Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) Secretary Fitzgerald Washington has been elected president of the National Association of Government Labor Officials (NAGLO).

Washington’s election was held during the association’s 2022 summer conference in Maryland.

Founded in 1914, NAGLO is a bipartisan association that holds a membership consisting of labor commissioners, directors and secretaries of labor across the United States. Its members comprise more than 30 states, U.S. territories, the federal government and international representatives.

In a statement touching on his election, Washington asserted that it was important for Alabama to have a seat at the table concerning national labor-related issues.

“I am honored to have been elected by my peers to help navigate the association in labor relations matters,” said Washington in a release. “It’s important for Alabama to have a voice in labor issues and to collaborate with other states to learn best practices and share information. I’m excited to work together with my colleagues on nationwide issues.”

NAGLO actively partakes in policy development and information sharing for some of the top issues facing labor in the United States. The association seeks to address workplace safety and health, unemployment insurance, wage and hour laws, workers’ compensation and workforce development.

NAGLO also serves as a primary contact for the federal government regarding issues relating to labor policy. The association is a federal stakeholder and regularly participates in U.S. Department of Labor conferences to provide the states’ viewpoint on federal programs.

NAGLO is also a co-founder of the National Apprenticeship Program Board with the National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors.

Washington will serve a two-year term as president and preside over all association meetings.

Washington has previously served as the president of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA), which is a national group representing the interests of state workforce agencies nationwide.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL