Longtime Texas AFLCIO President Rick Levy has retired, marking the end of more than three decades of service to the Texas labor movement. Levy had been elected to serve as president for the 2023-2027 term. Leonard Aguilar was sworn in on Dec. 2 to serve the remainder of Levy’s term.
“This has been without question the most challenging, meaningful and rewarding work I have ever had the privilege of doing,” said Levy. “Working alongside our affiliates and members across the state has been the experience of a lifetime. I feel proud of what we have accomplished together, and excited for what lies ahead for the labor movement with Leonard and Lorraine’s bold leadership.
“We have laid the foundation for a bigger, broader, bolder labor movement, and I have great confidence that the Texas AFL-CIO will continue to grow, both in numbers and power, and continue to be the leading voice for workers, for the labor movement and for all who seek to create a Texas that aligns with our values. The path to changing our country runs through Texas, and organizing the South is the clearest path for us to change this country for the better.”
During his tenure, Levy sought to build a culture of solidarity, honoring the past while charting a course for the future, according to a Texas AFL-CIO press release. Levy worked to create on-ramps to participation and leadership for workers across the state.
Levy’s term was marked by institutional change at the Texas AFL-CIO, including: - Growth and diversification of the Texas AFLCIO staff and executive board - Creation of the Texas Climate Jobs Project, advancing a pro-climate, pro-worker agenda - Creation of the Texas Immigrant Worker Project, ensuring that immigrant rights are woven into the fabric of the organization - Development and growth of the Ruth Ellinger Leadership Academy, training hundreds of new union leaders - Creation of the Women’s Committee, a space for women to come together to grow labor movement participation - Creation of the Young Active Labor Leaders (YALL) coalition, giving space to young labor leaders - Expansion of the Texas AFL-CIO high school and career-building scholarship program - Development of an innovative and professional political and legislative department, organizing department, and communications department to grow the labor movement across the state, protect workers, and defeat multiple anti-worker bills “Rick’s years of leadership, friendship, and unwavering dedication have not only strengthened our movement, but inspired so many of us,” said Leonard Aguilar, new Texas AFL-CIO President. “He has been a mentor, friend, and fierce advocate, and I’m deeply honored to build on the foundation he is leaving us.”
“It was this movement that gave me the tools and skills I needed to see myself as a leader — and it was leaders like Rick who gave me the confidence,” said Lorraine Montemayor, new Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer. “Rick has laid the groundwork for our labor movement to transform Texas politics.”
Rick Levy has served as the President of the Texas AFL-CIO since 2017. Levy previously served as the Texas AFLCIO Secretary-Treasurer from 2015 to 2017, and worked at the Texas AFL-CIO in various capacities since 1990. He is a 38-year member of the Texas State Employees Union (TSEU CWA Local 6186) and also a member of Ironworkers Local 482.
