NYS AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer/CBTU President Rev. Terry Melvin Addresses Monthly Workers’ Memorial Mass

On Wednesday, labor leaders and members gathered at the Workers’ Chapel at St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church for the monthly Workers’ Memorial Mass, which honors the lives of New Yorkers who have lost their lives on the job and, this month, also marked the week of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. NYC CLC Secretary-Treasurer Janella Hinds and CSEA/AFSCME Local 1000 Region 2 President Lester Crockett participated in the Mass as readers, and special guest New York State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer and CBTU President Rev. Terry Melvin offered remarks following the service.

In his remarks, Rev. Melvin spoke about the deep connections between labor, faith, and justice, and about the responsibility to honor workers who have lost their lives by continuing to fight for dignity and safety on the job. He criticized a system that puts profit and power ahead of human life and warned against the misuse of religion to excuse inequality, cruelty, and division. His remarks emphasized standing with people who are exploited or pushed to the margins, and called on the Labor Movement to stay united, rooted in shared humanity, and committed to collective action, especially in challenging times.

The Workers’ Memorial Mass is held monthly as a space for remembrance and solidarity, bringing the Labor Movement together to honor fallen workers and recommit to the fight for safe and dignified workplaces for all. Watch Wednesday’s full service here.