The longtime president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Robert J. Haynes, announced last week that he will not seek re-election to the position he’s held since 1998, opening the door for what he said he hopes will be “younger” leadership. A former ironworker, Haynes is widely regarded as an aggressive and highly influential political battler whose pointed oratory often proved divisive within the state Democratic Party.
Haynes, who has been embroiled in a number of political fights on Beacon Hill this year, including opposing health care reforms that would allow municipalities to bypass collective bargaining, said in a prepared statement that he was stepping down after 24 years to spend more time with his family, friends and “the Red Sox.”
Haynes framed the issues that his successors will likely face: “Times have changed, the pace has quickened, the rules and relationships are different, and the outlook and communications vehicles are evolving daily. Change is the vehicle for renewal and success. Our new leaders will need to confront extraordinary changes in demographics, aging, economic, and quality of life issues. There will be challenges to how, where, when and for how long we work. There will be new ways to represent workers and social networking will certainly change the way we communicate. It is time for the next generation to assume the mantle of leadership.
“Transformation requires new ways, new ideas, new strategies, new, young and innovative thinking, and today’s challenges require boundless energy. Only younger labor members and leaders can carry the day and inspire the new generation of union members. There are a lot of able veteran labor leaders here in Massachusetts who share my ‘baby boomer’ demographics who I am sure could serve adequately. I would run again myself if I thought that keeping the status quo would serve the interests of working families. The Massachusetts AFL-CIO needs to keep pace with our local unions that are now electing the next generation of educated, passionate and dynamic younger members to lead their organizations. I am profoundly convinced that now is the time for a new generation of leadership and I think we should allow them to create the strategy that will determine their future.”
Haynes has already weighed in on the upcoming race for president, endorsing Tim Sullivan of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 6 in Quincy. Haynes also said he will support Jen Springer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 93 in Boston to be secretary-treasurer.
