10. Joe Mancinelli: VP, Regional Manager of LiUNA

By Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of Hamilton

As the International Vice President and Regional Manager for Central and Eastern Canada of the powerful labour union, LiUNA (Labourers’ International Union of North America), Joe Mancinelli is likely not a surprise inclusion on this list for anyone. Mancinelli’s influence has been built and strengthened over roughly 40 years in working with organized labour. Overseeing the union’s Canadian locals with over 100,000 members and a portfolio of well over $5 billion in pension funds, Mancinelli has become a prominent labour leader not only here in Hamilton but across the country. Locally, his endeavours have included the restoration of both LiUNA Station and the Lister Block, as well as two long-term care facilities in the city. Highly active in local politics, Mancinelli has often wielded his influence to help elect multiple candidates in all levels of government through fundraising and volunteer support. A fact that most people may not know about this influential local labour leader is that he is also an accomplished artist. Mancinelli’s proud Italian heritage is the subject of much of his work, which depicts colourful scenes of Italy as well as many local landmarks in Hamilton, for which he has endless passion.