PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — George Nee, who has been one of Rhode Island’s most visible union leaders for the past 15 years as president of the state AFL-CIO, announced Tuesday he plans to retire.

Nee revealed his decision, effective Oct. 11, in a letter to the state AFL-CIO’s executive board and local union affiliates.

“I am grateful and thankful that you have allowed me to be a part of this movement that has brought justice, prosperity, and hope to so many people,” he said.

Nee was hired in 1983 by the AFL-CIO’s then-president, Edward McElroy, as a staff representative. He became executive director two years later and was elected secretary-treasurer in 1991. He succeeded Frank Montanaro Sr. as president in 2009.

Those three men — Nee, Montanaro and McElroy — have led the AFL-CIO for nearly a half-century combined. The group has roughly 80,000 members, making it the state’s largest union organization and an influential voice with top Democrats at the State House.

“We are the strongest countervailing force that stands up to the power of the business community with the goal of having a level playing field,” Nee wrote in his retirement letter. “We are truly the people’s lobby. The legislation and issues for which we advocate improve the lives of all workers in our state.”

“We achieve our maximum effectiveness when we are pro-business, pro-growth, pro-labor and pro-union,” Nee wrote. “Because of your commitment and activity, it remains so today, and I strongly believe that as our labor movement goes forward with new leadership, it will be even stronger in the future.”

Patrick Crowley currently serves as AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer, the organization’s second-ranking position. He has held that role since 2020.

Ted Nesi ( tnesi@wpri.com ) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesi’s Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter , Threads and Facebook .

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