WNYLaborToday News - New York State Labor News

NYSNA Members At UVMH-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Ratify 'New Contract That Maintains Health Benefits, Delivers Fair Wages To Help Recruit & Retain Nurses For Safe Staffing & Improves Protections From Workplace Violence, AI & Layoffs'

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK) - New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) Nurses and Health Care Professionals at University of Vermont Health-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (UVMH-CVPH) have voted overwhelmingly (by 97%) to ratify a new four-year contract.

This victory comes after nearly a year at the bargaining table, an informational picket and a marathon 24-hour bargaining session (on October 15th and the 16th) where NYSNA Nurses and Health Care Professionals were able to reach a tentative agreement with management.

Highlights of the contract include: Safe staffing improvements, including a Staffing Committee to monitor clinical areas not included in the Staffing Law and an enforceable Staffing Policy for when there is a persistent failure to staff Units according to the Staffing Plan submitted to New York State; Fair wages to help recruit and retain Nurses and Health Care Professionals for safe staffing, including yearly wage increases of 3%, retroactive to January 2026; An additional pay step to encourage staff retention; Improved protections against workplace violence, including paid time off for recovery and a commitment to install a Weapons Detection System; New protections against Artificial Intelligence (AI); Stronger layoff protections; and Maintained health benefits.

Securing enforceable safe staffing language was a priority for Nurses and Health Care Professionals during this contract fight.

Over the last year, Nurses and Health Care Professionals have held numerous speak-outs at the Hospital, demanding CVPH management take accountability for consistent understaffing.

After little movement from management, NYSNA Members held an informational picket in May, alongside Elected Officials and community members, to reiterate their demands for safe staffing.

NYSNA President Nancy Hagans said: “North Country Nurses are showing up and getting the job done, winning great contracts that protect quality patient care and deliver good Union jobs with good benefits to their communities. This is a critical time when more and more of our community members are losing their health care coverage due to Federal health care funding cuts. NYSNA is proud to see our Members fight to preserve access to quality care in every part of our State.”

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: NYSNA Members at UVMH-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Overwhelmingly Ratify New Contract Agreement | New York State Nurses Association

'Young' Tradespeople 'Will Shape New York State's Future'

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The Micron Technology Facility located just outside Syracuse and the I-81 Viaduct Project are expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs over the next 20 years. These jobs will span various Trades, including Construction Laborers, Electricians, Plumbers and HVAC technicians. Micron Technology is building a Semiconductor Facility in Clay, which has become a key driver of the current surge in construction activity in Central New York. It is expected to contribute significantly to job creation in the region over the next two decades. Large-scale capital-intensive projects, such as Data Centers and Semiconductor Fabrication Plants, are increasing demand for Construction Labor. These projects require substantial skilled labor resources. By 2031, 41% of the current U.S. Construction Workforce is expected to retire. This demographic shift will significantly reduce the available pool of experienced Workers in the industry. A survey found 82% of contractors are experiencing difficulty in hiring for hourly craft positions. This reflects widespread hiring challenges across the Construction Industry.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Young tradespeople will shape New York’s future

Photo/Graphic Courtesy Of WSYR/NewsChannel 9 In Syracuse

NYSNA Hosts Virtual Town Hall On Northwell Health/Putnam Hospital Nurses' 'Fight For Safe Staffing' - Union 'Addresses Concerns As The Hospital Seeks Prestigious Nursing Recognition While Fighting Against A Fair Contract With Safe Staffing Standards'

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(CARMEL, NEW YORK) - Alongside Elected Officials and Labor Allies, New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) Members employed at Northwell Health/Putnam Hospital hosted a Virtual Town Hall meeting on Monday (October 19th) to update the public on NYSNA Nurses’ ongoing contract negotiations with the Hospital, highlight staffing issues that Nurses are facing and give a presentation on the challenges experienced when Northwell has purchased small, community Hospitals and health care costs increase for patients.

The Nurses’ previous contract expired on December 31st, 2025 - and since last October, Nurses have been bargaining for a new contract that prioritizes enforceable Safe Staffing Standards to protect quality patient care.

Northwell has repeatedly ignored Nurses’ input in establishing and maintaining Staffing Guidelines that ensure safe staffing and better patient outcomes, NYSNA said.

They also refuse to include any meaningful enforcement mechanisms in the contract, preventing Nurses from holding Hospital administrators accountable when Units are understaffed, Union Officials said.

Nurses say that as the largest private employer in the state and one of the wealthiest Health Care Systems, Northwell Health can afford to include enforceable Staffing Standards for Putnam Hospital in writing.

Concurrently, Northwell is pursuing Magnet Accreditation at several Hospitals, including Putnam.

Magnet Status is the highest credential a Hospital can receive for Nursing excellence and quality patient care.

Considering the ongoing staffing issues and Northwell’s refusal to settle a contract that includes enforceable Safe Staffing Ratios, NYSNA Nurses do not support their application for Magnet status.

"Over the years, I’ve seen Putnam nurses be asked to take on more roles and more patients with less resources,” NYSNA Local Bargaining Unit President Nicole Cadella, a Registered Nurse (RN), said. “I care about my patients and don’t want them to feel rushed when being discharged from surgery. Sometimes we can’t get breaks until late in the day or at all because there’s not enough Staff to cover us. People have resigned because they were given impossible workloads. All of these issues need to be addressed in our contract and it feels like Northwell is stalling.”

