Linda Chavez-Thompson Steps Down as AFL-CIO Exec VP

Long-time union leader and activist Linda Chavez-Thompson will step down as AFL-CIO Executive Vice President next Friday for personal and family reasons. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney made the announcement at yesterday’s Executive Council meeting. “Since coming to DC, Linda Chavez-Thompson has adopted our council and has always been available to us for advice and help,” says Metro Council President Jos Williams. “She has always been a strong voice for state and central labor councils.” Chavez-Thompson has served as Executive Vice President since 1995 and is the first person of color to hold a top AFL-CIO position. She first became active in the labor movement in 1967, working for the Laborers’ local union in Lubbock, Texas. She has also served in multiple posts at AFSCME, including International Vice President from 1988-1996, and as National Vice President for the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement from 1986-1996. As AFL-CIO Executive Vice President, Chavez-Thompson served as a member on a number of boards for national organizations, including the National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, United Way of America, the Democratic National Committee, and the Inter-American Regional Organization of Workers. “Her contributions and support will be missed, but we wish her the best of luck in the future,” Williams says. President Sweeney has nominated Arlene Holt to fill the unexpired term of two years. The nomination will be held next Friday.