WNYLaborToday News - New York State Labor News

Federal Judge 'Blocks' New York State NLRB Trigger Law Following A Lawsuit Filed By Amazon

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Chris Wade at The Center Square reports a Federal Judge has overturned New York State's NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) Trigger Law following a lawsuit from Amazon, which claimed it was an unconstitutional "power grab" by the State's Labor Board. In the ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Eric Komitee said the 2025 State Law giving the New York State Public Employment Relations Board (NYSPERB) authority to oversee Union Elections and resolve Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Charges is pre-empted by a 1959 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, that deemed Federal Employee Labor Rights to be the "exclusive domain" of the National Labor Board. Komitee, a Trump appointee, had previously blocked New York Labor Officials from enforcing the law after Amazon won a preliminary injunction in November, but his latest ruling makes it permanent. It wasn't immediately clear if the New York Labor Board or the Teamsters, which was also a party in the lawsuit, would appeal the ruling. The lawsuit was one of many legal challenges to New York's law, which was signed into law by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul last year. The law authorizes the State's Labor Board to assert jurisdiction over disputes between employers and recognized Employee Organizations if the NLRB is "unable" to resolve the dispute. The NLRB filed a lawsuit against New York last year, claiming the law stripped the Agency of its "statutory duties" to investigate ULPs by Public and Private Sector Unions. The outcome of that case is still pending.

To Read This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: Federal judge blocks New York labor law

Ambulance Workers In Suburban Rochester 'Go Union,' Join The Teamsters

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ROCHESTER, NEW YORK) – A group of 65 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Workers employed at Penfield Webster EMS have voted to join Teamsters Local 118 to fight for fair pay, improved workplace protections and a real voice on the job.

“These Workers stood strong and fought hard to win their union, and we could not be prouder to welcome them,” Local 118 President Timothy Barbeto said. “Now, we are ready to fight for a strong first contract that addresses their concerns and secures the wages, benefits and respect they deserve.”

The Workers voted to organize to address workplace favoritism, retaliation and arbitrary management decisions, Teamster Officials said.

With Teamster representation, the EMS workers will have the collective strength to demand fair treatment and lasting improvements on the job.

“We joined the Teamsters to build sustainable careers in EMS,” said Michael Waterhouse, an EMS Worker and Member of Local 118. “Fair pay, fair scheduling and respect from management are essential to our success as both an agency and individual employees. With the Teamsters behind us, we are ready to fight for those priorities in our first contract.”

Teamsters Local 118 represents more than 5,000 Workers across Upstate New York and in Northern Pennsylvania.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: Ambulance Workers in New York Join Teamsters - International Brotherhood of Teamsters

CSEA Members Ratify New Five-Year Contract With New York State

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) – Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Members have overwhelmingly approved a new five-year contract with New York State, ratifying an agreement that will provide annual pay increases, health insurance improvements and other workplace benefits for more than 55,000 State Employees.

The agreement - which run through April 1st, 2031, follows months of negotiations between CSEA’s Negotiating Team and the State.

Members approved the contract after a statewide education campaign and ratification vote.

Among the contract’s provisions are annual salary increases, Paid Prenatal Leave, increased location pay and changes to health insurance that reduce Members’ out-of-pocket costs.

The agreement also includes workplace and contractual improvements aimed at strengthening employee protections and supporting the State’s efforts to recruit and retain Workers.

CSEA President Mary Sullivan said: “Today’s ratification is a victory for CSEA Members and for every New Yorker who depends on these dedicated Public Employees who keep our State running. Our Union Members spoke with one voice, and together we secured a contract that recognizes their value, protects important benefits and makes meaningful investments in the people who provide critical services in every corner of New York.”

The contract builds on CSEA’s efforts to improve compensation and working conditions for State Employees while addressing workforce shortages across State Government.

Sullivan credited Governor Kathy Hochul and her administration for working with CSEA throughout the negotiations: “I appreciate Governor Hochul and her Administration for working with us in good faith throughout this process. By working together, we reached an agreement that invests in New York’s workforce and helps ensure the state can continue to attract and retain Employees who serve our communities every day.”

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: CSEA members ratify new five-year contract with New York State - CSEA NY

NYSNA Holds Maimonides Vigil To 'Protest Health Care Shortages Caused By End Of Temporary Protected Status For Haitian Immigrants'

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - Nurses represented by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) held a vigil at Maimonides Medical Center to protest the Trump Administration’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 350,000 Haitian Immigrants in the U.S., leaving them vulnerable to increased enforcement activity and subject to deportation.

Nurses and their allies also called for immediate Federal action to reverse the termination and renew work authorizations.

NYSNA President Nancy Hagans (pictured above) called the move an attack on health care that has already had a chilling effect on Workers and begun to create massive shortages in Health Care Facilities, disrupting care in and around New York City: “Six years ago, we stood here demanding the recognition and Safe Staffing Health Care Workers deserved during a Global Pandemic. We're back because our Hospitals are once again facing staffing shortages - this time because the Federal Government has chosen to end Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Haitian Immigrants. When Health Care Workers live in fear of going to work, patient care suffers. This is more than an immigration issue - it’s an issue of public health.”

During the event, Nurses spoke about the contributions Haitian Health Care Workers make to our Health Care System and the effects the termination of Haitian TPS will have on patients.

Staci Wright, who serves as a NYSNA Executive Committee Member and an EP Lab Nurse at Maimonides, said: "This Administration would have you believe Immigrants do nothing but take from the system, but as a proud daughter of Guyanese Immigrants, and a second-generation Nurse, I know that's not true. My parents spent years working hard and contributing to society - just like so many of our Haitian Brothers and Sisters who are now squarely in harm's way because of a dangerous political decision. It’s time for the Trump Administration to stand up for public health and the selfless Caregivers who deliver quality care, by reversing course on ending TPS for Haitian Immigrants."

A number of Elected Officials and Community Advocates also spoke on the impact of the termination on New York City’s Immigrant Communities, patients and Health Care Workers, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, who said, “Haitian TPS holders are Community Leaders, small business owners and a foundational part of our Health Care System. They have built lives and grown families in New York. The way this Administration has targeted them is a cruel injustice and my office has fought back against it from the start. We will continue to work with our partners in Government and Community Organizations to ensure TPS holders know their rights and get the legal assistance they need.”

The Trump Administration has the power to immediately rectify this Health Care Worker shortage by restoring TPS for Haitian Immigrants, thereby reauthorizing work permits and providing legal protection from deportation, NYSNA said.

NYSNA represents 45,000 Members in New York State and is the State’s largest Union and Professional Association for Registered Nurses (RNs).

NYSNA is an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), the country's largest and fastest-growing Union and Professional Association of RNs, with more than 225,000 Members nationwide.

To Read This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: NYSNA Holds Maimonides Vigil to Protest Healthcare Shortages Caused By End of TPS for Haitian Immigrants | New York State Nurses Association

Photo Courtesy Of The New York City AFL-CIO Central Labor Council.

Registered Nurses At Guthrie Lourdes 'Go Union,' Vote 2-To-1 To Join 1199 SEIU

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(UPSTATE NEW YORK) - Registered Nurses (RNs) at Guthrie Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton have voted by a 2-to-1 margin in favor of joining 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) United Healthcare Workers East, the largest Health Care Workers Union in the country.

The new Bargaining Unit includes 340 RNs at Guthrie Lourdes Hospital who provide care in Inpatient/Acute Care, Wound Care, Cardiac Catheterization, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Diagnostic Radiology, Radiology Administration, Medical Oncology, Hem/Oncology Services and Radiation Oncology.

The Hospital is a 197-bed Acute Care Facility that joined the Guthrie System in early 2024.

RN Candice Mozes said: "Nurses need a real say in how our Hospital is run, down to how and where resources are allocated. Forming our Union means that we will be partners in decision-making with hospital management. When our voices are heard and we have the tools we need to do the job, patients will receive more appropriate care.”

Guthrie Lourdes Hospital Nurses now join their 1199 SEIU Colleagues at Corning Hospital, located just down the 86 freeway.

Workers at Guthrie’s Corning Hospital have been represented by the Union for many years, recently negotiating a new contract that improves working conditions, benefits and wages needed to retain and recruit Workers at the Hospital.

Now the Guthrie Lourdes Nurses will begin to identify the key issues for contract talks with their employer and elect a Member-led Bargaining Committee.

Once the election results are certified by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Lourdes Gutherie Hospital and 1199 SEIU will begin negotiations.

“Change isn’t coming without us having a seat at the table,” RN Katie Thepsombat said.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: Registered Nurses at Guthrie Lourdes Vote 2 to 1 to Join 1199SEIU, Largest Healthcare Workers Union :: 1199SEIU

Tentative Contract Agreement Reached Between Five Teamster Locals & Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits - Picket Lines Are Down After A Short Strike Involving Locals In Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany & Middletown

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The Teamsters have announced on Social Media (Facebook) that a tentative contract agreement has been reached between five Teamster Locals and Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirts, ending a short Strike that involved its Locals in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany and Middletown. Those Teamster Locals included Buffalo Area Teamsters Local 449, Rochester Area Teamsters Local 118, Syracuse Area Teamsters Local 317, Albany Area Teamsters Local 294 and Middletown Area Teamsters 445. Details on the tentative agreement were not immediately available. On July 31st, Teamster Members had overwhelmingly rejected a previously-bargained tentative agreement, according to Union posts on Social Media. No specific reasons were given for the rejection. Southern Glazer's is the largest Alcohol Distributor in the U.S., with projected revenue of $25.5 billion. Industry estimates often put the company in the neighborhood of $50 billion to $60 billion. Its annual revenue is ranked about $25 billion to $26 billion, making it one of the 10 largest Private Companies in the United States.

