New York, NY – New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, President Vincent Alvarez today released the following statement, regarding the City Council’s selection of Melissa Mark-Viverito as Speaker:

"Today, we saw a truly progressive City Council at work.  The selection of Melissa Mark-Viverito as Speaker solidifies the Council's commitment to take New York City in a new, exciting, and long-overdue direction. A daughter of labor, Ms. Mark-Viverito understands the challenges facing our city's working people, and we believe that she will ensure that the needs of the working men and women of our city are met in a very real and concrete way. We also believe that she will work with her Council colleagues to create much-needed good jobs for city residents.

"For the first time in a long time, the people of New York City have true advocates across the board in city government.  While we believe that these branches will hold one another accountable, we also believe that the common goals of reducing income disparities, and improving conditions for all working people are so deeply ingrained in these newly elected officials, that New York City as a whole cannot help but benefit.

"Now is the time to get down to the business of the people of New York City, and the labor movement looks forward to working with Mayor de Blasio, Public Advocate James, Comptroller Stringer, and newly elected Speaker Mark-Viverito, to craft legislation and budgets designed to help all working people."

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