Peter de Jesus - WI advisory council

Peter de Jesus Jr.

President, Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO

Peter De Jesus Jr. is a prominent labor leader and advocate for workers’ rights in Western New York. Born and raised in a blue-collar family, Peter has dedicated his career to improving the lives of essential and low-wage workers.

Early Life and Career

Peter grew up in a working-class environment, which instilled in him a deep understanding of workers' challenges. His early career saw him working with various unions, including the United Auto Workers (UAW), United Steelworkers (USW), and 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. These experiences provided him with a solid foundation in labor advocacy and union operations.

Leadership in the Labor Movement

In March 2021, Peter was elected President of the Western New York AFL-CIO Area Labor Federation (WNYALF), a significant milestone in his career. As president, he represents 140 affiliated unions and 145,000 workers across both public and private sectors. His leadership is marked by a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, making him the first minority president of the WNYALF.

Advocacy and Achievements

Peter is known for his strong advocacy for workers’ rights, focusing on fair wages, safe working conditions, and benefits for essential and low-wage workers. He has been instrumental in securing funding for workforce development in the region, including a notable $25 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to support advanced manufacturing in Western New York.

Historic Representation

In February 2023, Peter made history by attending President Biden’s State of the Union Address as a guest of U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins. This honor highlighted his significant contributions to the labor movement and his role as a key representative of workers in Western New York.

Personal Life

Peter continues to live in Western New York, where he remains deeply involved in the community and labor advocacy. His leadership and dedication to workers’ rights have made him a respected figure in the labor movement.

Peter's journey from a blue-collar background to a prominent labor leader exemplifies his unwavering commitment to improving workers' lives and advocating for their rights. His work continues to inspire and impact the labor community in Western New York and beyond.