“It always feels like we are on the verge of a crisis because we are so short-staffed,” RN Hannah Bozsik said. “I’ve been a Putnam Nurse for three years and since Northwell took over, staffing levels have gotten worse. We work extremely hard and we deserve to have a fair contract with Staffing Standards that will protect our patients and ourselves.”

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: TODAY, OCT. 19: NYSNA to Host Virtual Town Hall on Northwell Health/Putnam Hospital Nurses’ Fight for Safe Staffing | New York State Nurses Association

NYSNA File Photo.

The Transport Workers Union's Organizing Wins At The New York City Ferry 'Roll On As Tech Supervisors Join The TWU'

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - Tech Supervisors employed at the New York City Ferry have voted unanimously to join the Transport Workers Union (TWU), the culmination of a hugely successful first organizing wave at the property that also saw Ferry Captains - along with Technicians and Welders, join the TWU in the last three months. “This is a complete and total victory for the TWU, organizing every work title, wall-to-wall at the New York City Ferry, building ‘Worker Power’ with Industrial Trade Unionism,” TWU International President John Samuelsen said. “Workers at the New York City Ferry are well on their way to being fully Unionized with additional organizing efforts underway.” The New York City Ferry Workers are primarily based in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and work for the contractor, Hornblower. The Ferry Service launched in 2017 and operates six routes and one seasonal route. The TWU is the first Union on property at the New York City Ferry. The TWU now represents hundreds of Workers at the New York City Ferry and is now focused on organizing Deckhands, who’ve reached out to the TWU about joining. Work on a first contract for the Tech Supervisors, Ferry Captains and Technicians and Welders is now underway. The TWU continues to grow on land, air, and sea in New York State. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Subway and Bus Workers, Citi Bike Workers, PATH, Metro-North Railroad Workers, Port Authority Workers, School Bus Drivers and thousands of Airport Workers in the New York City area are all part of America’s Fightback Union.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: TWU Organizing Wins at NYC Ferry Roll on as Tech Supervisors Join the TWU – Transport Workers Union

TWU-Provided Photo.

The Hudson Valley Building Trades Sign A Labor Usage Agreement With Central Hudson Gas & Electric 'That Will Put Local Union Workers On The Job With The Utility's Major Construction Projects'

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Hank Gross at The Hudson Valley News reports the Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council and Central Hudson Gas & Electric have signed a Labor Usage Agreement that puts skilled local Union Workers on the job with the Utility’s major construction projects in the Hudson Valley. Under the policy, Central Hudson projects more than $1.5 million that does not carry Prevailing Wage requirements will be performed under a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) and projects over $375,000 that include Prevailing Wage will be performed by Union Workers. “Our Members build the infrastructure that keeps the Hudson Valley running and this policy means they’ll be the ones doing that work for years to come. Central Hudson has been a real partner to the Building Trades. They invest in this region, they hire local and they put that commitment in writing. That’s what a good employer does and it’s why our Members stand with Central Hudson,” said Todd Diorio, who serves as the President of the Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council and as Chairman of the New York State Laborers’ PAC and Special International Representative. Central Hudson President Stephanie Raymond said the agreement “marks an important milestone for Central Hudson and our Labor partners.” She said the agreement “recognizes that successful infrastructure projects depend on Skilled Workers, strong Labor-Management relationships and a shared commitment to the communities we serve.”

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: Hudson Valley Building Trades and Central Hudson sign labor usage agreement - Mid Hudson News

And For More, Read: HUDSON VALLEY BUILDING TRADES AND CENTRAL HUDSON SIGN LABOR USAGE POLICY TO KEEP LOCAL UNION WORKERS ON THE JOB - Empire Report

As Consumers 'Get Ready To Kick Off' The 2026 Holiday Shopping Season, The RWDSU 'Reminds' Shoppers: 'Remember To Treat Those Workers Who Work To Make Your Holidays Bright With Dignity, Safety & Respect'

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) – As the Holiday Shopping Season gets underway with Amazon Prime shopping beginning, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) President Stuart Appelbaum - whose Union represents 100,000 Members across the U.S. and is affiliated with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) - has issued the following statement urging Workers across the Supply Chain, from Retail Store counters and E-Commerce Fulfillment Centers to Farms, Food Processing and Distribution Hubs, be treated with dignity, safety and respect:

The Holiday Season has always been tough on Retail Workers, but right now we’re at a breaking point.

Prices are high, Stores are short-staffed and constant AI (Artificial Intelligence) monitoring and surveillance are tracking every second of the workday and beyond.

Workers across the entire Supply Chain are bearing the brunt of a system that pushes them past their limits.

Retail Workers don’t control empty shelves or long checkout lines - and they shouldn't have to face the dangers of a peak season on their own.

Across the country, Store Employees are dealing with verbal abuse, harassment - and even physical violence from angry shoppers.

Nobody should have to fear for their safety just showing up to work.

Employers need to step up with real security, proper and safe staffing levels, and enforceable protocols to handle hostile situations.

And to the public, remember this: Basic kindness costs nothing, but it means everything to someone working back-to-back shifts.

In E-Commerce Warehouses, the situation is just as harsh, yet often unseen.