The Salamanca School District 'Pauses Plan to Deploy Human-like AI Robot Teacher After Backlash,' Including From The New York State United Teachers Union

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The Associated Press (Via WKTV-NewsChannel 2 Utica) reports the Salamanca School District in Western New York has hit pause on plans to deploy an AI (Artificial Intelligence)-powered, humanoid robot in the classroom after New York State Education Officials, Teachers and local residents raised concerns, including the maker's ties to a company that produces hyper realistic sex bots. The School District's Board had approved the nearly $60,000 purchase from Realbotix with visions that “Sally,” as the stationary robot with long brown hair has already been nicknamed, would enhance the education of high school students studying robotics and technology fields.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: New York School Pauses Plan to Deploy Humanlike AI Robot Teacher After Backlash | Local | wktv.com

Meanwhile, New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) President Melinda Person sent the following letter to New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa and the members of the New York State Board of Regents, which read - in part:

We call on the Department and the Board of Regents, and/or the Governor and the Legislature, to establish clear, enforceable statewide guardrails for Artificial Intelligence in our schools with specific, heightened protections wherever AI is humanoid, embodied or designed to mimic human relationships so that these questions are asked before a purchase order is signed, not after a news story breaks.

Educators, parents and students must be at the table when those rules are written.

“Implement first, ask questions later” cannot become New York’s de facto education technology policy.

NYSUT is not anti-technology.

We are pro-child.

On one point, we agree with Salamanca’s Superintendent: Schools should teach the proper use of technology, not simply exclude it.

So teach students about AI.

Have them build it, code it, question it and understand it.

Our Members do that every day.

That is profoundly different from installing a machine engineered to befriend children and our State’s rules should know the difference.

The tide is already running in this direction.

In New York, we have made great strides in reclaiming human-centered education, from restricting cellphone use in classrooms to signing Nation-leading online child safety protections into law.

Across the country, parents are organizing to demand stronger oversight of AI in their children’s schools.

In May, NYSUT and its more than 700,000 Members called for strict limits on AI and screen time in schools.

And just this month, the largest School District in the Nation froze new educational technology purchases entirely until guidance on Artificial Intelligence is in place.

To Read The Full Text Of NYSUT’s Letter, Go To: Letter to Commissioner Betty A. Rosa and the Members of the New York State Board of Regents

NYSNA Nurses At The Adirondack Medical Center Hold A 'Speak Out For A Fair' Contract - 'Call For A Contract With A Plan To Recruit & Retain Nurses, Including Respectful Wages & Affordable Health Benefits For Front-Line Nurses'

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(SARANAC LAKE, NEW YORK) - New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)-represented Nurses employed at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake held a speak-out for a fair contract earlier this week and called for an agreement with a plan to recruit and retain Nurses, including respectful wages and affordable health benefits.

This is the first time in more than 25 years that Adirondack Medical Center Nurses have spoken out or rallied in front of the Hospital. Their previous contract expired on December 31st, 2025.

Adirondack Medical Center is the last NYSNA-represented Hospital in the North Country without the NYSNA Benefit Fund, which will deliver better and more affordable health benefits to nurses. Instead, Nurses are forced onto an expensive employer-provided health plan. And the Nurses report being denied coverage for medically necessary procedures and high co-pays for services not provided at the Adirondack Medical Center.

Registered Nurse (RN) Bill Schneider, a NYSNA Second Vice President, said: “Our Hospital must work harder to draw Nurses into our community and keep them here. Saranac Lake is beautiful and the people are welcoming, but other Hospitals in the region provide more generous packages. Adirondack can change that by settling a fair contract that includes an affordable benefits package and respectful wages, especially in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.”

RN Denise Velez, who lives with a progressive auto-immune condition that may lead to a liver transplant in the future, said:. “If we stay on Adirondack’s medical plan, I will have to make a decision between putting my family into debt to get the medical care I need or, very frankly, dying. I wouldn’t have to make that decision if our health insurance was provided by the NYSNA Benefit Fund.”

An affordable benefits package that helps to recruit and retain qualified, experienced Nurses is a priority for NYSNA Members during contract negotiations.

Currently, the Nurses’ only option at Adirondack is an expensive, employer-provided plan.

Nurses believe that as Front-Line Health Care Workers, they should have access to the affordable health care benefits they need to stay safe and healthy, not a plan that their employer profits from, Union Officials said.

In addition to being denied coverage and the expensive co-pays, some Nurses have reported enrolling their children in the Child Health Plus plan, New York’s State Health Insurance Plan for kids, because Adirondack’s plan is too expensive

NYSNA President Nancy Hagans said: “It’s time for (the) Adirondack Medical Center to listen to its Nurses and settle a fair contract that includes an affordable benefits package. Nurses are Front-Line Health Care Workers and need health benefits that will keep them, their families and their patients safe and healthy.”

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: NYSNA Nurses at Adirondack Medical Center Speak Out for a Fair Contract | New York State Nurses Association

Photo Courtesy Of NYSNA’s Facebook Page.

United University Professions Members 'Overwhelmingly Ratify' A New Five-Year Contract With NYS: "We Bargained A Solid Agreement That Will Provide Our Members With Fair Compensation, Increased Job Protections And Security For The Future"

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - Members of United University Professions (UUP), which represents more than 42,000 Academic and Professional Faculty at State University of New York (SUNY) State-operated Campuses, have ratified a new five-year contract with New York State.

The contract was approved by 97.7% of eligible voters who cast ballots, one of the Union’s largest contract ratification percentages in its 53-year history.

Of those voting, 13,445 members voted for the new contract and 305 voted against it.

The contract is retroactive to July 2nd, 2026 and runs through July 1st, 2031.

UUP President Fred Kowal said: “Once again, UUP Members stepped up in record numbers to vote in favor of our new contract. This victory is further proof of the power of UUP and of Organized Labor. Standing together, we collectively bargained a solid agreement with the State that will provide our Members with fair compensation, increased job protections and security for the future. I would like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her willingness to work with us on a contract agreement that was embraced by our Members and rewards the important work they do. The Governor understands the importance of Public Education and she’s been a champion for SUNY since taking office. We appreciate her strong support.”

UUP’s new contract directly addresses the threat of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Members and includes wording that all SUNY courses will be under the “direction and responsibility” of humans, and that humans will have the “ultimate accountability” for work done by AI Systems.”

UUP is one of the first unions in the country to negotiate such stringent AI protections for its Members, said Kowal: “One of our biggest concerns heading into negotiations was the threat of Artificial Intelligence to our members and to the quality of a SUNY education. We will build upon these protections in future negotiations, because we believe that these protections will go far in safeguarding the jobs of our Members.”

Other highlights of the contract include: Across-the-board salary increases in each year of the contract, including a 4.5% salary increase in 2026, 4% in 2027, 3.5% in 2028 and 3% increases in each of the last two years of the agreement; A new Retention Award for Bargaining Unit Members with 17 years at SUNY and increased compensation for previously negotiated Retention Awards at seven and 12 years; A $600 annual lump sum payment for Full-Time Bargaining Unit Members with a Master’s Degree or higher; Part-Time Members with at least a 0.5 FTE appointment will receive a $300 payment; Increases in part-time academic course minimum rates and across-the-board minimum salary increases; Expanded Downstate and Mid-Hudson location pay, including SUNY New Paltz Members in Ulster County for the first time; Hospital-specific compensation (including gains for UUP-represented Residents and Fellows) and increases in on-call, recall and inconvenience pay; Lowering the Employee share of health care premiums for approximately 6,500 UUP Members; Expanded due process and job security protections; Minimizing the role of student surveys in Teacher Effectiveness Evaluations; and Expanded provisions for telecommuting and remote work.

UUP, the Nation's largest Higher Education Union, represents more than 42,000 Academic and Professional Faculty and Retirees.

UUP Members work at 29 New York State-operated Campuses, including SUNY’s Public Teaching Hospitals and Health Science Centers in Brooklyn, Long Island and Syracuse.

UUP is an Affiliate of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Union, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the National Education Association (NEA) and the AFL-CIO.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: Press Release | UUP members overwhelmingly ratify new five-year contract

UUP-Provided Photo.

Harlem Climbing Gym Workers 'Unite In North America's First Wall-To-Wall Strike'

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - Workers employed at the Movement Harlem Climbing Gym held a one-day Strike on July 18th to protest Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs) in what the Workers United Union claimed was the first-ever wall-to-wall Strike at a North American Climbing Gym.

Standing in pouring rain, the Workers picketed outside the gym at 256 West 125th Street in Manhattan on a day when Movement offered free access to its facilities nationwide.

Managers kept the store open even though no Rank-and-File Workers staffed the gym.

Workers at the Harlem Facility voted to Unionize in summer 2025 and have been negotiating for around a year for their first contract.

They’re seeking better pay, more consistent scheduling and better training and safety standards.

Aliya Hunter, a Union Organizer and Front Desk Worker at Movement Harlem said: “Doing something bigger and bigger and bigger is going to show (Movement) that we’re not slowing down. We have the energy to keep on doing this and they really, really need to start taking it seriously.”

Molly Rosenshein, who’s worked at the Movement Harlem location for about two years, told The Chief she works multiple jobs as she isn’t consistently scheduled at Movement and doesn’t earn a livable wage.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: Harlem climbing gym workers unite in North America’s first wall-to-wall strike - The Chief

The NewsGuild Of New York Says Top Editors At Reuters 'Have Repeatedly Stolen Work From Unionized Staff' - Union 'Takes Legal Action For The Third Time In Two Months Against The News Organization'

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) – Top-level Editors at Reuters - including Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni - have repeatedly big-footed Unionized Journalists by cherry-picking stories, taking bylines and doing reporting and writing instead of managing their Staff, all in violation of Labor Law, the NewsGuild of New York says.

