Barely a month goes by when Stuart Appelbaum isn’t quoted in one of New York’s daily or weekly newspapers. But it’s a small wonder when one considers how many hats the 59-year-old Appelbaum wears.

Known by most as a labor leader, Appelbaum is president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) and a vice president of both the New York State AFL-CIO and the New York City Central Labor Council. He’s also a leader in the Jewish community, where he’s president of the Jewish Labor Committee; he’s played a growing role in the gay community ever since he came out publicly as gay three years ago; and he’s active in the Democratic Party, once working as chief house counsel for the Democratic National Committee.

The Jewish Week caught up with Appelbaum Monday for his perspective on last week’s Wisconsin recall election, a contest won by Scott Walker, the incumbent governor, whose decision to cut collective bargaining rights for most public workers triggered the race.

Click here to read the full interview.