At massive Fulfillment Centers like Amazon, Employees aren't treated like human beings, they’re treated like cogs in a machine.

Algorithmic surveillance tracks every movement and every bathroom break to enforce impossible, moving targets.

Algorithms fire and discipline people without any human review, driving Workers into mandatory overtime and physical burnout.

Amazon and big E-Commerce employers need to rein in these quotas, be honest about the data they collect, stop hiding behind software and end the Union-Busting that keeps Workers from having a say.

We also must continue to push for fairness and safety standards for the people who make our Holiday meals and deliveries possible, the Farmworkers, Food Processors, Warehouse Crews and Drivers working through freezing cold and dangerous conditions.

They deserve safe workplaces, fair wages and a Union Voice on the job.

On top of that, Retailers and Logistics Companies are starting to use AI not just to monitor Staff, but to replace human Workers entirely.

Cutting jobs to boost profit margins hurts customer service, destroys good community jobs and dumps twice as much work onto the people left behind.

Technology needs to serve Working People – not wipe out their livelihoods, exploit their labor or invade their privacy.

An algorithm cannot replace human dignity, safety and respect, and Worker data shouldn't be hoarded as corporate property.

This season, employers need to stop spying on their staff and wringing every last drop of labor out of them - and start treating them with the respect and pay they’ve earned.

We wish a joyful Holiday Season to our Members, their families, and the public – this year and every year.

To Directly Access This Labor Statement, Go To: 2026 HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON STATEMENT FROM RWDSU — Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU)

More Than 1,300 32BJ SEIU-Represented Building Service Workers Across Westchester County & The Hudson Valley 'Win The Largest Raises Ever In A New Four-Year Contract'

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Ben Cmic at The Daily Voice reports from White Plains that more than 1,300 Union-represented Building Service Workers employed across Westchester County and the Hudson Valley are going to receive their largest wage increase ever after ratifying a new four-year contract. 32BJ Service Employees International Union (SEIU) represents more than 5,000 Property Service Workers (Doorpersons, Porters, Building Superintendents and Maintenance Workers) throughout the Hudson Valley, including the 1,300 Residential Building Employees covered by the new contract with the Building and Realty Institute of Westchester and the Mid-Hudson Region. Workers will receive $4-per-hour wage increases over the four-year contract, which the Union described as its largest raises ever. The deal also includes pension improvements while maintaining existing Health Care Benefits without requiring Workers to contribute toward insurance premiums. Additionally, the contract preserves overtime protections and benefits eligibility.

To Read This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: 1,300 Hudson Valley Building Workers Win Largest Raises Ever In New Union Contract | Daily Voice

From The New York State United Teachers Union: New York's Elected Leaders 'Unite Against The Federal Private School Voucher Scheme'

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - Opposition to the Federal Private School Voucher Program is growing across New York, as some of the State’s most prominent Elected Leaders have joined Educators, parents, Civil Rights Organizations and Labor Unions in warning against opting New York into the new Federal program.

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli are among the latest State Leaders who have raised concerns about the voucher scheme and are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to protect New York’s Public Schools.

"New York’s Leaders are sending an unmistakable message: Don’t gamble with our Public Schools,” New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) President Melinda Person said. “We now know what the Federal rules look like and they are worse than we feared. New York would put its name on this program while Washington controls the rules. With Leaders from across our State raising serious concerns, there is simply no reason to opt into this experiment.”

United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew said: "This isn't about education. It is about the Federal Government worming its way into classrooms across the State. It doesn't matter your political bent. I think we can agree that the last thing we want is the Federal Government dictating how our children should be educated."

Their opposition comes as recently-released Federal Regulations make clear New York would have little ability to impose its own standards, safeguards or accountability measures if it chooses to participate.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said: "I am apprehensive about this Federal proposal and have serious reservations about the potential impact it could have on Public Schools across New York State. New York should not opt in to this program. The regulations announced would undercut New York's ability to establish meaningful guardrails, leaving the State with little control over which schools and expenses qualify or how this funding is used and would allow those dollars to potentially flow to schools out of the State. We have finally been able to fully fund our schools after years of neglect and lawsuits. New York should remain focused on strengthening the Public School System and improving educational outcomes for all students. We have an obligation to every student in New York State to make sure they have access to a quality education, and that means continuing to invest in the public schools that serve students in every community across our state."

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said: “The Assembly Majority will always prioritize quality education for New York’s students and ensure that Public Schools are fully funded. Public dollars should support Public Schools that serve all children and are accountable to the taxpayers who fund them. New York should opt out of the Federal Voucher Program and continue investing in the public schools that educate the overwhelming majority of our children.”

The opposition extends beyond Albany.

Earlier this year, 15 Democratic Members of New York’s Congressional Delegation wrote to Governor Hochul urging her to protect New York’s long-standing commitment to public education and warning about the impact of the Federal Voucher proposal.

And concern crosses party lines.

U.S. Representative Andrew Garbarino, a Republican, also wrote to Hochul urging her to opt out of the program.

Opposition to the program has already united more than 80 organizations representing educators, parents, School Boards, Superintendents, Labor and Civil Rights Advocates.

New Yorkers have also expressed strong opposition to diverting taxpayer resources toward Private-School vouchers.

New York has a choice. It does not have to participate.

