The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor has unanimously chosen City Coucilman Martin Ludlow to be its new chief after the sudden passing of Miguel Contreras last month. Ludlow, a former political director of the organization, promised that his ties to Mayor-elect Antonio Villaraigosa would yield dramatic results in improving the lives of union workers. Having used labor's support in his City Council efforts two years ago, Ludlow has now become one of the most high-profile African American labor leaders in the country.
See "Ludlow Wins Nomination to Be Labor Chief", Patrick McGreevy and Steve Hymon, Los Angeles Times, June 7, 2005