Linda Chavez-Thompson

LINDACHAVEZTHOMPSON (1)

American labor leader and political activist

Linda Chavez-Thompson

Name	Linda Chavez-Thompson
Birth name
Birth date	Birth date -1st March 1966
Birth place	Lubbock, Texas, U.S.
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Labor leader, political activist
Years active
Organization
Known for	Former Executive Vice-President of the AFL-CIO
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Linda Chavez-Thompson (born August 3, 1944) is an American labor leader and political activist. She is best known for her role as the former Executive Vice-President of the AFL-CIO, a position she held from 1995 to 2007. Chavez-Thompson has been a prominent advocate for workers' rights and has played a significant role in the labor movement in the United States.

Early Life and Career

Chavez-Thompson was born in Lubbock, Texas, to a family of Mexican-American descent. She began working in the fields at a young age, helping her family with agricultural labor. Her early experiences with labor shaped her commitment to workers' rights and social justice.

In the 1960s, Chavez-Thompson began her career in labor organizing with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). She quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating strong leadership and a deep commitment to improving the lives of workers.

AFL-CIO Leadership

In 1995, Chavez-Thompson made history by becoming the first woman and the first person of color to be elected as Executive Vice-President of the AFL-CIO. During her tenure, she focused on issues such as increasing diversity within the labor movement, advocating for immigrant workers' rights, and strengthening the political influence of labor unions.

Chavez-Thompson worked alongside John Sweeney, the then-President of the AFL-CIO, and Richard Trumka, the Secretary-Treasurer, to implement reforms aimed at revitalizing the labor movement. Her efforts contributed to the AFL-CIO's increased focus on organizing and political activism.

Political Involvement

In addition to her work with the AFL-CIO, Chavez-Thompson has been active in Democratic Party politics. She has served as a vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee and has been involved in various political campaigns, advocating for policies that support workers and their families.

Awards and Recognition

Chavez-Thompson has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the labor movement and her advocacy for social justice. She is widely respected for her leadership and dedication to improving the lives of working people.

Related Pages

• AFL-CIO
• John Sweeney (labor leader)
• Richard Trumka
• American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
• Democratic National Committee