New York State AFL-CIO's Executive Board at that meeting, and will immediately take office.

Hughes has served as President of the largest State Labor Federation in the country since March 23, 1999. His third full term ends in August, 2012.

Upon announcing his plans to retire, Hughes stated, "It's just the right time. I have been blessed with a smart, experienced, energetic staff who will keep this organization vibrant and strong for years to come. We also have a solid, principled and innovative executive board that knows how to work together for the greater good of all working men and women."

With reapportionment on the horizon it is important that a leadership team is solidly in place, not only for the upcoming legislative and political seasons, but for the next ten years and beyond.

"Now is the time for new leaders to emerge who will be around long enough to formulate, develop and implement labor's strategy for the future. And it is time for a new generation of leaders to address the labor movement's numerous long-term initiatives."