With the State’s Legislative Leaders, Members of Congress, Education Organizations, Labor Unions, Civil Rights Advocates and New Yorkers across the State Raising Concerns, NYSUT and UFT are calling on Governor Hochul to reject participation in the Federal Voucher Program.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: New York elected leaders unite against federal private school voucher scheme

NYSNA-Represented Nurses Employed At The Adirondack Medical Center In Saranac Lake 'Hold First Informational Picket In 25 Years, Seek A Fair Contract Addressing Recruitment, Retainment & Affordable Health Care Benefits'

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(SARANAC LAKE, NEW YORK) - After nearly a year of contract negotiations, Nurses represented by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) at Adirondack Medical Center held an informational picket on Wednesday (October 7th) to call for a fair contract to ensure there are enough Nurses to care for their community and to protect Nurse and patient safety.

The Unionized Nurses are seeking entry to the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) Benefit Fund, which will provide affordable health care benefits for Nurses and their families.

Adirondack’s current employer-provided health plan is both costly and limited, acting as a deterrent for both recruiting and retaining quality Nurses in the North Country.

Gaining access to the NYSNA Benefit Fund would ensure Nurses have access to the affordable, full health coverage needed to keep themselves, their families, and their patients safe and healthy.

Negotiations with the Hospital began in November 2025 - and since that time, management has refused to address the Nurses’ main concern: Recruiting and retaining experienced Nurses to provide safe, quality care.

Nurses responded to management dragging their feet at the bargaining table by launching a digital action and advertising campaign for community members.

More than 400 community members took action in support of Adirondack Nurses by sending e-mails to Hospital CEO Aaron Kramer, demanding he settle a fair contract that includes affordable health benefits.

They also held the facility’s first public action outside the hospital in 25 years in July and Wednesday’s informational picket was the first at the Hospital in 25 years.

“It's going to get harder to recruit and retain Nurses as our family plans become more expensive and our wages fall further behind most of the other area Hospitals,” said Registered Nurse (RN) Bill Schneider, who serves as Second Vice President of NYSNA and is President of the NYSNA Adirondack Medical Center Bargaining Unit. “Every day, Nurses work hard to care for our patients and community. Why is Adirondack making Nurses struggle to get the health coverage and meaningful wages they and their families need?”

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 where Adirondack Health is the only provider.

Nurses report being denied coverage for medically-necessary procedures and high co-pays for services not provided at Adirondack, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy for cancer treatment.

“NYSNA Nurses at Adirondack Medical Center are right to speak out and advocate for their patients and profession. Nurses in this community put their own health on the line every day they come to work and they deserve quality, affordable health benefits,” NYSNA President Nancy Hagans said. “It is shameful that the largest private employer in the Adirondack Park is refusing to listen to the Nurses and negotiate a fair contract that keeps the Hospital competitive and helps recruit and retain enough Nurses for quality care.”

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: TODAY: Adirondack Nurses to Hold First Informational Picket in 25 Years | New York State Nurses Association

Photo Courtesy Of NYSNA’s Facebook Page.

New York Farmworkers 'Win Court Ruling Reaffirming Union Rights Amid Growers' Challenge' - New Report Finds Those In Agriculture 'Among Most Exploited'

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A Federal Judge has rejected a request from growers against New York State's Farmworker Unionization Law, upholding Workers' ability to organize under a landmark 2019 law.

The lawsuit - brought by the New York State Vegetable Growers Association along with A&J Kirby Farms, Lynn-Ette & Sons Farms and Porpiglia Farms, continues to challenge the constitutionality of Workers’ rights to unionize, which was granted to Farmworkers for the first time in New York in 2019.

All three individual farms have Workers represented by the United Farm Workers (UFW) - but have yet to implement first Union contracts, according to the UFW.

Workers who grow, process, transport and serve food face some of the highest rates of workplace abuse, wage theft, forced labor and injury and death in the Global Food System, according to a new report from the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems.

The ruling offers a concrete example of the dynamic Errol Schweizer, an IPES-Food Panel Expert and Co-Author and Editor of the report, described to The Chief in an interview: Food Workers are essential to the economy but face significant barriers when they attempt to exercise collective power.

“The first and most important thing is Worker self-organization,” Schweizer said.

Workers, he argued, must be able to organize and Unionize without facing employer retaliation or aggressive Union-Busting.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: New York Farmworkers win court ruling reaffirming union rights amid growers' challenge - The Chief

Workers Across New York State 'Just Got Three New Labor Law Protections'

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Annalise Knudson at siadvance.com reports Governor Kathy Hochul has signed three new Labor Laws intended to protect New York State Workers. Employees have gained new protections against Union impersonation, sudden construction job cancellations and restricted access to personnel files, under the three new Bills signed by the Governor. Said Hochul: “New York has the best Workforce in the Nation. Our Workers power our economy, build our communities and keep our State moving forward every single day. These common-sense laws will put money in Workers’ pockets, safeguard their personal information and ensure that a hard day’s work is met with a fair day’s pay.” The first Bill (A10835-A/S9577-A) allows the Attorney General to seek damages of $1,000 per violation from individuals fraudulently presenting themselves as a Union Representative. This will protect Union Members’ rights and prevent outside groups from deceptively collecting personal and protected information.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: N.Y. Gov. Hochul signs 3 new bills that give more protections to workers - silive.com