The NewsGuild of New York has taken legal action against Reuters, filing an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Charge that accuses management of illegally taking away work from Union Members and failing to bargain with Reuters Guild first.

Along with keeping plum assignments for themselves, Reuters managers have also persistently taken primary bylines over Bargaining Unit Members on stories.

The Guild has documented more than 250 separate contractual byline violations since 2025.

In addition, the company has misclassified several managers who spend a majority of their shifts doing Union work, according to the Guild.

“We want our bosses to know that we take our work very seriously,” said Scott DiSavino, who serves as Unit Chair of the Reuters Guild and works as an Energy Correspondent. “And protecting that work is fundamental to our rights as Union Members.”

Reuters Guild, which represents over 300 Media Workers at the award-winning News Organization, has been bargaining a new contract for nearly a year.

Their current contract expired on December 27th, 2025.

The ULP is the third such legal action the NewsGuild of NY has taken against Reuters in the last two months.

The Reuters Guild is a Bargaining Unit of the NewsGuild of New York.

NYGuild President Susan DeCarava said: “It’s a new low for Reuters’ bosses. Instead of working with our Members as a team to produce the journalism Reuters readers count on, management is putting themselves and their egos first. Their disrespect for their own staff is emblematic of the fear they have of our Members’ power and solidarity.”

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: Top editors at Reuters have repeatedly stolen work from unionized staff, NewsGuild of New York says

Photo Courtesy Of The New York City AFL-CIO Central Labor Council.

Long Island Fire Fighters Local 287 'Secures Contract After 16-Year Impasse' - Agreement 'Raises Wages & Gives Local 287 A Stable Foundation For Future Bargaining'

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(LONG BEACH, NEW YORK) - For the first time since 2010, members of Long Beach Professional Fire Fighters Local 287 are working under a current contract.

Long Beach City has approved a successor agreement, officially ending one of the longest bargaining efforts in the Local’s nearly 100-year history.

The contract provides long-awaited stability for the 24 career Fire Fighters who serve their Long Island Community.

The new contract includes wage increases, restructures the City’s pay charts and addresses other key priorities for Fire Fighters.

Local 287 President Sam Pinto said: “The road to get here was long and, at times, incredibly difficult. Yet through it all, our Fire Fighters continued to answer every call and serve this community with professionalism and pride. Today is about recognizing what can be accomplished when people stay committed to the process and remain focused on the future.”

As one of the only career Departments on Long Island, Local 287 Members protect a densely populated Coastal Community with unique emergency response challenges.

Ensuring the Department had the personnel and resources needed to meet the evolving needs of Long Beach was a top priority throughout the Local’s negotiations.

Reaching an agreement became increasingly difficult as Superstorm Sandy, a Department restructuring, multiple changes in the City’s Administrative and political leadership, and the COVID-19 Pandemic reshaped the Long Beach Community over the past 16 years.

Without a contract in place, the City and Local relied on multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MOMs) and other negotiated arrangements to address immediate issues as they came up over the years.

While those agreements resolved pressing concerns, they also created a patchwork of policies and financial obligations that complicated negotiations.

“This was an incredibly complex negotiation,” Local 287 Vice President Catherine Lewis, who served as the Lead Negotiator, said. “We had so many different short-term agreements to navigate through that it created a lot of unknowns. But now, with this new successor agreement, we have an easier starting point for future negotiations.”

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: Long Island Local secures contract after 16-year impasse - IAFF

The New York State Nurses Association 'Condemns' Ogdensburg's Northstar/Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center's Proposed Cuts To Its Maternal Health Services

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(OGDENSBURG, NEW YORK) – The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) is condemning Ogdensburg’s Northstar/Claxton-Hepburn’s proposed cuts to its Maternal Health Services with NYSNA President Nancy Hagans releasing the following statement:

NYSNA Nurses are outraged to hear Northstar/Claxton-Hepburn is planning to eliminate Maternal Health Services at the Hospital. Our demand throughout this bankruptcy is that the Hospital cuts waste and mismanagement and saves essential Health Care Services. This proposed closure continues the devastating trend of North Country patients losing access to care. This region needs Maternal Health Services and we encourage Community Members and Hospital Workers to weigh in on this proposed closure to defend these vital Health Care Services and good jobs in the North Country.

In addition, NYSNA - New York’s largest Union and Professional Association for Registered Nurses (RNs) that represents 45,000 Members across the State, posted the following on its Social Media Outlets:

The North Country already struggles to get the care we need.

If we lose Maternal Health Services at Claxton-Hepburn, patients will have to travel far distances to give birth and receive Maternal Care, even in emergency situations.

This is an essential Health Care Service that we cannot afford to lose.

Our Community deserves a Hospital that offers all the services we need.

We can’t allow Northstar to chip away at our health care piece by piece.

The North Country is not expendable.

We need quality care that our Community can rely on.

Stand with the NYSNA Nurses at Northstar/Claxton-Hepburn to demand the Hospital maintain Maternal Health Services.

This region needs these vital services and the planned closure would have devastating effects on the Community.

NYSNA Editor’s Note: To Learn More And Sign The NYSNA Petition, Go To: Sign the Petition to Protect Maternal Health Services at Northstar/ Claxton-Hepburn | New York State Nurses Association

Photo & Graphic Courtesy of NYSNA.

New York Immigration Coalition Management 'Seeks To Shrink Workers' New Union'

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - Workers employed at New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) who Unionized last month say management's bad-faith bargaining and attempts to carve over a dozen members out of the nascent Union show the Immigrant Rights Organization is failing to live up to its professed Pro-Worker values.

In June, over 40 NYIC Workers notified management they had signed Union Authorization Cards to join Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 153 and requested voluntary recognition of their Union.

There were signs management would quickly offer that recognition, but those hopes dissipated when NYIC retained a law firm known by Local 153's leadership for its delay and Union-Busting tactics and then requested to revise the Bargaining Unit.

Lawyers with Kauff McGuire & Margolis have since argued that under Federal Law, more than a dozen workers - including NYIC’s entire Communications and Development Teams, should be excluded from the Union, Workers said.

"Management is really just trying to weaponize the law and slow down our Union process,” said Kaija Groom, a Community Programming Manager at NYIC for almost five years. “The longer they draw out this process, the more they'll beat people down and wear down our Union. It's a well-known tactic.”

The Union has filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging NYIC management was bargaining in bad faith about the Bargaining Unit size.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: New York Immigration Coalition management seeks to shrink workers' new union - The Chief

AFSCME-Represented Pittsford Department of Public Works Employees 'Rally To Demand Better Pay'

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Union-represented Public Workers employed in Pittsford’s Department of Public Works rallied earlier this week in front of the Suburban Rochester Town Hall to demand better pay. As the first Union in Pittsford's 200-year history, the Workers are making history while fighting for a fair contract and the respect they have earned, Union Officials said. They deserve a voice on the job and a contract that recognizes the essential services they provide every day, added American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 66 Representatives. The Union says despite Pittsford being a largely wealthy community, its Workers remain among the lowest-paid Public Works Employees in Monroe County, making it a challenge to retain Employees. Council 66’s Maria Fisher said two Workers just resigned this week due to low wages. “And they love this town, you know, they were even asked by the attorney: ‘Why do you even stay when you make low wages?’ They say: ‘We love each other and we love this town’ and they want to stay,” Fisher said. “These Workers are doing the work that keeps Pittsford running, so we believe the wages should be reflective of that work.”

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: Pittsford Department of Public Works employees hold rally

'No Fight For Working People Is Too Hard Or Too Risky' - AFSCME 'Mourns The Loss Of Trailblazing DC 37 Leader' Lillian Roberts

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - Lillian Roberts, the former Executive Director of American Federation of State, County & Municipal Workers o(AFSCME) District Council 37 - and a giant of the Labor Movement, has died.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders announced her passing in a special message to Members and honored her legacy as a trailblazer: “Her leadership at DC (37) and across AFSCME left a lasting mark on this Union and on generations of Labor Leaders who followed her.”

Roberts built power for Working People at a time when very few Black Women held positions of leadership.

She helped found the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and made history as the first Black Woman to serve as New York State Industrial Commissioner.

She organized Hospital Workers in Chicago and later in New York City.

In 1969, she went to jail for two weeks for defying New York’s governor and leading a Strike of State Hospital Workers.

Roberts believed no fight for Working People was too hard or too risky.  

Saunders said Roberts led DC 37 in New York with “extraordinary toughness, vision and commitment to Working People.”

She spent decades fighting for Public Service Workers, for African American Workers, for Women in leadership, and for the idea that Unions should be a force for justice in every corner of American life. 

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: Rest in Power: AFSCME family mourns the loss of trailblazing leader Lillian Roberts - AFSCME

Public Defender Union Representing More Than 500 Workers In Brooklyn And Queens Authorizes Strike

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) – Ninety-six-percent of Staff at Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS), Members of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2325, have voted to authorize a Strike if their contract demands are not met. The wall-to-wall Union represents more than 500 Workers representing indigent clients in Criminal, Immigration and Family Court cases in Brooklyn and Queens, including 280 Attorneys. Months of negotiations had come to a standstill prior to the vote, with salary and health insurance proposals that were patently unacceptable and no agreement over hybrid work schedules. Brian Holbrook, a Public Defender and Union Member, said: “The phrase in the Labor Movement is ‘the boss is the best Organizer.’ It’s management’s inflexibility and a series of very bad proposals that have brought us to this moment where such an overwhelming majority of the office is ready to authorize a work stoppage.”

