Ready to Engage Unions After Paying Her Dues

On her second full day as the city’s Labor Commissioner Feb. 20, Renee Campion mused, “Since the Mayor announced it on Jan. 16, I’ve gotten calls from everybody on both sides of the table. Obviously being the first woman is very meaningful to people.”

As honored as she felt to break the gender barrier after eight men held the job during the 53-year history of the Office of Labor Relations, Ms. Campion also knew that moving from First Deputy Commissioner for five-plus years to the person succeeding Robert W. Linn was not without its headaches. Union leaders who are unhappy with the city’s bargaining position have been known to express their displeasure at high volume, sometimes from genuine anger, and occasionally just to let their colleagues at the bargaining table know they’re fighting hard.