We honor Brother J. Michael Downey, a longtime AFSCME leader in Rhode Island

Michael Downey, president of AFSCME Rhode Island Council 94 who died suddenly over the weekend, was honored Wednesday at the 46th AFSCME International Convention.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders described Downey, who died Sunday, as a “humble working-class guy, down-to-earth, a straight shooter.” 

“But when it came time to protect the rights of Rhode Island public service workers, he was a fighter. He didn’t back down from anyone. Whether it was organizing, political action or bargaining, he always worked his tail off to strengthen our union. And he never made it about himself. He always put the needs and interests of members first,” Saunders said. 

In June, Saunders said, Council 94 won a major legislative victory that strengthened pensions and retirement security. And shortly before Downey died, Council 94 reached a groundbreaking tentative agreement with the state under which state employees would receive a 5% raise.  

“This deal is a fitting tribute to Mike — and I’m just sorry that he won’t be around to see it ratified and to see it make a difference in the lives of members,” Saunders said. 

AFSCME Local 528 President Mike McDonald made emotional remarks about his friend Downey.  

“When we lost Mike, we lost a giant of the labor movement in Rhode Island. I personally lost a friend,” McDonald said, tearing up. “Mike was a big reason why I got involved in the labor movement.” 

McDonald continued: “Mike dedicated his life to fighting for the dignity and the respect for all workers. He had a special passion for improving the lives of our lowest-paid members. Memories of his bold leadership, kindness, compassion, lively sense of humor and dedication to his family will help to propel us forward. We will continue to build a stronger, bolder Rhode Island labor movement in his memory.” 

Downey had served as president of Council 94 since 2005, according to this short bio. For over 27 years, he also served as the president of AFSCME Local 528, the council’s largest local, which represents workers at the University of Rhode Island. 

Downey served on the Rhode Island AFL-CIO executive board and was a board member of the Rhode Island Institute of Labor Studies. He worked for the state’s Department of Labor & Training as chief plumbing investigator.  

Over his long career as a union leader, Downey promoted policies and programs to increase member participation within the union, expand the union’s political action committee, and protect members’ wages, working conditions and benefits.  

A native Rhode Islander, Downey was active in his community, serving as a councilman for the town of Charlestown and as a member of the state’s retirement board, among other roles. 

He is survived by his wife Claudette, their three children and nine grandchildren.