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: Public defender union representing nearly 300 attorneys in Brooklyn and Queens authorizes strike | amNewYork

NYSNA-Represented Nurses Employed At Long Island's Catholic Health/St. Charles Hospital Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(PORT JEFFERSON, NEW YORK) - New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)-represented Nurses have reached a tentative contract agreement at Long Island’s Catholic Health/St. Charles Hospital, averting a Strike that was set to begin on Monday (July 13th).

Nurses will vote on whether to ratify the contract on Friday (July 10th).

Highlights of the three-year tentative agreement include: Improved enforceable Safe Staffing Standards, including hiring more Nurses, creating a float pool of Nurses to maintain safe staffing levels, and a new expedited staffing enforcement process; New workplace violence protections, including enhanced security rounding and personal panic buttons; New protections against discipline for use of sick time; New safeguards on Artificial Intelligence (AI), including provisions to protect Registered Nurse (RN) clinical judgement and requirements to provide notice and discussion when implementing new technology or AI; Annual base wage increases of 4%, 3% and 4% over the three-year contract; Additional wage increases to help recruit, train and retain experienced Nurses; and Increases to Retiree Health Benefits.

Additional details on the tentative agreement will follow ratification, NYSNA said.

Nurses at Catholic Health/ St. Charles had negotiated for months, with talks intensifying over safe staffing.

On June 12th, St. Charles Nurses announced that a near-unanimous 99.7% of Nurses voted to authorize a Strike.

On June 30th, they delivered a Strike Notice, notifying the hospital they would Strike beginning July 13th if they were not able to reach a fair contract agreement.

RN and Intensive Care Nurse Rob Barone, who serves as President of NYSNA’s Local Bargaining Unit at St. Charles Hospital, said: “NYSNA Nurses at St. Charles fought ‘tooth and nail’ for a fair contract that will help us fix the staffing crisis at the Hospital we love. We are proud of what we accomplished and encourage our Members to ratify this contract. We are looking forward to improving accountability for safe staffing, so we can deliver the best possible care to our friends, families and community. As we move forward with our transition with Good Samaritan University Hospital, Saint Charles Nurses’ goal is to ensure a strong future for this Hospital based on quality care with enough Nurses - and this contract will do just that.”

Approximately 1,000 Catholic Health Nurses at three hospitals on Long Island have been in contract talks.

The contract for NYSNA Nurses at St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage expired on March 31st and the contract for NYSNA Nurses at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown is set to expire on July 31st.

Negotiations are ongoing at those two Hospitals.

NYSNA Nurses are united in demanding contracts that deliver safe staffing, protections from workplace violence and fair wages.

NYSNA represents 45,000 Members in New York and is the State’s largest Union and Professional Association for RNs.

NYSNA is an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), the country's largest and fastest-growing Union and Professional Association of RNs, with more than 225,000 Members nationwide.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: Victory: Nurses at Catholic Health/St. Charles Hospital Reach Tentative Contract Agreement | New York State Nurses Association

Teamsters Employed At Bimbo Bakeries In Baldwin 'Ratify Strong New' Agreement - Entenmann's & S.B. Thomas Workers 'Secure Up To 40% Wage Increase'

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:00:00 -0400

(BALDWIN, NEW YORK) – A group of 200 Teamsters employed at Bimbo Bakeries in Baldwin have ratified what Union Officials are called a “significant” new contract.

The Route Sales Professionals, Route Riders, Field Merchandising Representatives and Utility Drivers are employed by Entenmann’s and S.B. Thomas, brands under the Bimbo umbrella.

The new six-year agreement includes up to a 40% wage increase, more employer-paid contributions toward health care, a uniform allowance, and an increase in pay for holidays, sick days and personal days.

The contract also includes a no layoff clause for the first year of the agreement.

Jeff Padellaro, who serves as Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery and Soft Drink Conference, said: “Through their consistent bargaining and strong solidarity, this determined group was able to close their deal without a Strike and win an excellent agreement. This contract shows what Teamsters can achieve when we refuse to back down. Our Members should be proud of this accomplishment.”

Teamsters Local 802 President James Shannon said: “The Teamsters Committee and our Members were tenacious in their approach to solidifying the best contract possible. This group stuck together and because of that they have obtained an impressive agreement.”

David Halwick, who’s worked as a Route Sales Professional at Entenmann’s for 34 years and serves as a Shop Steward, said: “By standing united we secured a powerful contract that truly recognizes our dedication. This agreement delivers concrete improvements, especially for our newer Members.”

Teamsters Local 802 represents Bakery Drivers and Food Production Workers in New York and New Jersey.

Local 802’s major employers include Entenmann’s, S.B Thomas, Frito-Lay and Krasdale Foods.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: Teamsters at Bimbo Bakeries Ratify Strong New Agreement - International Brotherhood of Teamsters

"This Agreement Delivers Meaningful Wage Increases And Helps Address Affordability Challenges Working People Are Facing" - The Civil Service Employees Association & New York State Reach A Five-Year Tentative Contract Agreement

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) – The Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) has reached a tentative five-year contract agreement with New York State that delivers improvements in wages, benefits and workplace protections and addresses affordability challenges facing State Workers.

CSEA President Mary Sullivan said: “We applaud Governor (Kathy) Hochul’s recognition of the hard work CSEA Members provide to the State every day through this fair contract. This agreement delivers meaningful wage increases and helps address affordability challenges Working People are facing.”

The proposed agreement, which covers more than 55,000 CSEA-represented State Employees and runs through April 1st, 2031, was negotiated following months of discussions between the Union and the State.

The contract must now be reviewed and ratified by the Membership before it can take effect.

Union Leaders said the tentative agreement reflects the essential work performed by CSEA Members in agencies and facilities across New York.

Among its highlights are: Annual salary increases throughout the life of the agreement; Enhanced location pay for Workers in higher-cost regions; Paid Prenatal Leave; Improvements to health insurance benefits; and continued investment in Employee Benefits.

The agreement also includes provisions aimed at strengthening workplace protections and modernizing language to address emerging issues such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The contract also includes: Health insurance enhancements designed to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for Members and their families; No increase in Employee premium contribution rates; Several changes to Empire Plan coverage that would lower costs for routine medical services and laboratory testing; Expansion of reduced premium contribution rates to additional salary grades; Provide 20 hours of Paid Prenatal Leave each year for eligible Employees and increase the Sick Leave Accumulation Cap.

Additional provisions address seniority protections, tele-commuting, Labor-Management cooperation and workplace safety concerns.

Members would also see improvements through the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund.

If ratified, increased State contributions to the Fund would support expanded dental coverage, including new Adult Orthodontic Benefits, higher dental allowances and additional covered services.

Changes to the Prescription Drug Co-Pay Reimbursement Benefit would also make it easier for Members to receive reimbursement for eligible expenses.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: Tentative agreement invests in state workers - CSEA NY

'The Bronx Needs Real Nurses, Not AI!' - NYSNA-Represented Nurses At Montefiore Hospital 'Sound The Alarm' On The Medical Facility's Plans To 'Replace Nurses With Artificial Intelligence-Powered Software'

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(THE BRONX, NEW YORK) - Montefiore Hospital is planning to lay off real Nurses and replace them with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered software, so says the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA).

NYSNA Nurses just hosted a virtual town hall with directly-impacted Nurses to discuss Montefiore’s plan, its negative impact on jobs and patient care in the Bronx, and how Health Care Practitioners and communities can fight back against untested AI in their Hospitals.

Community members and elected officials joined NYSNA Nurses at the town hall.

The Nurses use their decades of bedside experience and clinical judgement to review insurance denials and make sure patients get the care they need covered by insurance, Montefiore Hospital Nurses said. Replacing real Nurses with AI is terrible for Workers and the economy in the Bronx, NYSNA said. In the end, it could also have negative consequences for patients in the Bronx.

Registered Nurse Marilyn Shuler, a Utilization Review Nurse who is slated to be laid off after working at Montefiore for 39 years, said: “What we want from Montefiore is simple: Stop the layoffs, keep a Licensed Nurse on the final review, use AI to support us instead of replacing us, and sit down with the Nurses who actually do this work.”

Shuler is one of 12 Nurses that Montefiore intends to replace with AI-powered software.

Utilization Review Nurses read patient charts and make the case for a patient’s insurance company to cover the care a Doctor orders.

Montefiore is gambling - without evidence - that AI can do a better job.

Nurses raised concerns about the potential negative impact on patients.

If AI replaces Nurses’ clinical judgement, complicated cases may be dropped, and that means a missed diagnosis or a surgery never gets approved, NYSNA Officials said.

Nurses at the town hall also raised concerns about the company Montefiore selected.

Datavant, a Private Equity-backed Technology Company, has two partnerships with Palantir - the company U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) uses to surveil and deport Immigrants. It also has a history of data breaches.

Nurses expressed concerns about Montefiore outsourcing access to private medical records that could include Immigration status, to Datavant.

Registered Nurse Shaiju Kalathil - a NYSNA Executive Committee Member at Montefiore, said: “We are outraged about these layoffs because these dedicated Nurses are being replaced by AI. This is a violation of the contract that we recently won by going on Strike. It should also concern every Practitioner and patient who cares about the future of health care and the quality of care they receive.”

NYSNA President Nancy Hagans said: “Artificial Intelligence should never replace real human caring from a Nurse. The (45,000) Members of NYSNA fully support this fight to protect our patients and practice from AI.”

