News

Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy Officially Retires

Texas AFL-CIO
Social share icons

TEXAS – Today marks Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy’s official retirement, marking the end of a chapter of more than three decades of service to the Texas labor movement. 

“This has been without question the most challenging, meaningful and rewarding work I have ever had the privilege of doing,” said Texas AFL-CIO President Rick 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 our past while charting a new course for the future. Levy worked to create on-ramps to participation and leadership for workers across the state. Working with staff and executive board, his term was marked by deep institutional change at the Texas AFL-CIO, including: 

  • Growth and diversification of the Texas AFL-CIO 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-buildingscholarship 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, 

  • Became a clear voice for justice on all issues facing working people,

  • and much more.

“Rick’s years of leadership, friendship, and unwavering dedication have not only strengthened our movement, but inspired so many of us,” said Leonard Aguilar, incoming 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, incoming Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer. “Rick has laid the groundwork for our labor movement to transform Texas politics.” 

About Rick Levy

Rick Levy has served as the President of the Texas AFL-CIO since 2017. As President, he has focused on helping to build a broader, bolder, and more inclusive labor movement, and weaving a culture of solidarity to answer the challenges faced by working people in Texas.

Under his tenure, the Federation has led the fight against legislative and political attacks on the labor movement, supported organizing new unions across Texas, and introduced and broadened significant initiatives to build worker power in Texas, including the Texas Climate Jobs Project, the Texas AFL-CIO Immigrant Worker Project, and the Texas AFL-CIO Women’s Committee. Above all, Levy has led with his values to expand the movement’s capacity and build infrastructure for decades to come.

Levy previously served as the Texas AFL-CIO 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.

Ways to Honor Rick’s Legacy

Here are a few ways you can help the Texas AFL-CIO honor Levy’s legacy in the Texas labor movement:

  1. Save the date for Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 for a celebration honoring Rick Levy. More information to come.

  2. Submit or record a video here wishing Rick a happy retirement — maybe sharing a story or two. Once you follow the link, the website will instruct you to record a video.

  3. Upload your favorite photos here of Rick throughout the years. 

What Comes Next

Aguilar and Montemayor were elected by the Texas AFL-CIO Executive Board on Oct. 7 to fill the remainder of President Rick Levy’s 2023-2027 term. They will be sworn into office on Dec. 2.

Levy will enjoy time with his family in his retirement, and will always fight alongside Texas workers.

###

The Texas AFL-CIO is the state labor federation consisting of more than 250,000 affiliated union members and advocates for working people in Texas. Learn more at texasaflcio.org