Senate Resolution No. 1196

BY: Senator KENNEDY

CONGRATULATING Richard Lipsitz upon the occasion
of his retirement after many years of distinguished
service as President of the Western New York Area
Labor Federation, AFL-CIO

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have
devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their
community and the needs of its residents; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Richard Lipsitz upon the occasion of his retirement after
many years of distinguished service as President of the Western New York
Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those
individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; Richard Lipsitz is one
such individual; and

WHEREAS, Raised in Buffalo, New York, Richard Lipsitz has been a
longstanding advocate for labor, social, and human rights issues over
the past four decades; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Richard Lipsitz has
worked for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Service
Employees International Union, spending most of his time bargaining and
servicing labor agreements; he was also the Director of the Buffalo
Labor Studies Program for the WNY Region of the Cornell ILR; and

WHEREAS, With great tenacity, Richard Lipsitz has worked to bridge
the gap between the labor movement and local communities to bring about
effectual changes in the way workers are treated on their job and to
assure the community is aware of the power that is built when the two
are joined together; and

WHEREAS, Richard Lipsitz has been instrumental in strengthening
relations within the community to reach out to laypersons and the
religious community alike, immersing himself in the forefront to fight
for those who have been affected by unfair work practices such as wage
theft, unsafe work conditions, and pay wage disparity; and

WHEREAS, Richard Lipsitz, currently serves as President of the
Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, a volunteer position
which oversees the entire Western New York area, including five central
labor councils over six counties: Erie, Niagara/Orleans,
Cattaraugus/Alleghany, and Chautauqua; and

WHEREAS, As a volunteer since 2011, Richard Lipsitz has worked
tirelessly to usher the local labor movement into a progressive
movement, making a difference in the lives of all people, all workers,
and all families; and


WHEREAS, Furthermore, Richard Lipsitz has placed great emphasis on
the fight against bigotry, racism and those with agendas marred with
white supremacy; the program of the WNYALF reflects this direction; and

WHEREAS, Richard Lipsitz was privileged to speak at the 50th
Anniversary Commemoration of the March on Washington at MLK Park in
August of 2013; he was an awards recipient of the Coalition of Black
Trade Unionist Labor Leader Award in 2014, and was also a speaker at the
Concerned Clergy Coalition rally against the Grand Jury decisions in
Staten Island and Ferguson, Missouri in December of 2014; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as President of the Western New York Area
Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, Richard Lipsitz served with loyalty, honor
and distinction; in his official acts, he was governed by a keen sense
of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problem, earning the
admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 42 years, Liz,
and his two daughters, as well as two granddaughters, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Richard Lipsitz upon the occasion of his retirement after
many years of distinguished service as President of the Western New York
Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Richard Lipsitz.