On Saturday, November 21, the 35 unions that comprise the Delaware AFL-CIO elected James Maravelias as its next President. Other newly elected members to its Executive Board include Donna Smits, Vice President, and Faith Morris, Secretary/Treasurer.
“Thank you to the local unions of Delaware’s AFL-CIO for their support, confidence and trust to lead Delaware’s working families to a better tomorrow,” said Maravelias. “More than ever before, unions are critical to building and maintaining America’s middle class. That is why tomorrow will be the start of a better day for many Delawareans. No longer will the status quo be acceptable. No longer will we allow the men and women that we represent to not have a voice or a seat at the table, which has occurred now for far too long. We will collectively fight for education, job equality, livable wages, prosperity and the betterment of all Delawareans.”
The Delaware AFL-CIO represents more than 20,000 Delaware workers in the government, public and private sectors. Maravelias added, “We need to acknowledge the work Past President Sam Lathem has done during his many years of service leading Delaware’s AFL-CIO. I look forward to continuing to ensure that the voices of Delaware’s working families are heard.”
Currently, Maravelias serves as President of the Delaware Building Construction Trades Council, a role he will continue to occupy. The Delaware Building Construction Trades Council, representing 23 affiliated local unions, is a professional organization advocating for the use of local, skilled tradesmen with developers, builders, contractors and Delaware’s business community. Additionally, he is the elected Business Manager of the Laborers Local 199 and Business Manager of the Laborers’ District Council of Delaware.
The son of a Greek immigrant and first generation American, Maravelias proudly served in the United States Navy. Following his military service, Maravelias worked for Sikorsky Aircraft, traveling the world as an Electrical and Avionics Technician.
True to his heritage and entrepreneurial spirit, he managed an import and export company specializing in goods from his family’s native country of Greece. Maravelias played semi-professional soccer in his family homeland and continues to be involved in Delaware’s Greek-American community as a member of the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association and past Board Treasurer of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.
Maravelias earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the National Labor College and studied at Cornell University. He has volunteered his time to a broad array of civic causes including the United Way of Delaware, the USS John Fitzgerald Kennedy Naval Memorial Committee, the New Castle County Diversity Board and the 27th Democratic Representative District Committee.
He resides with his wife Diane of 35 years in Caravel Farms. Together, they reside in Bear, Delaware and raised 3 daughters — Angelique 32, Elena, 29 and Evangelia 16.
