event-details

Janet Powers Honored

  • Date : October 16th, 2024
  • Author : Joe DeStefano

Labor Leader Janet Powers Honored

It’s rare that a community can boast of having as one of its own a member with the character and commitment of Janet Powers, a labor leader who was recently honored  has dedicated herself to fighting for the members of what she would say is the greatest union in the world: the Enterprise Association Steamfitters Local Union 638. 

And I’m sure its members would agree that she is an honest, trustworthy, loyal, and incorruptible representative of their cause. 

Janet will tell you that you become a true leader when you help your team become successful. Leadership, she will say, is not about the leader, but the people they serve. 

I have had the pleasure of working with Janet over the years, having the backs of the men and women who make this great country work. I’m truly honored that she is with us here today, and I’m thankful for the support of all of you. 

Being a member of the minority party in the state Assembly has its challenges, but working with the leaders of organized labor, such as Janet Powers, and the people in this room, we get things done. 

With that, I’d like to recognize some of the VIPs with us today…staff, host. 

Janet comes to her position with a stellar record of achievement, starting with her involvement in the union in 1987. 

She is an apprentice graduate and became a Fitter in Charge. She was a Deputy Foreman over at the 14th St. Powerhouse and was a Shop Steward. Janet served six years on the Finance Board and another six on the Executive Board and then earned the honor of being Local 638’s first woman Business Agent. 

Janet was elected delegate to the 36th, 37th, and 38th UA National Conventions and attended the 39th as a Business Agent. She was appointed trustee to the Educational Fund and served on numerous committees, including Good and Welfare,  Emergency Relief, Uninsured Medical, Political Engagement, Constitution Revisions, and the Labor Day Parade Committee. 

Keeping up with her commitment to the brothers and sisters of her union, 

she became the President of the Suffolk Board of Business Agents, sits on the Long Island Labor Advisory Council, and is a Trustee of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk County. 

Mention a personal anecdote. 

Janet, again, thank you for being here. We’re very fortunate to have you. The hard-working people of this state are fortunate to have you. I am confident to say that the organized labor movement works because you make it work.