'Fake' Safety Cards 'Put 20,000 Construction Workers At Risk' - Final Guilty Plea Follows Death Of Worker 'Who Received Fake' Training

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - The final defendant alleged by prosecutors to be involved in scheme selling fake Construction Safety Certifications to roughly 20,000 Workers in New York City has pleaded guilty, concluding a case that drew the attention of Building Trades Unions over the consequences of fake training in an already dangerous industry. Richard Marini, 73, the former Training Director of Valor Security & Investigations, pleaded guilty to 20 counts of offering a false instrument for filing and one count of reckless endangerment. He is expected to be sentenced to 1½ to three years in State Prison. Prosecutors with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said Marini issued safety certificates and cards to 20,000 people between December 2019 and April 2023, charging Workers between $300 and $600 for documentation stating that they had completed the required 40 hours of Construction Safety Training when they had not actually received the training. The case has drawn criticism from the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, whose President - Gary LaBarbera, said fake Training Programs put Workers at risk while setting up a massive system of exploitation: “This sham safety school is yet another shameful instance of unscrupulous actors prioritizing their greed over the well-being of hard-working New Yorkers who are just looking to support their families and make ends meet.” The Union Leader said the Construction Industry should have “zero tolerance for fraud,” particularly when it involves safety training.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Fake safety cards put 20,000 construction workers at risk - The Chief

'Hundreds Convene For NYSUT's Unplugged' Conference That 'Delved Into The Growing Role Of Technology In Classrooms & How Schools Can Harness Technology While Keeping Teaching, Learning & Human Connection At The Forefront'

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) – The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) recently brought together more than 500 Educators, Parents, Lawmakers, Medical Experts and Advocates for Unplugged: Reclaiming Human-Centered Education, a full-day conference delving into the growing role of technology in classrooms and how schools can harness technology while keeping teaching, learning and human connection at the forefront.

"This is not an anti-technology conference," NYSUT President Melinda Person said. "Technology can be incredibly useful. It can open doors, provide access and help Educators do things that wouldn't have been imaginable a decade ago. But there's a big difference between teaching children how to use technology or using technology as a tool and designing education around technology. We need this conversation, but I hope we can all agree on where this conversation should begin - with children and what is best for them."

"Education is fundamentally a human endeavor," New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa said. "All of us bear responsibility for protecting our young minds. At the end of the day, let us prepare our students without surrendering curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, relationship building and the joy of learning."

"We all know that laws and lawsuits are only part of the work," New York State Attorney General Letitia James said. "Teachers are the people seeing how this technology actually impacts the classroom. You see what students learn, what distracts them, what gets in the way of the relationships that make education possible. As the debate around how AI (Artificial Intelligence) is used in schools continues, we want you at the table, because no one is better equipped to decide what is best for our kids than Teachers."

The conference featured keynote speaker Jared Cooney Horvath, Ph.D., M.Ed., a Neuroscientist, Educator and best-selling author, who explored what research tells us about how technology affects the brain and student development: "Tech will never be a learning tool. It is there for experts to get work done. It's not there for kids to learn to become experts. We don't need more tech training. We need more understanding and literacy. Tech is not an equity tool. If you want genuine equity, make sure every kid has a good teacher and a good school."

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Hundreds convene for NYSUT's Unplugged conference And View The Conference’s Highlights Here.

LABOR NEWS UPDATE: 'In A First For A Nationwide Chain,' AutoZone Workers In White Plains 'Go Union,' Vote To Join The United Auto Workers

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Workers employed at an AutoZone location in White Plains (New York) have made history by voting to join United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 259, making them the first store at the country’s largest Auto Parts Retailer to organize for a fair contract. Staff cited concerns around low pay and unfair working conditions as core motivators for joining together for a stronger voice on the job. LaborLab - a Non-Profit Labor Rights Watchdog Organization - and Workers identified at least 11 Corporate Executives, along with several Regional and District Managers, who appeared at the store leading up to the vote. “It’s like ‘hitting a fly with a mallet,’” Local 259 Vice President Mike DiGuiseppe said. “They’ve had ‘more Corporate Executive Union-Busters in the store than Workers.’” David Valencia, who works at the AutoZone store, added: “Our goal is to get compensation, job security, just more things that closely reflect the value that we know that we bring to the company. We’re not getting close to what we’re worth. There is no bargaining when you’re alone. They’re only going to bargain when you’re together. So we don’t have a choice. Either we’re going to live in poverty and not be able to pay our bills or we’re going to do this.”

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: AutoZone worker says he was fired after Westchester store won first union election: report

Labor Perspective From Albany County AFL-CIO Central Labor Federation Executive Secretary Larry Wittner: 'How Trump Has Lowered The Wages Of American Workers'

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

WNYLaborToday.com Editor’s Note: Larry Wittner, who serves as Executive Secretary of the Albany County AFL-CIO Central Labor Federation of Labor recently penned the following Labor Perspective that was published on the ZNetwork:

On June 6th, 2025, Donald Trump’s White House Staff issued an upbeat statement proclaiming that what it called the “Trump Effect” was creating “higher pay for American Workers.”

The reality, though, is that Trump, during his second term in office, has deliberately reduced the wages of millions of Workers and, despite substantial inflation, frozen the wages of millions more.

