After more than four decades of dedicated service to New York City’s construction industry and organized labor, Lowell Barton is retiring from Laborers’ Local 1010, leaving behind a legacy defined by leadership, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to working men and women.
A member of the Laborers’ Union since 1982, Lowell began his career in the field before becoming an organizer for Laborers’ Local 1010 in 2004. Over the years, he rose to serve as Organizing Director and Vice President, helping strengthen one of New York City’s premier paving and road building unions while representing more than 2,500 skilled laborers.
Throughout his career, Lowell championed fair wages, safe working conditions, workforce development, and responsible public construction. He played an instrumental role in expanding apprenticeship opportunities, forging partnerships with community organizations and elected officials, and advocating for labor standards that protect both workers and taxpayers. Following Hurricane Sandy, he was active in recovery efforts across New York City and worked to identify and combat unscrupulous contractors that undermined workers and public trust.
Beyond his work within Local 1010, Lowell co-founded the Worker Education Resource Committee (WERC) in 2013, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and supporting immigrant construction workers. Through multilingual outreach, worker-rights education, safety training, and the distribution of personal protective equipment, WERC has helped thousands of workers gain access to critical resources and safer workplaces.
Under Lowell’s leadership, Laborers’ Local 1010 continued its proud tradition of representing the skilled men and women who build and maintain New York City’s streets, highways, bridges, airports, parks, and other critical infrastructure. His steadfast advocacy for union labor and quality construction has left a lasting mark on both the industry and the communities it serves.
As Lowell begins his well-earned retirement, we extend our sincere gratitude for his decades of service, leadership, and dedication to New York’s labor movement. His commitment to protecting workers, strengthening communities, and mentoring the next generation of labor leaders will continue to be felt for years to come.
Congratulations, Lowell, on an extraordinary career, and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement.