LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ernest LaBaff upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ernest LaBaff
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal,
the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State
Senate; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by a
resolution in 2014 and is awarded to individuals who have merited
special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on
behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in the North Country, Ernest LaBaff, affec-
tionately known as Ernie, honorably served the United States as a Medic
in the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, Ernest LaBaff truly exemplifies dignity in work; he was
employed at Alcoa in Massena, New York, for nearly 50 years, and is best
known for his work as a union leader at the aluminum plants where he
rose to become the President of the Aluminum, Brick & Glass Workers
International Union; his leadership of that union affected the working
conditions of workers all across the United States; and
WHEREAS, In his retirement, Ernest LaBaff has continued his efforts on
behalf of the aluminum industry in Massena by leading local efforts to
ensure Alcoa's low cost power contract was extended 30 years; and
WHEREAS, Ernest LaBaff has been a union and civic leader for decades,
dedicating his life to improving the working conditions for workers
across the country, and creating a climate that would encourage the
creation of jobs for the next generation of workers; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, and their five chil-
dren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice
in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Individuals such as Ernest LaBaff, devoted to improving the
quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and
self-worth, are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ernest LaBaff upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ernest LaBaff.