Cilento Unanimously Re-elected President of the New York State AFL-CIO

Manhattan, NY – Mario Cilento was re-elected unanimously by the delegates of the 34th Constitutional Convention of the New York State AFL-CIO to a four-year term as president. Today's election occurred at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel in New York City.

As president, Cilento represents 2.5 million members from 3,000 affiliated public sector, private sector, and building trades unions throughout the state.

Cilento thanked the delegates and vowed to fight hard on their behalf.  “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as your president, and I will never take any of this for granted. I promise to show you through deeds and actions over the next four years by working as hard as I can to make the lives of our members and their families that much better.”

Cilento highlighted the Union Movement’s recent success record, including achieving pension reforms that are the most significant improvement for public servants in more than 20 years. He pointed out winning Buy American laws for iron, steel, and rock salt and historic labor standards on renewable energy projects.

Cilento also noted that the Union Movement raised and indexed the minimum wage and that New York is one of only a handful of states that passed a law protecting workers who refuse captive audience meetings.

“We have to build on those victories and accomplishments. We have to be vigilant on the issues of the present and future, like making sure when dealing with artificial intelligence, we protect our members’ rights, privacy and jobs.

“Everyone in this room had a hand in those victories. That’s how we win,” Cilento added.

In addition to Cilento, Terrence Melvin was unanimously re-elected Secretary-Treasurer.

Melvin expressed his gratitude to the delegates. “Thank you for trusting me to ensure that we continue to be fiscally sound and positioned to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. It is with great pride that we can declare we are stronger than ever, benefiting all our affiliates and all working people across this great state.”

Cilento thanked Melvin for his partnership and thanked New York State AFL-CIO Executive Council members, who were also elected during the convention.