AFL-CIO leader says labor ready for future

April 9, 2005

A graduate of the SUNY system, New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes told RA delegates about the state's responsibilities to lead this nation in progressive politics.

"We have more members than ever before ... with our strength comes responsibilities," said Hughes, who is an alum of Empire State College.

The labor movement, he said, "is on the threshold of real change ... we are ready for the future."

The challenge, Hughes said, is to form a more progressive state government and produce ideas and initiatives. Change should be a resolve of the labor movement, he said.

Hughes said that, with President Bush being "unfriendly to labor" and "reactionary at best," labor's challenges are great.

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Paul Cole, who introduced Hughes, noted Hughes has been vocal about high standards for union leaders, and those standards have become a model for union leaders.

Cole and Hughes presented outgoing NYSUT President Tom Hobart with a framed collection of stamps depicting education and parent-teacher involvement.

"You're a good friend to every working man and woman in this state," Hughes told Hobart.