In March 2025, kicking off his assault on Workers’ wages, Trump rescinded a Biden Administration Executive Order that had increased the minimum wage that Federal contractors must pay their Workers who are employed in Government services.

These 400,000 Workers included Janitors in Federal buildings, Food Service Workers, Cashiers in gift shops and national parks, and Security Guards.

Thanks to Trump’s action, the minimum wage for these Workers fell from $17.75 to $13.30 an hour, a 25% pay cut.

Workers directly employed by the Federal Government received particularly harsh treatment.

Shortly after taking office, the Trump Administration, through a combination of firings, bad-mouthing and pressures toward early retirement, inspired a mass exodus of over 300,000 Federal Workers from their jobs and incomes.

Furthermore, Trump deprived more than a million Federal Workers (a large majority of Union-represented Federal Employees) of their right to collective bargaining, which, among other things, severely limited their ability to secure higher wages.

In this context, Trump froze the wages of most Federal Employees for two years in a row.

Raising their pay, he said, would be “irresponsible.”

During 2026, the Trump Administration took additional action to lower the wages of American Workers - adopting policies that deprive Workers of wage, salary, and overtime protections by facilitating their misclassification as Independent Contractors rather than as Employees.

The Administration also rescinded another Biden-era regulation that made overtime pay available to increased numbers of Salaried Workers.

Consequently, 4.3 million Salaried Employees no longer qualify for the time-and-a-half pay for overtime work, a policy established by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

To Continue Reading This Labor Perspective, Go To: How Trump Has Lowered the Wages of American Workers - ZNetwork

Health Care Workers, Union Members & Community Allies Rally At The University Of Rochester's School Of Nursing 'To Demand Dignity & Protections For Immigrant Health Care Workers/Caregivers'

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ROCHESTER, NEW YORK) – Health Care Workers, Bedside Caregivers, Union Members and Immigrant Rights Activists rallied in Rochester on Thursday (September 24th) as part of Healthcare Needs Us All, a coordinated national day of action taking place in hundreds of Cities across the U.S. that called on Congress to protect Immigrant Health Care Workers and the patients and residents who depend on them.

The action comes as tens of thousands of Doctors, Nurses, Hospital, Nursing Home, Home Care Workers and Support Staff who were hailed as Essential Workers during the Coronavirus Pandemic find themselves in the crosshairs of the Trump Administration.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients and other Immigrants who have lived, worked, and paid taxes in the U.S. for years are being stripped of lawful status and swept into mass deportation

Nationally, nearly 20% of Essential Caregivers and Providers in hospitals, nursing homes and home-and-community-based care were born outside the United States.

Most are U.S. Citizens, but almost a million hold other forms of legal work authorization who are now at risk.

Advocates warn that stripping legal status from Immigrant Health Care Workers will deepen the staffing crisis already straining the Health Care System nationwide.

The Trump Administration’s cruel and unjustified actions will not only harm dedicated Caregivers and Providers, they will strip health care access from Americans who depend on their care, Coalition Leaders said.

Organizers are calling on Congress to: Immediately restore legal status for TPS holders and other Immigrants; Pass the Dream and Promise Act to create a pathway to Citizenship; End discriminatory travel bans and processing delays crippling our Health Care System pipeline; and

Prioritize funding for health care instead of blank checks for ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and deportations.

1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) United Healthcare Workers East - the largest and fastest-growing Health Care Union in America whose mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all - represent more than 400,000 Nurses and Caregivers in the States of Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Florida, and in Washington, D.C.

"It's The "Largest Theft Of Labor In Human History" - New York Times Lawsuit Documents 'Raise Important AI Risk Issue'

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Matthew Sellers at Insurance Business reports documents unsealed in The New York Times' copyright lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI show Employees at both companies privately worried, years before it became public, that they were carrying out what one Microsoft Researcher called the "largest theft of labor in human history." The filings landed the same week Meta finished negotiating one of the largest consumer settlements in U.S. History and Florida's lawsuit against OpenAI moved closer to trial, a pileup of legal exposure that is starting to worry insurers almost as much as it worries the Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies themselves. The Microsoft documents - unsealed as U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein weighs summary judgment motions in Manhattan Federal Court, show OpenAI Staff discussing ways to get around News Publishers' paywalls, and internal warnings dating to 2020 that the technology could "substitute for the labor of the people who define the culture of society." The Times, which filed suit in December 2023, has never put a number on its damages claim, saying only that it is owed "billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages." Mark Geistfeld, a Law Professor at New York University, said there is "absolutely no question about the liability exposure" facing frontier AI labs, pointing to Civil Tort Law that could apply if their systems are used to facilitate cyberattacks - or worse.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: It’s the "largest theft of labor in human history." Insurers are backing away | Insurance Business

Workers In New York 'Seek To Create First AutoZone Union As Company Resists' - AutoZone 'May Have Spent About $200,000 To Fight Union Effort In White Plains'

