Press Release  Governor Healey Announces New Labor Advisory Council at Mass Building Trades Union Convention

Springfield — Today, speaking at the Massachusetts Building Trades Union’s Annual Convention at MGM Springfield, Governor Maura T. Healey announced that she is signing an Executive Order creating a Labor Advisory Council to advise her on matters related to organized labor. This is the first time in more than 50 years that a Massachusetts governor has created such a council. Governor Healey also recently named Roger Brunelle as Labor Advisor in the Office of the Governor. 

“As the proud daughter of union members, I know that organized labor is a critical partner in our efforts to make Massachusetts more affordable, competitive and equitable. It’s essential that they have a seat at the table when decisions are being made that impact their members and all working people,” said Governor Healey. “We’re proud to establish this Labor Advisory Council to help guide our administration’s policy making and to appoint Roger Brunelle, a longtime advocate for workers and economic justice, as our Labor Advisor.” 

“Our administration recognizes the value of being directly connected with labor and informed about workers’ points of view. That’s why we are taking the important step of forming a Labor Advisory Council,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We look forward to also having the counsel of Roger Brunelle as Labor Advisor. He has the experience, the relationships, and the passion for labor that be essential in guiding our decisions every step of the way.” 

“Effective workforce development requires collaboration, and labor continues to serve as a meaningful partner to deliver quality jobs, workforce training for in-demand roles, and economic mobility for residents and households in every region of the state,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “This new council combined with Roger’s engagement will foster greater partnerships to support Massachusetts workers while also preparing a strong pipeline to meet future workforce needs.” 

The Council will be comprised of at least 15 members from the public and private sectors and will be from all different regions of the state. Members will represent the broad range of industries in organized labor, such as building trades, energy health care, government, manufacturing, professionals, service and retail, and transportation. 

As Labor Advisor, Roger Brunelle will work closely with the Advisory Council and advise the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on all matters related to organized labor. Brunelle joined the Healey-Driscoll administration in June 2023 as Senior Advisor for Labor and Workforce Engagement in the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office. Prior to this, Brunelle spent three decades in organized labor, first joining IUPAT DC #35 in 1992 and serving as their Political Director from 2014 to 2023. He also previously served as Vice President of MA AFL-CIO. He attended Bridgewater State College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. 

“In my time working in organized labor, I saw firsthand how committed Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll are to protecting the rights of workers to organize for fair wages and benefits,” said Roger Brunelle. “It is a deep honor that they have placed their trust in me to be their Labor Advisor. I look forward to working across the administration and with unions of all kinds to make sure the voices and perspectives of workers are centered in every decision we make.” 

Statements of Support: 

Frank Callahan, President, Massachusetts Building Trades Union: 

“Massachusetts Building Trades Union is thrilled to welcome back Governor Healey to our annual convention. We are glad that she chose this venue to announce her administration’s latest efforts to support the working people of Massachusetts and the unions that make our workforce and economy strong.” 

Chrissy Lynch, President, Massachusetts AFL-CIO: 

“Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have been great partners to organized labor throughout their careers. They understand that working people are central to everything that makes our Commonwealth run. We are thrilled to take that partnership to the next level through this Labor Advisory Council, and the hiring of longtime union member and worker advocate, Roger Brunelle, as Labor Advisor. Ensuring the voices of working people are front and center in state government will help grow our Commonwealth’s middle class, now and into the future.”  

David J. Holway, National President, National Association of Governor Employees (NAGE): 

“The creation of the Labor Advisory Council and appointment of Roger Brunelle as Labor Advisor are important steps to ensure that the labor perspective is considered at every turn by this administration. We’re grateful to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for their leadership and continued commitment to standing up for workers.” 

Tim Foley, CEO and Executive Vice President, 1199SEIU: 

“Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll know that organized labor in Massachusetts is diverse, representing workers from many different sectors, backgrounds and economic conditions and a powerful voice for working families who care deeply about lifting workers out of poverty and thrive. It is important that they are bringing together a range of labor voices from across industries to guide them on their policy making to support the common goals of organized labor and the Healey-Driscoll administration, under the leadership of Roger Brunelle.”   
 

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