The AFL-CIO Executive Council congratulates our brother, James Callahan, on his retirement after 45 years of service with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE).
A third-generation operating engineer, Callahan’s journey in the labor movement began in 1980 when he got his union card with IUOE Local 15 in New York City as a shop mechanic. He steadily moved up the ranks and was there for his union and country through many challenging moments. In 1993, as maintenance foreman, his team worked on the World Trade Center site in the aftermath of the terrorist bombing, and eight years later, as a business representative, Callahan was among our brothers, sisters and siblings who responded immediately to the 9/11 attacks on the same site, working throughout the recovery efforts at ground zero.
Callahan held various roles in his local, eventually becoming its business manager and president in 2003. In 2012, he became a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, and one year later, was elected general president of IUOE where he facilitated record growth in membership for the international union during his tenure.
James Callahan’s hard work and dedication have been invaluable to the labor movement, and the Executive Council recognizes his career of service and wishes him a long, happy and healthy retirement.