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: The Bronx Needs Real Nurses, Not AI! | New York State Nurses Association

New York's Court Of Appeals 'Rules Prevailing Wage Obligations Apply Whether Contracts Say So Or Not'

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The New York Court of Appeals has issued a significant decision in Walton v. Comfort Systems USA (Syracuse), Incorporated, answering previously unsettled certified questions from the Second Circuit with important implications for employers performing work on public projects in New York. The Court held that under Labor Law § 220, the statutory requirement to pay Prevailing Wages is incorporated into every covered public works contract by operation of law - even when the written contract is silent on the issue or expressly disclaims a Prevailing Wage obligation. New York’s Prevailing Wage requirement for public work projects has deep roots. Article I, § 17 of the New York Constitution, first adopted in 1905, declares that “[l]abor of human beings is not a commodity nor an article of commerce” and mandates Workers on public projects receive “not less than the rate of wages prevailing in the same trade or occupation in the locality.” Labor Law § 220 codifies and expands on this constitutional protection, which courts have long recognized. Walton is a significant decision for contractors and sub-contractors performing work on public projects in New York. The Court made clear employers cannot avoid Prevailing Wage liability by simply omitting - or even expressly disclaiming - Prevailing Wage Language in their contracts. If Labor Law § 220 applies to the work, the Prevailing Wage obligation becomes part of the contract by operation of law and Workers can enforce that obligation through third-party beneficiary breach of contract claims. The decision also underscores employers cannot rely on shortened contractual limitations periods to defeat Prevailing Wage claims.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: No Escape Clause: NY’s Highest Court Rules Prevailing Wage Obligations Apply Whether Contracts Say So or Not | Proskauer - Labor Relations Update - JDSupra

NYSNA-Represented UVM-Alice Hyde Medical Center Nurses In Malone 'Overwhelmingly Ratify' New Contract Agreement

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(MALONE, NEW YORK) - New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)-represented Nurses employed at the University of Vermont (UVM)-Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new four-year contract.

This victory comes after months at the bargaining table and a late-night bargaining session on June 17th when Nurses reached a tentative contract agreement.

Highlights of the contract include: Maintained health benefits; Fair wages to help recruit and retain Nurses for safe staffing, including yearly wage increases of 3%; Additional pay incentives to maintain safe staffing and encourage Nurse retention and education; Improved protections against workplace violence; New protections against Artificial Intelligence (AI); and Increased notification in the event of a layoff.

UVM-Alice Hyde Registered Nurse Kim Bouvier-Barnes said: “NYSNA Nurses at UVM-Alice Hyde work hard to care for our community and ensure they receive the best care possible. This contract will help us deliver on that commitment. We’re proud of our Members for staying united and advocating for a contract that will help us protect patient care and retain experienced Nurses.”

NYSNA Nurses are united across the North Country and are fighting to improve care for their communities.

NYSNA Nurses at UVM-Elizabethtown Community Hospital settled a new contract on March 31st that included entrance into the NYSNA Benefit Fund, which will deliver better and more affordable health benefits to Nurses and their families.

Now that UVM-Alice Hyde Nurses have settled their contract, UVM-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) is the only New York Hospital in the UVM Health System that has yet to settle a fair contract with its Nurses and Health Care Workers.

UVM-CVPH Nurses and Health Care Professionals recently spoken out for safe staffing and held an informational picket in front of the Hospital to demand a fair contract with safe staffing, good health benefits, and protections against workplace violence, AI and layoffs.

UVM recently announced system-wide layoffs that impact five NYSNA Members at CVPH, including Registered Nurses at the Adirondack Blood Donor Center, which UVM is threatening to close, further eroding health care services in the North Country.

NYSNA Members at CVPH and community and patient advocates in the Plattsburgh area are planning a speak-out to ensure the Center, which provides 95% of the blood supply to North Country hospitals, stays open.

NYSNA President Nancy Hagans said: “North Country Nurses are leading the way in winning great contracts that protect quality patient care and deliver good Union jobs and good family-sustaining health benefits. NYSNA is proud of our Members’ fierce patient advocacy and will continue to support the fight to preserve access to quality care in every corner of the State.”

NYSNA, which represents 45,000 Members in the State, is New York’s largest Union and Professional Association for Registered Nurses.

NYSNA is an Affiliate of National Nurses United, the country's largest and fastest-growing Union and Professional Association of Registered Nurses, with more than 225,000 Members nationwide.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: UVM-Alice Hyde Medical Center Nurses Overwhelmingly Ratify New Contract Agreement | New York State Nurses Association

In New York City, Unionized Caregivers 'Demand A Fair Contract That Covers 86,000 Workers Before September 30th Expiration'

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - Thousands of Health Care Workers rallied near City Hall in Foley Square, urging the League of Voluntary Hospitals and Homes of New York to reach a new contract covering 86,000 Service Employees International (SEIU) Union Local 1199 members who are employed at Hospitals and Nursing Homes across New York.

The Workers - Registered Nurses, Emergency Medical Technicians, Certified Nursing Assistants, Social Workers, Housekeepers, Technicians, Dietary Staff and other Front-Line Caregivers - filled the plaza in a sea of purple shirts and signs that read: "Care Lives Here, But We Can't Afford To," as negotiations continue ahead of the current contract's September 30th expiration.

"There is no health care without workers," Local 1199 President Yvonne Armstrong told the crowd. "We will not be taken for granted or disrespected. Every Health Care Worker should be able to afford to live in the communities we serve."

Armstrong said Health Care Workers kept New York's Hospitals and Nursing Homes operating through the COVID-19 Pandemic and continue to provide essential care every day, arguing employers must invest in the workforce that makes patient care possible.

"We are united, we are organized and we are ready to fight to win health care justice," she said.

The contract covers 86,000 Workers employed at 90 Hospitals and Nursing Homes across New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley, including facilities operated by Montefiore, Mount Sinai, Northwell Health, NewYork-Presbyterian and NYU Langone.

According to the Union, negotiations began on May 28th and management has rejected the Bargaining Committee's economic proposals.

Union Leaders say their "floor" for wage increases is 5% annually, while also seeking to preserve employer-paid health insurance and pensions, strengthen safe staffing enforcement, establish job security protections related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and expand workplace violence safeguards.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Healthcare workers demand fair contract before Sept. 30 expiration - The Chief

With An 'Expired' Contract & Hospital Management 'Proposing Outrageous and Unsafe' Staffing Standards, NYSNA-Represented Putnam Hospital Nurses 'Speak Out For Safe Staffing And A Fair Agreement'

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(CARMEL, NEW YORK) - Approximately 200 New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)-represented Nurses employed at Northwell/ Putnam Hospital are fighting for a fair contract that delivers safe staffing for quality patient care.

Safe staffing is a priority for Putnam Nurses who often work short-staffed, NYSNA said.

For example, in December 2025, Nurses working in the Hospital’s two Medical Surgical Units started their shift understaffed nearly half the time, the Union said.

The Hospital is fighting against having enforceable Safe Staffing Standards in the contract and proposing to make standards even less safe in State Law.

During a Staffing Committee meeting that took place on June 11th, Hospital Executives proposed making Nurse Staffing in their State Staffing Plan, enforceable by the New York State Department of Health, less safe, Union Officials said - proposing an outrageous and unsafe 1-Nurse-to-8-patients standard in Medical/Surgical Units.

The widely recognized Safe Staffing Standard in Med/Surg Units is 1:5.

Putnam’s current standard is 1:6.

Most Hospitals in New York state set their standards at 1:5 or 1:6.

Meanwhile, the Nurses’ contract expired on December 31st, 2025.

Registered Nurse Nicole Cadella, who serves as President of the NYSNA Local Bargaining Unit at Northwell/ Putnam Hospital, said: “I live in this community, and my parents and I have been patients at Putnam. I want this Hospital to be the best it can be, but it can’t be the best if it is understaffed. On our main Hospital floors - the Medical/Surgical Units, Nurses sometimes have eight patients each, when the safe standard is five or six. I just imagine my father in that Hospital bed.”

Nurses believe Northwell Health, the largest private employer in the State and one of the wealthiest Health Care Systems, can well afford to safely staff Putnam Hospital - and put it in writing.

Northwell’s resistance to basic safety standards is raising concerns among Nurses about what other changes Northwell may make now that they have taken over the small Community Hospital, NYSNA said.

NYSNA President Nancy Hagans said: “Northwell should be ashamed that after acquiring a small Community Hospital - and the only Hospital in Putnam Country - they are now trying to lower Safety Standards for Nurses and patients. We know they have the resources to staff safely and deliver the quality care this community deserves.”

NYSNA, which represents 45,000 Members across New York, is the State’s largest Union and Professional Association for Registered Nurses.

NYSNA is an affiliate of National Nurses United, the country's largest and fastest-growing Union and Professional Association of Registered Nurses, with more than 225,000 Members nationwide.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: Putnam Hospital Nurses Speak Out for Safe Staffing and a Fair Contract | New York State Nurses Association

Photo Courtesy Of NYSNA’s Facebook Page.

"New York's Students And Public Schools Deserve Better Than This Kind Of Maneuvering, (We) Will Not Stand By While Bad Actors Try To Rewrite The Rules To Suit Themselves" - NYSUT & The UFT 'Charge SUNY With Violating The State Charter Cap'

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) – The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) have filed a legal challenge to stop a scheme by Success Academy Charter Schools and the State University of New York’s Charter School Committee that attempts to circumvent the State’s Charter Cap.

The petition, filed in New York County Supreme Court, charges the State University of New York’s (SUNY) Charter School Committee illegally approved the "transfer" of a Success Academy Charter in the Bronx to a brand-new entity called Strive Charter School - even though New York City has already reached its statutory cap on Charter Schools and State law does not allow for the transfer of an existing Charter to a new entity.

Strive's founder, Eric Grannis, is the husband of Success Academy CEO Eva Moskowitz.

