The Central Labor Council (CLC) of the Virgin Islands, as the official chartered body representing AFL-CIO affiliated labor unions across the territory, issues this public statement to clarify recent claims made regarding political candidate endorsements and rank-and-file union participation.
It has come to our attention that statements circulated by an independent labor coalition —referencing a selection process involving straw polls, online voting, candidate interviews, and debate reviews — has created the misleading impression that all union workers across the territory, including those under the AFL-CIO umbrella, participated in or sanctioned these political decisions.
To set the record straight for our membership, the media, and the public:
Non-Participation in Voting & Selection: The Central Labor Council of the Virgin Islands and its affiliated unions did not participate in, organize, or authorize any straw polls, online voting, debate evaluations, or political candidate selection processes conducted by the aforementioned coalition.
No Endorsement by the CLC: The Central Labor Council and its AFL-CIO affiliated member organizations have not endorsed any political candidate or ticket in the current election cycle. Any claims implying a territory-wide or unified union endorsement that includes our membership are inaccurate.
Clarification of Representation: While independent labor organizations or unaligned coalitions possess the right to express their own views, they do not speak for the Central Labor Council, its chartered AFL-CIO locals, or the thousands of workers represented under our collective bargaining bodies.
The Central Labor Council of the Virgin Islands remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for worker rights, fair wages, safe working environments, and labor protections across the territory. We respect the individual rights of all working men and women to vote their conscience in any election, but we unequivocally clarify that no collective political endorsement has been made on behalf of the Central Labor Council or all its affiliated unions.
Respectfully,
Mr. Ira Hobson, Acting President, Lisa Richards Ryan, Vice President, and CLC Board Members, Central Labor Council of the Virgin Islands
