Chicago City Wire

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson hired a former Chicago Federation of Labor lobbyist as deputy mayor for labor relations, a newly created position in the mayor's office. 

“I’m thrilled to welcome Bridget as Chicago’s new Deputy Mayor for Labor Relations and continue to build upon our city’s rich history of uplifting working families and fighting for economic justice for all workers,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I look forward to her partnership in creating pathways to jobs, improving working conditions, and supporting the working people who make our city run.”  

Between 2014 and 2018, Early was registered to lobby state and local government on behalf of the Chicago Federation of Labor's committee on political education, state records show.

In January, Early was hired as director of membership and strategic alliances for the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems. She also has worked as the National Public Pension Coaltion's executive director.

In 2022, Early worked as a Washington D.C. police department intern in the Employee Well-Being Support Unit while pursuing a master's degree in social work.

As deputy mayor Early will work to "foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, jobseekers, and retirees of Chicago; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights, including working with relevant authorities to help enforce workers' statutory rights."

"Growing up in a union household, I understand how good-paying jobs can uplift families and communities," said Bridget Early. "I look forward to working with Mayor Johnson and building upon our shared values of labor rights and dignity for all the working people of Chicago – the City that Works."