On the recordSeptember 25, 2024
I rise today to honor the life of one of Rhode Island's great champions for working people, J. Michael Downey, president of Rhode Island Council 94 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. Mike was known as a family man, an organizer, a tough negotiator, and a fierce protector of his members' wages, working conditions, and benefits. He was a loving husband to his wife of nearly 50 years, Claudette, a devoted father to his three children, and a doting grandfather to his nine grandchildren. He was also a beloved brother to his brothers and sisters in the union movement. Mike came from a family of union organizers. His father was the president of Local 28, the Plumber's Union and executive director of the Allied Building Trades. His grandfather was president of the Bricklayer's Union, Local 1. Mike was a master plumber and practiced his trade at the University of Rhode Island for 27 years, during which he also served as the president of Local 528. He later brought his expertise to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, where he served as the chief plumbing investigator. In 2005, Mike was first elected president of Council 94, and he was re- elected five times. He also served on the executive board of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO and the Institute of Labor Studies. Under his leadership, Council 94 increased member participation, expanded and enhanced its political activities, and prioritized organizing, adding new locals.…