SUNY approved the transfer over the explicit objections of the New York State Board of Regents, which found the action was likely illegal and recommended it be abandoned.

While Strive received approval from SUNY, there is no evidence that it completed any of the competitive application requirements that State law mandates for each new Charter School, including community outreach, public hearings and demonstration of demand.

The petition seeks to void the transfer and prevent Strive from opening.

NYSUT President Melinda Person said: "New York's students and Public Schools deserve better than this kind of maneuvering and NYSUT will not stand by while bad actors try to rewrite the rules to suit themselves. This is yet another example of SUNY’s Charter approval process being used to sidestep State law - something NYSUT has already challenged in State Court and will continue to confront as long as we must.”

UFT President Michael Mulgrew said: "Success Academy has to follow the law. Clearly, they are trying to go around the Charter cap, but that's not how this works. Charter Schools drain resources from District Public Schools - and the cap was created to minimize harm."

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: NYSUT, UFT charge the State University of New York violated state charter cap

Dairy Workers 'Rally Behind Bill To Fight Exploitation At New York Farms' - The State 'Has The Fifth Largest Dairy Industry In The Country And Its Farm Workers Say They Face Fear, Exploitation Lost & Wages'

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Austyn Gaffney and Anna Watts at Documented report: Lazaro, a 67-year-old Dairy Worker in New York, has hopped between 20 different farms in the 12 years he’s been in the United States. But his work on a Dairy Farm in Western New York this Fall was the worst he’s experienced, he said. Eighteen people shared one house. He was paid the legal minimum wage of $15.50 an hour, but he worked about 70 hours a week and wasn’t given overtime pay. In the Winter, he switched farms - and now works 52 hours a week at $16 an hour - the State’s current minimum wage. He also shares a home with 12 other people. He said the lower hours are better because working too much negatively impacts his health. Like many of the Dairy Workers in New York who spoke with Documented for this article, Lazaro does not have legal status. They are part of the labor force powering the State’s $3.9 billion dairy industry, the fifth largest in the country. For years, this workforce has been trying to Unionize to address what they see as rampant mistreatment in the industry, but under the second Trump Administration, fear and suspicion have become more constant in the lives of Immigrant Dairy Workers, hampering local efforts. Now, Lazaro and other Farm Workers have pivoted to rally around the New York For All Act, proposed State legislation meant to protect Immigrants without permanent legal status, including Farm and Food Workers, from Immigration Enforcement, which detained dozens since January 2025, including raids at a Confectionery and a large-scale Vegetable Farm. The Bill hasn’t moved out of Committee. “I have that fear that follows you everywhere of not knowing whether Immigration is going to come,” said Lazaro, who was one of about 10 Farm Workers who traveled to Albany in March to rally in support of the Bill, holding up a sign and demonstrating near the Capital. He asked to only use his first name only for fear of Immigration Enforcement.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Immigrant Dairy Workers Rally to Fight Mistreatment at N.Y. Farms

New York Immigration Coalition Staff 'Launch' NYIC United, 'Forming First-Ever Union In Organization's History'

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - With 80% of eligible Members on cards and 70% signing a voluntary recognition letter, a super-majority of New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) Employees have announced the launch of their effort to form a Union - NYIC United with Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 153.

For the first time in the organization’s almost 40-year history, Workers are launching their Union to secure a formal collective voice in the workplace, marking a historic milestone for Staff.

NYIC is a New York City-based non-profit with offices throughout New York State - including in Albany, Buffalo and Rochester, that brings together more than 200 diverse member organizations to advance justice and opportunity for all.

Many Workers are Immigrants themselves and their Union represents Workers from all of the NYIC’s Offices Statewide and from every department, including Advocacy, Programs, Policy, Development, Operations, Membership and Capacity Building, Communications and Legal.

NYIC also relies on Government funding coming from contracts at the State and City levels.

NYIC United has presented a voluntary recognition letter to management and is calling on executive leadership to recognize the Union swiftly and without any interference.

Workers are organizing for increased protections for Immigrant Workers, support for their immigration cases, financial transparency and pay equity.

The Union reflects a shared commitment to both Labor Rights and Immigrant Rights, rooted in the belief that the values the organization champions externally must also be upheld in the workplace.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: New York Immigration Coalition Staff Launch NYIC United, Forming First-Ever Union in Organization’s History — OPEIU Local 153

The New York State United Teachers & The Illinois Federation Of Teachers 'Lead A More Than 30 Educator Union Coalition That's Urging Democratic Governors To Reject Trump's Federal Voucher Scheme'

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) – The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) have mobilized Educator Union Leaders from across the U.S. in urging Democratic Governors to reject participation in President Donald Trump’s Private School Voucher Tax Credit Program and publicly reaffirm their commitment to Public Education.

In an open letter to all 24 Democratic Governors, more than 30 Educator Union Leaders representing millions of Teachers, School Staff and Public Employees are urging the Governors to opt out of the program, which would provide Federal tax credits for donations to organizations that fund private school tuition.

The educators warn participation would legitimize a Federally-subsidized voucher scheme that diverts resources away from Public Schools and accelerates the privatization of education.

The President of the Illinois Federation of Teachers - Stacy Davis Gates, and the President of New York State United Teachers - Melinda Person, spearheaded the multi-State effort.

“Public education is one of the Democratic Party’s defining commitments,” the national letter states. “At this moment, Educators, parents and communities across the country are asking a simple question: Will Democratic Governors stand up for Public Schools?”

The Federal Voucher Program was established as part of the Republican education agenda and is a cornerstone of Project 2025.

Evidence from States that have implemented similar Voucher Programs shows that while they’re billed as “school choice,” they overwhelmingly subsidize families already enrolled in private schools while creating significant fiscal pressures on Public Education Systems.

"Let's be honest about what's happening here: This could completely change how Public Schools are funded and the biggest winners will be the people trying to privatize Public Education,” NYSUT President Melinda Person said. “This is a choice about whether we're willing to normalize vouchers and move further down a path that has already hurt Public Schools in State after State. Democratic Governors should not help legitimize a scheme that benefits private interests while undermining the public schools that serve ninety-percent of our children."

In the letter, Union Presidents note that the 2024 Democratic National Committee platform explicitly opposed “private-school vouchers, tuition tax credits, opportunity scholarships, and other schemes that divert taxpayer-funded resources away from Public Education.”

“Democratic Governors are being handed a test right now: Will you stand up for Public School students or will you help Donald Trump normalize a voucher scheme that Illinois has already rejected?,” IFT President Stacy Davis Gates said. “The Democratic Party platform opposes vouchers, our Governors should too.”

The Illinois General Assembly already rejected vouchers because they funded discrimination and diverted $315 million from the State’s General Revenue Fund to private schools.

“Now Trump is repackaging the same failed experiment as a Federal tax credit and Democratic Governors across the country are being asked to give it a stamp of approval,” Davis Gates said. “Every Governor who opts in colludes with Donald Trump at the expense of their own public schools. Illinois should not be one of them.”

The letter concludes with a call for strength: “Democratic Governors have long served as a firewall against efforts to dismantle public institutions. We urge you to continue that leadership now.”

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: NYSUT, IFT lead educator coalition urging Democratic governors to reject Trump's federal voucher scheme

The New York State United Teachers Union 'Calls For Limits On Screen Time, Student-Facing Artificial Intelligence In Schools'

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) – The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) has announced it is committed to advancing developmentally appropriate limits on educational technology in New York Schools.

NYSUT’s 82-Member Board of Directors has passed a resolution that calls for developmentally appropriate limits on screen time and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in New York Schools - especially for the youngest learners - while affirming Educators, parents and families, not technology companies, should drive decisions about how technology is used in the classroom.

Specifically, the resolution calls for: No one-to-one screen/device use for students (including on-line assessments) in Pre-Kindergarten through second grade except to support students with documented needs such as translation or special education services; Requiring paper-and-pencil assessment/testing options be provided for all students as called for by NYSUT’s More Teaching, Less Testing report; No student-facing AI for Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade students; No non-educationally based AI for students in grades three through eight; Requiring the use of AI in any grade must be supervised, Educator-led and designed to promote critical thinking, digital literacy and civic readiness, rather than replace human instruction, creativity or judgment; and No so-called “social companion” chatbots - computer programs that simulate human relationships, for children under 16.

NYSUT will work with parents, experts, community partners, and other organizations to lead New York State and national conversation on the appropriate role of technology in learning, especially for younger children.

"Educators are not anti-technology. We are pro-child," NYSUT President Melinda Person said. "Every decision made in the name of innovation must actually serve the students in our classrooms and NYSUT will lead that fight.”

American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten recently laid out a bold 10-point framework for Public Education calling for a "devices-down, eyes-up, hands-on" strategy for the AI era.

The Surgeon General has also recently raised alarms about the effects of excessive screen exposure on children's health, development and mental well-being.

"What President Weingarten outlined is a vision we are proud to stand behind and New York has both the opportunity and the obligation to make it real," Person said. "This isn't a debate about whether technology belongs in schools. The question is who decides how it's used: Educators and families or EdTech companies with billions of dollars at stake? The answer has to be us."

At least a dozen States have introduced or enacted legislation to limit unnecessary classroom screen time, and the Los Angeles Unified School District recently moved to ban screens through First Grade.