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Michael Sainato at The Guardian reports Workers employed at an AutoZone in White Plains are seeking to become the first store at the U.S.’s largest Auto Parts Retailer to win a Union Election, which is set to begin on Friday (September 25th) despite a heavy-handed Union opposition campaign from the company. LaborLab, a Non-Profit Workers’-Rights Watchdog, estimates AutoZone has spent around $200,000 to oppose the Unionization effort at the White Plains store where 11 Workers are eligible to vote to join United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 259. The estimate is based on external attorney costs and internal costs of executive salaries based on reports from workers at the store. The company has more than 6,800 Retail Stores in the U.S. and reported a net income of $2.5 billion in Fiscal Year 2025. The Teamsters previously attempted to Unionize an AutoZone Distribution Center in the early 1990s. They lost the election, though the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) subsequently ordered a re-run election due to AutoZone’s conduct during the election, which included prohibiting Union discussions at work, threatening Workers with loss of their jobs and withholding scheduled pay increases.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: Workers in New York seek to create first AutoZone union as company resists | US unions | The Guardian

Unionized Museum Staff At The Whitney, The Brooklyn & The American Folk Art Museums In New York City 'Authorize Strike Actions'

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - Unionized Staff employed at three major New York City Museums have voted to authorize a Strike action if they do not receive fair offers on their contract.

Workers at the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Brooklyn Museum and the American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) have each voted overwhelmingly to authorize their Bargaining Committee to set a Strike deadline - if necessary.

No Strike deadline has been set yet - but each of the museums has a major exhibition opening scheduled for early October.

Workers at all three institutions say they are ready to Strike if no fair agreement is reached.

“It’s not that we want to Strike,” said Derrick Charles, a Membership Associate at the Whitney and a Union Chairperson. “We’d rather be working and doing our jobs - but our wages are untenable for making ends meet in New York City.”

Employed in the Visitor and Membership Services Department, Charles works in the lobby of the Whitney, selling tickets and memberships to visitors and answering questions.

He’s been in the position since 2018 and earns $24 per hour.

The Union says all three Museums need to raise minimum pay rates for Staff and points to average wages for its Members that are below the $71,000 per year that the City recently cited as needed for a single adult to afford to live in New York in its NYC True Cost of Living Measure Annual Report.

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: Brooklyn Museum, Whitney Museum Unions Vote for Strikes

Hundreds Of New Yorkers From Dozens Of Organized Labor, Parent, Education & Civil Rights Groups 'Call On Governor Hochul To Reject Trump Voucher Scheme'

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - Hundreds of New Yorkers from dozens of Organized Labor, parent, Education and Civil Rights groups stood shoulder to shoulder in Manhattan earlier this week to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to reject President Donald Trump's taxpayer-funded Private School Voucher Program.

Together the groups called on the Governor to opt out of the program, which would reroute public tax dollars to private schools.

"It is a tax scheme and it is not about investing in our students, investing in our children. The point is divestment from Public Schools," said L. Joy Williams, who serves as President of the NAACP New York State Conference. “We have as a State - this Legislature, this Governor -invested and continue to invest in Public Education. Continue that trend. Continue that path. Don't opt us into this destruction of our public schools.”

New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) President Melinda Person said: "Some will tell us this is about free money from the Federal Government. There is ‘no such thing as free’ money. At a moment right now where Washington is planning cuts to (Title I) and IDEA - the fundamental Federal programs that fund students in poverty and students with special needs - they're planning to cut those programs as this grows across the Nation. We cannot let this happen.”

Because these private schools could accept public money with no public accountability, they would remain free to reject students for nearly any reason, raising real concerns about whether public dollars would be used equitably and fairly.

"Vouchers are not about school choice," American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten said. “Vouchers are about allowing private schools to pick and choose who they admit, leaving the most vulnerable children behind.”

Ninety-percent of New York's children attend Public Schools and New Yorkers agree that's where the money should stay.

In recent polling more than 60% of voters said taxpayer dollars are better spent improving Public Schools, compared to just 8% who favor sending them to private school vouchers.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Hundreds call on Gov. Hochul to reject Trump voucher scheme

NYSUT-Provided Photo.

AAUP-Represented Hofstra University Faculty Approve New Five-Year Contract

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK) - Faculty at Hofstra University - who are Members of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), an Affiliate of American Federation of Teachers (AFT), have ratified a new contract. Union Members overwhelmingly approved the agreement, securing annual raises of between 3% and 3.5% over the lifetime of the five-year deal. “Months of hard work, extensive negotiations and active participation by our Membership and community achieved this outcome,” AAUP Hofstra said in a statement. “We thank our Members for their participation and unity throughout the entire process. Hundreds attended meetings, participated in an on-campus rally, voted to support job actions, signed Strike pledges, mobilized their networks to sign a petition to President Poser, shared their views and took part in the final contract vote.”

For More On This Organizing Labor News Story, Go To: Hofstra faculty approve new five-year union contract with raises - Long Island Business News

"Every Worker Deserves Dignity. Every Worker Deserves Respect. And Every Worker Deserves To Go Home Without Fear." - The Public Employees Federation 'Calls Out Bullying Inside The Department of Financial Services In New York City'

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - S.T.O.M.P. The Bull made his Union debut last week outside the Department of Financial Services (DFS) in New York City, where Public Employees Federation (PEF) Members and Staff have experienced bullying management tactics, intimidation, and retaliation.

The 20-foot inflatable bull was blown up on the sidewalk outside 1 State Street in Lower Manhattan, where more than 100 PEF Members work as Investigators and under other titles at the DFS, the New York State Agency in charge of regulating financial institutions in New York.

