Born in the Bronx, Hall joined the United States Marines when he was 16, using his brother's papers.
He was discovered and sent home, but later joined the military police, working at a nuclear facility in Albuquerque.
After leaving the Army, he returned to New York, becoming a bus cleaner.
He was nearly sacked due to poor attendance, but a Transport Workers Union of America representative saved his job, inspiring him to become active in the union.
[1][2][3] As leader of the local, Hall negotiated numerous contracts, and set up the Union Assistance Program to support workers with mental health and addiction issues, following negotiations with Mario Cuomo.