Mayor de Blasio Appoints Renee Campion as Labor Relations Commissioner

January 16, 2019

Renee Campion is the first woman ever to lead the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations

NEW YORK––Mayor Bill de Blasio today appointed Renee Campion as Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations. She will assume the position on February 15 and will be the first women ever to lead the office. Campion will be responsible for negotiating labor agreements with 150 bargaining units representing over 360,000 City workers. 

“I can’t think of anyone better to take the helm at the Office of Labor Relations than Renee Campion. From her time representing medical doctors and dentists to her 17-year tenure at the Office of Labor Relations, Renee brings a wealth of experience to the negotiating table,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Her deep understanding of labor relations and maintaining a respectful dynamic will help us negotiate additional agreements that are fair to workers and New York City taxpayers. I’m also confident that Renee will build on the success of the last five years and bring a new and important perspective to the office.”

“I’m honored to be leading the Office of Labor Relations and look forward to expanding the great work we’ve done these last five years. As a City worker and New Yorker, a key focus of my work will be to continue balancing the needs of New York City taxpayers, the City and the entire City workforce all while maintaining a respectful dynamic. I’d like to thank Mayor de Blasio for appointing me to this role which I truly consider the pinnacle moment of my career. I also want to thank Bob Linn for his unwavering support and setting such a high standard at the Office of Labor Relations,” said Renee Campion, incoming Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations.

“I am so happy to be able to pass the torch to Renee. She has been the quintessential First Deputy enthusiastically leading the Office of Labor Relations team on all our endeavors. Together we have set a high bar for NYC labor relations and everyone is fortunate that Renee will lead the office into the future,” said Robert Linn, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations.

Renee Campion has served at the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations for 17 years, first serving as Assistant Commissioner, Associate Commissioner, an Advisor to the Commissioner and, most recently, as First Deputy Commissioner.

Prior to her time at the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations, Renee Campion was Director of Contract Administration for the Doctors Council where she negotiated union contracts on behalf of 3,300 medical doctors and dentists employed in the public and private sector. During her time with the Doctors Council, she served both as the union’s negotiator and Chief of Staff. Campion was also a Member of the Board of Directors for the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health.

Renee Campion holds a B.A in American Government from Clark University.

When Mayor de Blasio came into office, the entire City workforce was working without the security of a labor contract. Together, Campion and Commissioner Robert Linn started the process of settling all of the expired City labor agreements left unresolved from the prior administration. In the first year of the de Blasio Administration, Campion and Linn successfully negotiated contracts for more than 70 percent of the City workforce. Campion also was a key negotiator and advisor on recent deals struck in the most current round of collective bargaining, including agreements reached between the City and Teamsters Local 237, District Council 37 and the United Federation of Teachers. These agreements led to the first work-rule changes at NYCHA in nearly 50 years and the establishment of paid family and paid parental leave.

“Renee Campion is an experienced and respected voice at the bargaining table. We look forward to working with her in her new role as Commissioner,” said Michael Mulgrew, President of the United Federation of Teachers.

“The Mayor could not have chosen a better candidate. Renee Campion has the experience necessary to lead one of the most important agencies in the City. While we often disagree, it’s always clear she negotiates with integrity. I’m certain Renee will earn her place among New York City’s storied Labor Commissioners,” said Robert Troeller, President of the School Custodian Union.

“UAW Region 9A welcomes Renee Campion to the Mayor’s Office to head up labor relations. With her background in labor and commitment to workers issues, mayor de Blasio has shown again his commitment to keep labor at the table. We look forward to working with Renee to forward the interests of New York City’s working families,” said Beverley Brakeman, Director of UAW Region 9A.

Barbara Bowen, President of the Professional Staff Congress/CUNY, said, "It's exciting to see the mayor select a long-time deputy to be Commissioner, especially when that person is Renee Campion. The PSC has worked with Renee during some very tough negotiations and always found her to be fair and direct. And it's about time we had a woman as Commissioner of Labor! New York City relies on the labor of thousands of women workers, in both traditional and non-traditional roles. I look forward to working with Renee to resolve the PSC's current contract and make progress for the City workers who make this city work."

President of CSA Mark Cannizzaro, said, “The CSA has worked collaboratively and successfully with Renee for many years. She has come up through the ranks, worked hard and has served our city extremely well. Her promotion to Commissioner of Labor Relations is well earned, we congratulate her and we look forward to our continued work together.”

“We congratulate Ms. Campion on her appointment as Commissioner of OLR. With her years of experience with unions and City labor relations Ms. Campion is well positioned to lead the work of OLR. We look forward to working together with Ms. Campion to address the issues important to the patients, communities and doctors of New York City,” said Kevin Collins, Executive Director, Doctors Council SEIU.