New York created momentum last year with a bell-to-bell cellphone ban, a foundation NYSUT intends to build on.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: NYSUT calls for limits on screen time, student-facing AI in schools

"It's An Affront To Workers' Rights And Catholic Values On Every Level" - St. John's University 'Raises The Stakes In Its Fight Against Its Faculty Union'

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - St. John’s University (SJU) has escalated an on-going fight against its Faculty Union by going into Federal Court to sue the New York State Labor Board in order to evade the basic tenets of State Labor Law on religious grounds. The two SJU Chapters of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) have been fighting for survival for the past four months after University leadership abruptly revoked recognition of the Unions that represent more than 1,100 Faculty Members - and broke off negotiations for a new contract in February. The Union responded by filing charges with the State Public Employees Relations Board (PERB) in April that allege the University violated State Labor Law when it unilaterally ceased recognizing the Union and engaged in a pattern of illegal surveillance and intimidation of Union Members. The Union called the lawsuit another form of Union Busting. “We remain steadfast and this is just one more instance where now our employer wants to sue the State Labor Board to bust the Union,” SJU/AAUP President Sophie Bell said. “We think it’s dangerous behavior. It’s an affront to Workers’ Rights and Catholic values on every level.”

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: St. John’s University raises the stakes in fight against faculty union with federal lawsuit | amNewYork

United University Professions & New York State Reach Agreement On A Five-Year Tentative Contract That Includes Annual Wage Increases & Makes 'Common Sense Changes' To Health Insurance To Help Control Premiums, And More

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) – New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has announced her administration has reached a contract agreement with the United University Professions (UUP) for a five-year term running until July 1st, 2031.

The agreement is subject to ratification by Union Membership, which includes 42,000 State University of New York (SUNY) System Faculty and Professional Employees.

The contract includes annual increases in basic annual salary for Employees throughout the agreement. It also includes other increases in compensation, such as location pay - and provides for additional leave for prenatal care. It also makes common sense changes to health insurance to help control premiums, eliminate co-pays and reduce the use of out-of-network providers.

“This agreement with United University Professions is good for both the hard-working Faculty and Professionals of SUNY and for the taxpayers of New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “I thank the leadership of UUP for working toward this fair deal and I thank their talented Members for their dedication and commitment to New York’s college students, ensuring a bright future for those pursuing a SUNY education.”

UUP President Fred Kowal said: “I am very pleased to announce UUP has reached a tentative agreement with the State on a new contract. All our efforts to get to the table early and conclude an agreement before our present one expired have succeeded. Thanks to so many of you, and especially to Bret Benjamin, Jeremy Ginsburg and our entire Negotiations Team. This historic agreement addresses many of the priorities Members shared with us throughout the negotiations process and reflects our Union’s commitment to securing the strongest possible contract for our Members. We got some very big wins and that testifies to the importance of our collective efforts. And it's vitally important that I emphasize how much I personally appreciate Governor Hochul’s continued support for UUP Members and the important work we do every day.”

SUNY Chancellor John King, Jr. said: “SUNY’s extraordinary Faculty and Staff are the heart of our ability to deliver affordable excellence and serve as New York State’s engine of upward mobility. New Yorkers rely on SUNY for a world-class education, ground-breaking research and scholarship, medical support and expertise, and other essential needs and services. I applaud Governor Hochul for achieving a fair contract that respects and recognizes the Faculty and Staff who make SUNY such an extraordinary place for our students.”

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: Governor Hochul Announces Five-Year Labor Agreement With United University Professions | Governor Kathy Hochul | New York State

And For More, Go To: UUP, state reach tentative agreement on new contract

Amazon Lawsuit 'Details Federal Labor Board's Dysfunction' In New York

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Max Parrott at amNewYork reports the New York Attorney General’s Office and the Teamsters have turned a lawsuit over a State Labor Law into an appraisal of the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) failures. Recent filings by the Union and the State Attorney General in Amazon’s Federal case against New York’s recent attempt to expand Labor Relations enforcement capture a damning level of dysfunction in the local NLRB Offices’ ability to respond to alleged Labor Rights violations. A complaint that one Unionized Amazon Employee filed with the NLRB 29 months ago has not advanced past the first step of enforcement, and other Employees’ charges remain at that stage after 24 and 16 months, according to Court papers. In its lawsuit against New York, Amazon has successfully gotten a Federal Judge to pause the enforcement of the State Employment Relations Act (SERA) during litigation. That law would allow the State-level Employee Relations Board to have jurisdiction over Private-Sector labor disputes through the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) - the Federal Law governing Union formation and collective bargaining. State and Union Lawyers argue the Federal Court should dismiss the challenge to SERA, which they say takes a step to mitigate what they describe as a “labor enforcement no man’s land” due to the atrophy and political capture of the NLRB.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: Amazon lawsuit details federal labor board’s dysfunction in New York | amNewYork

New York State United Teachers On New York State's 2026-27 Enacted Budget: 'This Budget Proves What's Possible When Educators, Public School Allies & Communities Stand Together & Fight For What Students And Working Families Deserve'

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) – New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) President Melinda Person released the following statement on the 2026-27 enacted New York State Budget:

New Yorkers made their voices heard and this budget proves what’s possible when Educators, public school allies and communities stand together and fight for what students and Working Families deserve.

From important fixes to Tier 6 that strengthen retirement dignity for Public Workers, to investments in public education - Pre-K through Post-Grad - this budget reflects a commitment to supporting the people who make our communities work every day.

We are especially proud of our Members and New York's Labor Movement.

We secured the biggest pension reform victory since Tier 6 was enacted in 2012 - including reducing the retirement age for most teachers and Teaching Assistants by five years, lower contribution rates for Members and, for SUNY (State University of New York) and CUNY (City University of New York) Optional Retirement Program Members, and an additional 1% State contribution to their accounts.

We are not done fighting, but we are pleased to see historic progress being made toward a fairer future for all Public Workers.

This budget also doubles down on the promise of public education.

The 3.9% increase in Foundation Aid - with a minimum 2% increase to all Districts - and important updates to the funding formula will better recognize and support students experiencing homelessness, children in foster care and English language learners.

A major 40% expansion in universal pre-kindergarten and increased support for our public colleges and universities, including increased access to higher education for adult learners through an expanded SUNY and CUNY Reconnect program, reinforces what we know to be true: When we invest in public education, we invest in opportunity and in New York’s future.

This budget moves New York forward.

It reflects years of advocacy and organizing by NYSUT Members and our partners who never stopped pushing for policies that strengthen public education, protect Working People and create brighter futures for our children.

We look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.

Budgets are statements of values - and we thank the Elected Leaders who stood up and made clear that New York’s students, Educators and public schools remain worth investing in.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: NYSUT President Melinda Person releases statement on 2026-27 enacted state budget

After Nearly Three Months Since Their Last Contract Expired, Unionized New York Times Staff 'Rallies To Demand A New Contract"

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - More than 100 Union-represented New York Times Employees walked out of the newspaper's Midtown Headquarters this week to rally for a new contract, almost three months after their last one expired.

The Staff are members of the Times Guild, the largest Bargaining Unit of the NewsGuild of New York, that represents more than 1,500 Editorial, Advertising and Support Staff at The Gray Lady.

The Guild has been bargaining for a new contract since January with five core priorities: Raises to keep up with rising cost of living; Affordable health care; Guaranteed hybrid work; Artificial Intelligence (AI) guardrails; and Expansion of the Guild across the newspaper.

Near-weekly bargaining has yielded little progress, Raoul Anchondo - a Times Staff Editor and Member of the Guild’s Bargaining Committee, told The Chief: “This was an attempt to send a clear message to management that their current approach to bargaining is unacceptable and that we need to see real movement around all of our core priorities and expect a fair contract.”

This was the third action taken by the Guild this week, following a mass e-mail to the administration by more than 500 Staff Members and a silent protest at the recent all-hands meeting while CEO Meredith Kopit Levien spoke.

The Guild is also seeking pay increases that both keep up with inflation and reflect Staff contributions to a company that saw more than $431 million in profits last year, according to public filings.

The company’s proposed 3% annual salary increase doesn’t meet the Union's needs, Anchondo said, pointing to factors like housing inflation, which rose 4.4% last year.

“Essentially, if we accepted the current proposal we’d be taking a pay cut,” he said.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: New York Times staff rally to demand contract - The Chief

The NYS Labor Movement's Fight To Fix Tier 6 'Results In Victory:' Deal 'Will Increase Pensions For More Than 830,000 Public Employees Statewide, Among Other Gains'

Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) – A deal has been reached to increase Tier 6 pensions for more than 830,000 New York State Public Employees, as well as allow Teachers with 30 years on-the-job to retire at age 58 rather than 63 - and increase the amount of overtime that can be counted towards every Municipal Tier 6 Member’s pension throughout the State.

New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento released the following statement: The Union Movement’s fight to fix Tier 6 has always been about dignity, self-respect and financial independence in retirement. Whether it's a reduction in pension contribution rates, lifting the cap on pensionable overtime or reducing the retirement age, these changes are a clear victory for Public Sector Workers across this State. I am extremely proud of the unity and solidarity displayed by all our affiliated Unions in the Public and Private Sectors, as well as in the Building Trades Unions, throughout this campaign. We were able to build upon previous pension improvements over the past five years, including improvements to vesting and final average salary. This demonstrates what the Union Movement can achieve when we stand together and raise our voices to improve the quality of life for all Working People. I want to thank Governor (Kathy) Hochul and acknowledge the collaborative efforts of (State) Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and the Democratic Majorities in both Houses of the Legislature for recognizing the importance of these changes, which will address the recruitment and retention challenges of Public Employees and thereby improve the services we all rely on.

United Federation of Teachers (UFT) Teachers Michael Mulgrew also released a statement: Albany heard us and took a major step in correcting the injustice of Tier 6. Lowering the retirement age for educators from 63 to 58 after 30 years of service will make the pensions better and fairer for current and future Employees. It shows that progress is possible when we stand together.

