Lansing, MI (Sept. 3, 2024) – Geno Alessandrini Sr., the respected and long-serving Business Manager of the Michigan Laborers District Council (MLDC), has announced his retirement effective September 30, 2024. Geno’s retirement marks the end of an era, as he steps down after more than two decades of leadership within the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), where he represented over 14,000 Michigan Laborers.
Geno’s journey with LIUNA began on September 30, 1985, when he joined Local 1329. He became the Business Manager of Local 1329 in 1999, a position he held until 2010. That year, he was elected as the Business Manager of the MLDC, where he has since made significant contributions to the union’s growth and the welfare of its members. Throughout his career, Geno played a pivotal role as trustee on the Michigan Laborers’ Funds, including the Michigan Laborers’ Pension, Health Care, Training, and the Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET) Funds, which have provided critical support and opportunities for thousands of LIUNA members and retirees.
Reflecting on his career, Geno Alessandrini Sr. said, “It has been an extraordinary honor to serve the men and women of LIUNA in Michigan. The work we have done together has strengthened our union and improved the lives of countless families. I am proud of the legacy we have built, and I am confident that the future of LIUNA in Michigan is in good hands.”
Geno’s retirement is a significant milestone for LIUNA in Michigan, where the Alessandrini family has had a deep-rooted history of leadership. His grandfather, Cornelius “Torp” Alessandrini Sr., became the first business manager of LIUNA Local 1329 after the closure of the Vulcan, Michigan mine in 1948. Under his leadership, membership grew from 50 to 1,300, and he played a crucial role in establishing health and welfare insurance plans statewide. This legacy was continued by Geno’s father, Raymond “Butts” Alessandrini, and his uncle, Cornelius Jr. (“Torp Jr.”), who both served as trustees on various Laborers’ funds.
Today, Geno’s sons, Gene Jr. and Tony, serve as the Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer for Local 1329, continuing the Alessandrini tradition of leadership within LIUNA. Geno Sr. has always viewed every member as part of the family, focusing on growing union power, expanding market share, and improving members’ lives by through political activity.
The Michigan Laborers’ District Council Executive Board has expressed deep appreciation for Geno’s decades of service and dedication. “Geno has been a cornerstone of LIUNA Michigan, and his leadership has left an indelible mark on our union. We are grateful for his years of service and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement,” said incoming MLDC Business Manager Brent Pilarski.
As Geno Alessandrini Sr. prepares to pass the torch, he remains incredibly proud of the fact that the Alessandrini name has been synonymous with Laborers for nearly 75 years. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of labor leaders.
###
About LIUNA Michigan: The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) of Michigan was established in 1948 and represents over 14,000 men and women who build our State’s roads, bridges, buildings, and energy infrastructure. LIUNA members are proud to be a powerhouse of workers dedicated to improving the lives of working families across North America.