On August 2, 2008, Bricklayers and Allied Craftsworkers Local 3 (BAC Local 3) President/Financial Secretary Charles Raso was awarded the prestigious Labor Leader of the Year Award by the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Crafts (BAC). The Award is presented annually to a member of the BAC who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities.  The award was presented at the International Union's annual conference attended by BAC leaders from the United States and Canada, held at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Robert J. Haynes said, "It has been an absolute honor to work with Chuck. He is an exemplary labor leader who has gone above and beyond for his members. It is a pleasure to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chuck for this well-deserved award. This personal honor for Brother Raso gives us all a great deal of pride at the Massachusetts AFL-CIO."

Bob Rizzi, President of both the Norfolk County Central Labor Council and Quincy and South Shore Building and Construction Trades Council, as well as a Business Agent for Local 3, extended his congratulations as well, "President Raso has worked tirelessly on behalf of our members and all working families in Massachusetts, and is an incredible example for all of us in the Labor Movement. As a fellow bricklayer, it gives me great joy to see his hard work recognized."

Frank Callahan, President of the Massachusetts Building Trades Council said, "Congratulations to Chuck Raso on this well deserved award. Chuck has been an invaluable member of the Mass Building Trades Council Executive Board for many years. Whatever the challenge, we have always been able to count on Chuck and the members of the BAC Local #3 to answer the call."

Raso resides in Dedham, Massachusetts with his wife Ann and son Charles, Jr. He has been a lifelong advocate for the workers in the construction industry and has dedicated his career to improving the quality of life for all workers. Raso has served as Vice President of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO for 15 years and as the State Federation's Executive Vice President for the Building and Construction Trades Sector for the last 2 years.

In 1964 he was elected Business Manager of BAC Local 3 and under his leadership he led Local 3 to the largest wage increase in the history of the trade. In addition he wrote and introduced legislation that was enacted by the Massachusetts legislature that prohibits the dry cutting of masonry products, a practice that was the leading cause of silicosis (a lung disease caused by masonry dust that coats the lobes in the lungs causing reduced lung capacity). This led to Congressional debate on the issue of silicosis, helping to improve the occupational health standards of trade workers around the nation.

During the Dukakis Administration he served on the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Port Authority and is the Past President of the Boston Building Trades Council. He is currently Chairman of the Health & Welfare Fund of BAC serving Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine, as well as Chairman of the BAC Apprenticeship program.

Charles Raso is a past recipient of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO Gompers-Murray-Meany Leadership Award, an annual award given to the most outstanding labor leader in Massachusetts.