When the original Tier 6 reforms were first put in place, the retirement age of Public Workers hired after April 2012 was pushed from 55 to 62 to earn a full pension.

The cost-cutting measures also raised the Employee contribution and slimmed down benefits for recent hires.

The lowered retirement age only applies to Teachers and Teaching Assistants, not other Government Workers in different retirement systems.

The plan is estimated to cost the State $118 million year and $440 million to local Governments and School Districts.

The agreement is different depending on job title.

Only Educators are expected to have a reduced retirement age.

All other Workers currently eligible to retire at 63 without penalty will remain at that age.

However, pensions for all Public Employees will increase under the revised Tier 6 Program.

The deal included in the Fiscal Year 2027 State Budget features reductions in pension contributions for hundreds of thousands of Workers within Tier 6 and an increase in the amount of overtime pay that can count towards the final calculation for Workers’ Pension Benefits.

The finalized agreement is a fraction of the $1.5 billion in changes Labor Leaders pushed that would have lowered the retirement age to 55 for all Workers within Tier 6 - but the agreement is a substantial pension increase for all Municipal Workers in New York State.

“This victory is the result of diligent lobbying efforts and Member support” Transit Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 President John Chiarello said. “These changes do not happen overnight, but together we will keep fighting for the equity we deserve.”

Starting January 1st, 2027, 25% of overtime earnings for Police and Firefighters will count towards their final calculated retirement benefit, up from 15%.

For all other Employees, the amount of overtime included in the retirement benefit calculation will increase from $22,000 to $30,000.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: NYS and Unions Change Tier 6 – LaborPress

NYSUT Film 'Honors' UUP Member's 'Advocacy Against ICE'

Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - Nearly 2,000 Unionists at the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Representative Assembly stood in sustained applause for United University Professions (UUP) Upstate Chapter President Mindy Health, who was honored for her tireless advocacy for two Unionists arrested by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

Created by Emmy-nominated Filmmaker Matt Reynolds - the short, but powerful, documentary-style film includes footage and photos shot and supplied by UUP and NYSUT, which featured Heath’s efforts.

Upstate UUP Member Alcibiades “Alex” Lazaro Ramirez González, and his husband, Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Member Yannier “Yan” Vázquez Hildago, were arrested by Federal Agents in October 2025 in Syracuse as they waited to attend an immigration hearing on their asylum cases.

The men, who are from Cuba, had valid work permits and asylum status, but ICE nonetheless them and sent them to a Federal Detention Center in Batavia, near Buffalo.

Ramirez and Vázquez, who were ordered deported to Ecuador by different Federal Judges - even though they’ve never been to the country - were held for more than three months before they were released on bond in February pending their appeals of the rulings.

Heath wasted no time getting involved.

Working closely with UUP President Fred Kowal and Labor Leaders in Syracuse and Albany, Heath hastily organized a November 10th rally for Ramirez and Vázquez that drew hundreds of supporters and was widely covered by Syracuse media.

Heath did numerous news interviews with Syracuse media and UUP quickly became a clearing house of information to Salt City Reporters about the status of the two men.

She also designed T-shirts with the silhouettes of the men on the front and the words: “We Stand with Alex and Yan.”

She also visited the men at the detention center.

Heath was there when they were released on bond.

“I grew up in a Union Family and to me, that meant you were part of something bigger than yourself,” Heath says in the opening scene of the seven-minute film. “When things got difficult you had others at your side.”

In one scene, Heath described meeting with Ramirez through a glass wall in the detention center and feeling helpless but also fired up with determination as she watched him try to make sense of his plight: “That image is burned in my head of Alex sobbing with his hand on the glass.”

“We don’t have words to say ‘thank you’ to everybody that brought support for us,” a teary-eyed Ramirez says in the film. “When I saw Mindy, I saw in her eye the power of the UUP Union.”

UUP will continue to follow the case of these two fellow Union Members.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: NYSUT film honors UUP member’s advocacy against ICE

NYSUT's President On The Tier 6 Changes Coming In The 2026 State Budget: "This Tier Six Agreement Is Proof That When Workers Organize And Stay United, Change Is Possible. This Is A Victory For Public Workers Across New York"

Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) – New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) President Melinda Person has released the following statement in response to reported fixes to Tier 6 in the State Budget:

This Tier 6 agreement is proof that when Workers organize and stay united, change is possible. This is a victory for Public Workers across New York. Because Members across New York refused to give up, we secured meaningful progress for Public Workers - including lowering the retirement age from 63 to 58 after 30 years of service for Members in the New York State and New York City Teachers’ Retirement Systems - and reducing contribution rates for many other Public Employees. This victory belongs to every Member who spoke out, rallied, lobbied and kept the pressure on. We are taking an important step toward building a fairer future for the next generation of Public Workers. And we’re going to keep fighting.

While final language and details will be included in the enacted State Budget, several Tier 6 changes are expected to be included based on reporting from several media outlets and confirmed by the Governor's Office.

Tier 6 pension reforms vary by Member group:

For Tier 6 Members in NYSTRS and NYCTRS - a group that includes most teachers and Teaching Assistants - the retirement age will be reduced by five years, from 63 to 58, for Members with 30 years of service (without penalties).

For Tier 6 Members in NYSERS, NYCERS and NYCBERS - many School-related Professionals, Support Staff and other Workers - contribution rates will be reduced across most salary bands.

New NYSERS/NYCERS/NYCBERS Contribution Bands: $75k or less: 3%; $75k - $100k: 4%; $100k - $125k: 5.25%; and $125k or more: 5.75%.

For Tier 6 Members in the SUNY (State University of New York) and CUNY (City University of New York) Optional Retirement Program (ORP), contribution bands will be adjusted to align with changes in the other retirement systems, and Members will receive an additional 1% State contribution to their ORP accounts.

And For Tier 6 Members eligible for overtime, the overtime cap used in final average salary calculations will increase from $22,500 plus CPI to $30,000 - plus CPI.

NYSUT Editor’s Note: Tier 5 TRS Members' retirement age is currently 57 and Tier 5 ERS Members have fixed contribution rates at 3%. We are awaiting final information to assess how Tier 5 Members eligible for overtime may be affected by current changes and we will continue to advocate for full fixes to Tier 5 along with further improvements for our Tier 6 Members.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: NYSUT President Melinda Person's statement on Tier 6 changes coming in 2026 state budget

United University Professions Honors New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky With The Statewide Union's 'Friend of UUP Award'

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - United University Professions (UUP), the Nation’s largest Higher Education Union, has honored New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky with its Friend of UUP Award.

Senator Stavisky, the first Woman from Queens County elected to the State Senate and the first Woman to chair the Senate Higher Ed Committee, was elected in 1999 and has served ever since.

As Senate Higher Ed Committee Chair, Senator Stavisky has been a strong supporter of Public Higher Education and the State University of New York (SUNY) - and she’s been a long-time friend of UUP.

Under her leadership, she’s worked to increase State funding to SUNY, providing the University System with resources necessary to offer a word-class educational experience to students. She has also increased student access through reforms to the State’s Tuition Assistance Program and by keeping tuition reasonable for Working Families.

UUP President Fred Kowal (Pictured Above With Senator Stavisky/UUP-Provided Photo) said: “Senator Stavisky really deserves this Friend of UUP Award. She’s been there for UUP and her hard work has benefitted SUNY, our Members, students and communities across our State. UUP’s relationship with State Lawmakers matters to this Union the whole year round and not just during budget season. We cultivate good friendships with Lawmakers whose ideals and goals match our own, on both sides of the aisle. It’s a bonus for us when these friendships are based on years of trust and mutual respect. We are fortunate indeed to have such a friendship with Senator Toby Ann Stavisky of the Eleventh Senate District.”

Senator Stavisky said: “Together we have made great strides and I'm optimistic about the future, the Faculty and Support Staff are the reason. They teach the students, they conduct the research and they care for the patients in our Public Teaching Hospitals. The strength of New York's future is a result of our Public Colleges and Universities, and I will keep doing my part in Albany to make sure New York lives up to that responsibility.”

UUP’s non-partisan award recognizes distinguished service rendered to SUNY by those who strengthen and enlarge the political community devoted to the progressive development of Public Higher Education in New York State.

Past winners include State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

UUP represents more than 42,000 Academic and Professional Faculty and Retirees.

UUP Members work at 29 New York State-operated Campuses, including SUNY’s Public Teaching Hospitals and Health Science Centers in Brooklyn, Long Island and Syracuse.

UUP is an affiliate of New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the National Education Association (NEA) and the AFL-CIO.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: Press Release | UUP honors Stavisky with Friend of UUP award

St. John's Faculty Rallies At Board Of Trustees Meeting To 'Demand University Return To The Bargaining Table' After 'De-Recognizing' The Unions In February

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) – More than 100 Faculty Members of the St. John’s University Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the Faculty Association (FA) - along with students, community members and Labor allies from PSC-CUNY (Professional Staff Congress-City University of New York) and Fordham Faculty United, gathered at the main entrance to the St. John’s University Queens Campus during the final Board of Trustees meeting of the 2025-2026 academic year, demanding the University come back to the bargaining table after de-recognizing the Unions in a February e-mail. Scabby the Rat stood tall at the entrance to the campus while passing cars honked in support. The rally also featured support from a number of Elected Officials. John Waters, a Clinical Associate Professor of English at New York University, was one of the featured speakers. Waters’ Father was a Catholic Social Justice Lawyer at St. John’s and was among the founders of the AAUP Chapter at St. John’s that is currently under attack. He told the crowd that St. John’s University is betraying its principles – and: “We have to speak clearly to the administration that this will not stand. The Faculty is the University!”

Photo Courtesy Of The AAUP.