Robert Layng, Jr., a former resident of Ogdensburg has been was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).

“I could not be more honored and humbled to have been elected to fill the role of Secretary-Treasurer of the RWDSU. I want to thank RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum for his trust and nomination, my parents for the work ethic they instilled in me and my entire family for their support. RWDSU members are facing some of the most extraordinary challenges they’ve ever seen as many continue to fulfill essential and frontline positions in the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever our union is supporting and ensuring workers have the critical support they need both at work and at home. I am proud of the tireless work of the RWDSU and the example Jack Wurm Jr. set, and I look forward to continue to propel the worker-driven mission of the RWDSU,” said Layng.

The RWDSU represents approximately 45,000 workers in New York State and 100,000 across the country in a wide range of industries including workers in retail, grocery, pharmacy, food service, food processing, cannabis, warehousing, nursing homes, non-profits and agriculture – representing New York’s first ever unionized farmworkers.

Layng began his career with the RWDSU as an intern in 1996 and has held numerous positions within the union including Operations Manager, Comptroller and most recently Executive Assistant to the President. Layng was elected by the Union’s Executive Board to fill the remainder of the term vacated by retiring RWDSU Secretary-Treasurer Jack Wurm, Jr.

He is the son of Robert Layng and the late Davalene Layng and has been married for over 30 years to his wife Lenore. They have a son MIles, 21.

Layng is a 1985 graduate of Ogdensburg Free Academy and a 1997 graduate of SUNY Old Westbury.