John Sweeney Day | July 17, 2026 | FMCP | Field 7
John J. Sweeney (1934–2021) President Emeritus AFL-CIO
A living tribute to one of the most transformative figures in American labor history: the late John Sweeney. Former President of the AFL-CIO, John Sweeney was a man whose life was a roadmap of the American Dream—one built not on individual accumulation, but on the collective strength of the working class.
Born in the Bronx to immigrants from County Leitrim, Ireland. The day of action is designed to be more than a memorial; it is an act of "giving back"—a reflection of the Sweeney spirit that believed leaders should be measured by their contribution to the common good.
In the world of the labor movement, the "pitch" is where the work gets done. Whether that work is demanding fair wages, fighting for healthcare, or ensuring that our youth have a safe space to grow, the goal remains the same: to build a legacy that outlasts us. His Catholic faith kept him grounded for social justice.
Victor Mooney, a devout Catholic, former member of CSEA Local 830, AFSCME 1000, a grandson of Irish immigrants from County Tyrone, led U.S. delegation of international American Labor observers for South Africa’s second presidential elections and stood as a witness to the fragility and hope of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland.
He participated in AFL-CIO Labor in the Pulpits, march shoulder-to-shoulder with the NYS AFL-CIO and New York City Central Labor Council, gathered signatures for AFL-CIO’s push for healthcare reform, over thirty years of fighting for policy, labor rights, and public health.
Among other things, Mrs. Mooney, member of DC 37, was among a group of women labor leaders awarded the inaugural Harriet Tubman Award for Social Justice at U.S. Visitors Center in Washington, D.C.
Solidarity Memento to be Gifted for AFL-CIO
Seattle, Washington (1999) - During the WTO 3rd Ministerial Conference, John Sweeney, President of AFL-CIO, signs a placard calling for the cancellation of unpayable foreign debt owed by developing and impoverished nations.
Other signatures: Linda Chavez-Thompson, Sonny Hall, James Hoffa, Bill Lucy, Gerald McEntee, Danny Donahue, numerous AFL-CIO State Presidents, Central Labor Councils, COSATU, ILO, UAW, 1199/ SEIU, UNITE, AFT and many others.
Linda Chavez-Thompson — AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Emeritus
William “Bill” Lucy, AFSCME International Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus
A History of Remembrance
When Labor Works, New York Wins
Just a stone’s throw from the pitch, the skeleton of New York City’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium is rising and future home for the New York City Football Club (NYCFC). The majority stakeholder is held by City Football Group, which is backed by Abu Dhabi United Group and led by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, led by Mr. Gary La Barbera is leading a coalition that’s transforming this area with an all-labor work force. Mooney is no stranger to this group or its leadership or mobilizing labor in fighting for social justice.
Local 3 IBEW, Local 1 Plumbers, SMART Local 28, Local 45 Carpenters, Local 79 Laborers, Local 638 Steamfitters, Local 731 Excavators, Local 1456 Painters, DC9 Painters, and Local 46 Metallic Lathers will eventually include SEIU 32BJ and UNITE HERE Local 100. The project is the crown jewel of the Willets Point Redevelopment plan, a blueprint to replace industrial blight with a flourishing neighborhood. Willets Point will feature 2,500 units of 100% affordable housing that will anchor the new neighborhood, a school, hotel, retail space and permanent jobs for the community.
Across the street, Metropolitan Park is a proposed $8 billion sports and entertainment complex featuring a Hard Rock casino, a 25-acre public park, and local food halls. Backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock Entertainment, the project aims to turn 50 acres of asphalt parking lots next to Citi Field in Queens into a year-round destination. $8 billion private investment and projected to create 23,000 union jobs.
Future Home of New York City Football Club
Willets Point Development Project
Mobilizing NYC for AFL-CIO Health Care Reform Campaign
Rank, File and Family turn out over 25,000 signatures
Metropolitan Park
Willie Mays - 400 years of African American History
Seminole Tribe of Florida gives rest to Victor 'Long River' Mooney as he points to the finish line - Brooklyn Bridge.
Spirit of Zayed
A rower's tearful tribute to Zayed
The Zayed Mile
Keeping a promise to Al Nahyan Family in Abu Dhabi, UAE
faith, humility and unity...
Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II
Pope Francis
Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II