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Uniformed Firefighters Association President Steve Cassidy has been elected treasurer of the Municipal Labor Committee, which he called a victory for all Firefighters.
"I consider it an honor," he said. "It certainly allows me as the leader of the Firefighters to play a more prominent role in the work that the MLC does. It's a critically important job. It's something that is paramount to the benefits package that Firefighters enjoy," referring to the group's role in negotiating health coverage for all city workers.
Place to Build Alliances
This is the first time Mr. Cassidy will serve on the MLC in an official capacity. He saw his election as an opportunity to build alliances with other public-sector labor leaders, most of whom he felt he had good relations with. The notable exception, however, is Correction Officers Benevolent Association President Norman Seabrook, who has been critical of the UFA leader for bolting a from uniformed union bargaining coalition earlier this year to make his own contract deal.
"It's easy for people to have a spat over one particular topic," Mr. Cassidy said. "The UFA is respected by the majority of the labor leaders in the city."
Mr. Cassidy was also elected as a vice president of the Central Labor Council this summer. The president of the CLC is Gary La Barbera, who is president of Teamsters Joint Council 16 and Local 282. The chair of the MLC is United Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten.
Hopes to Add Clout
In his position at the CLC, Mr. Cassidy believes he can boost not only the city's 9,000 Firefighters but public-sector workers' influence in the New York labor movement.
"The municipal workforce has not played as prominent a role as I think they should, and with my election I hope to change that," he said. "Firefighters are respected by everyone, but that does not mean that your voice is heard."
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