Brendan Griffith Elected President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL‑CIO
New York, NY, July 21, 2025 — Delegates representing more than one million workers across the five boroughs have elected Brendan Griffith as President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL‑CIO. A longtime union member and advocate for working people, Griffith was chosen by acclamation on Thursday night.
Griffith joined the NYC CLC in 2009, was appointed Chief of Staff in 2011, and most recently served as Interim President. A member of Iron Workers Local 40 and United University Professions, his work has focused on coordinating key NYC CLC programs and overseeing day-to-day operations to support the CLC’s mission of advancing workers’ rights and building union power. Among his most visible efforts have been the CLC’s major annual events, including the Workers Memorial Day Commemoration, the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire Commemoration, and the nation’s oldest and largest Labor Day Parade.
Griffith succeeds Vincent Alvarez, who stepped down as President of the CLC earlier this month after 14 years of leadership.
“I’m honored by the trust delegates have placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our city’s Labor Movement,” said Griffith. “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.”
"A huge congratulations to Brendan Griffith on his election to lead the New York City Central Labor Council,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Brendan brings a wealth of experience to the position as a former Iron Worker, and a deep passion for the labor movement. As we build the labor movement and keep reaching new heights, I know Brendan will be there connecting us all in purpose to make New York a better place for all working people."
“We proudly congratulate Brendan Griffith, Ironworkers Local 40, on his election as President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO,” said the Iron Workers International Union in a statement. “Brendan's leadership is a win not just for working people across New York, but for the entire labor movement. 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. It strengthens our communities, lifts our voices, and ensures labor priorities stay front and center. The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers stands with Brendan and looks forward to our continued work together.”
“Brendan 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. “With over a decade of service at the Council, he brings the necessary experience to the position. His background as an Iron Worker also gives him invaluable, hands-on insight into the daily realities of workers' needs. I look forward to working with Brendan and wish him great success in his new role.”
“Brendan Griffith’s election as President of the NYC Central Labor Council is a powerful moment for the labor movement—not just in our city, but across the nation," said CWA Local 1180 President Gloria Middleton. "Brendan knows what it means to fight for working people and stand shoulder to shoulder with union members from every trade and sector. His deep-rooted commitment to organized labor, combined with his working-class values and real-world experience, brings exactly the kind of leadership we need at this pivotal moment for unions. 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. We look forward to working with him as he continues to fight for the rights, dignity, and future of all New York City workers.”
"Given his deep connection to and longtime involvement in the labor community, The NYC Building Trades is confident that Brendan Griffith will be a dedicated and committed leader of the NYC CLC,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “We congratulate him on being elected to this important role and look forward to seeing him achieve many key milestones as President."
“With his focused approach to provide the necessary tools and foresight, Brendan is a natural, experienced leader ready to guide our labor movement in a time when unions are under attack,” said Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37, AFSCME. “His rise to become the CLC’s prominent voice demonstrates that labor is united, prepared to confront every challenge to create a just and fair future for the working people of New York.”
“Brendan Griffith is a dedicated and principled leader who understands the strength and diversity of our Labor Movement,” said Patricia White, Director of Education and Training of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and President of New York City Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 764. “He’s spent years building relationships, supporting affiliates, and helping to grow worker power across every sector, and that includes standing with entertainment industry workers through some of our most challenging fights. I know he’ll lead the CLC with the same integrity, commitment, and deep respect for union members that he’s always brought to the work.”
In addition to his work at the CLC, Griffith serves on the boards of the American Labor Museum-Botto House and the Worker’s Justice Project. He is an Advisory Board member of the Mount Sinai Selikoff Center for Occupational Health and Vice Chair of the Board of the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health. He is also an Adjunct Instructor at SUNY Empire State College’s Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies. Griffith is a graduate of the NYS AFL-CIO/Cornell Union Leadership Institute and Fordham University, where he majored in Political Science.
The New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO is a non-profit labor membership organization devoted to supporting, advancing, and advocating for the working people of New York City. As the nation’s largest regional labor federation, the NYC CLC brings together 300 local unions from every trade, occupation, and both the public and private sectors of the city’s economy. The NYC CLC represents more than one million workers, including teachers and municipal employees, truck drivers, healthcare workers, construction workers, first responders, retail workers, building service workers, transportation workers, hospitality workers, legal, academic, and cultural workers, and many more who are the backbone of today’s workforce.
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