Longtime, Influential D.C. Union Leader Stepping Down

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A longtime, influential union leader in the Washington area is stepping down.

Joslyn Williams announced Tuesday that he won't run for re-election for the position as president of the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO.

Williams has held the position since 1982. He's been re-elected every three years in mostly uncontested races.

The Metro Washington Council has been influential in District of Columbia politics under Williams' leadership. Candidates for mayor and other local offices have coveted the endorsement of the council, which represents 150,000 union members in the District and Maryland. Recently, Williams was among the successful advocates for an increase in the District's minimum wage.

Williams says he will remain active in the labor movement, working on global issues.

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