The AFL-CIO Executive Council mourns the passing of Vincent Giblin. As president of the International Union of Operating Engineers from 2005 until his retirement in 2012, Giblin strengthened the union’s membership, raised its political clout and set a new standard for what a vibrant and progressive union can accomplish.
Giblin started as a stationary engineer and member of IUOE Local 68 in New Jersey in 1964. He served for 29 years as his local’s business manager, eventually being elected international vice president and then general secretary-treasurer before ascending to the presidency.
Giblin spearheaded the creation of IUOE’s first National Training Fund and transformed the technological infrastructure of his union.
He committed IUOE to rebuilding its membership, with a focus on the South. He added strategic research and organizing staff and significantly increased subsidies for local union organizing.
Giblin was a force on Capitol Hill, fighting for good jobs for his members through investments in transportation and infrastructure, and ironclad Davis-Bacon protections in federal jobs bills.
Giblin also established the Operating Engineers Charity Fund for disaster relief, helping members in distress.
The AFL-CIO sends our deepest condolences to Giblin’s family, friends and all the members, leaders and staff of IUOE.