Modeled after Organized Labor’s famous and inflatable Scabby the Rat that pops up on City streets where Non-Unionized labor is employed, S.T.O.M.P. stands for Stop Treating Our Members Poorly and is a symbol PEF plans to deploy statewide to call out bullying managers.

“That bull over there, if you only knew what it took to get it in that location!,” PEF President Wayne Spence, referring to the arduous process required to erect a two-story inflatable on a New York City street, said. “No one wanted that bull to be out there.”

“We are here for a very simple reason,” PEF Vice President Darlene Williams said at the start of the rally. “Every Worker deserves dignity. Every Worker deserves respect. And every Worker deserves to go home without fear.”

About 100 PEF Leaders, Members and Staff were joined by Elected Officials and Members from other unions (including the New York State Nurses Association and the Communications Workers of America) in a show of solidarity at the rally.

Speakers included Coalition of Black Trade Unionists President Terrence Melvin, New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento, Chair of the State Senate Banking Committee James Sanders, Jr., incoming New York State Senator Grace Lee, New York State Assembly Members Brian Romero and Charles Fall, and City Councilman Yusef Salaam.

“I have one very simple message for all of my PEF Family here today,” NYS AFL-CIO President Cilento told the crowd. “One message: You are not alone in this fight. Your (2.5 million) Brothers and Sisters and Family Members of the New York State AFL-CIO of the entire Labor Movement are here with you!”

A PEF Field Representative and Member of PEF’s staff union, United Steelworkers (USW) Local 9265, experienced firsthand the bullying behaviors and toxic environment at the DFS, raised the red flag, and filed a complaint.

USW Members joined with PEF to call out the Agency.

USW Local 9265 Steward Jessica Carpenter said: “No Worker should have to come to work fearing bullying, intimidation, harassment or retaliation. And let’s be clear: Our Members are experiencing that same toxic behavior. USW Staff walk into DFS to represent PEF Members - and they deserve the same respect and dignity we demand for the Members they represent. We will not accept bullying or intimidation as a substitute for leadership - not against PEF Members and not against our Union Members. Today, we put aside our differences and stand together. We stand for respect. We stand for dignity. We stand for the right of every Worker to have a voice.”

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: PEF rally calls out bullying at Department of Financial Services in NYC - PEF Communicator

PEF Photo.

32BJ SEIU 'Honors Its Members Who Died On 9/11 & Announces An Ambitious Campaign To Organize More Than 50,000 New York City Security Officers'

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - 32BJ Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - the largest Union for Security Officers in the Nation and representing 20,000 in New York City, has announced an ambitious drive to organize 50,000 more Security Officers in the City while honoring 24 Union Members who were lost on 9/11 while working at the World Trade Center.

Before 9/11, 1,200 32BJ SEIU Members worked at the World Trade Center.

Non-Union Officers fighting for a Union and 32BJ SEIU Union Security Officers were joined by City Council Speaker Julie Menin and New York City DCWP Commissioner Samuel Levine.

The tragedy of 9/11 sparked 32BJ SEIU’s campaign to uplift and organize thousands of Security Officers across the City, a campaign that is now being taken to new heights.

Officers gathered outside the Seagram Building at 375 Park Avenue where Non-Union Security Company CPS refuses to remain neutral and respect Workers’ Rights to join a Union.

The event highlighted campaigns to Unionize Security Officers working at Duane Reade/Walgreens, Victoria’s Secret, The Guitar Center Company, Urban Outfitters, Food Bazaar, Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, Anthropologie, Bath & Body Works, and other locations serviced by Narrow Security, CPS Security and Elite Investigations.

32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich said: “In the days, months, and years following nine-eleven we came to understand the importance of Security Officers in keeping New Yorkers and our buildings’ safe. Over the past (25) years, New York City Security Officers, alongside (32BJ), have made great strides in the pursuit of dignity and respect. Twenty-thousand (32BJ) SEIU Security Officers in New York City have won employer-paid, high-quality health care, good wages, access to free Union classes, a 401k, the Union grievance process, among other Union benefits. We successfully pushed for legislation to uplift the entire industry. But there is more to be done. The industry is experiencing a turnover crisis. Too many have their lives repeatedly upended by unaccountable schedule changes and too many have no health care or retirement prospects. With the momentum of the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act at our back - passed to honor our fallen (32BJ) Brother Aland Etienne, we are now organizing for real power and justice for (50,000) more Security Officers who today lack the protections and rights they deserve.”

New York City AFL-CIO Central Labor Council’s Editor’s Note: Read an Op-Ed by three of the 32BJ Members who worked at the World Trade Center in The New York Daily News.

32BJ SEIU-Provided Facebook Graphic.

The $100 Billion Micron Semi-Conductor Factory Project Outside Syracuse Is Being 'Viewed As A Boon For Union-Represented Construction Workers'

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Chris Brock at The Watertown Daily Times reports that in July, concrete began to be poured for the largest Semi-Conductor Factory in the country, with the number of Workers now there a drop in the bucket as to what is planned for the site, located in the Suburb of Clay that’s about 10 minutes north of Syracuse and about an hour south of Watertown. Micron Technology's massive $100 billion complex will consist of four planned Fabrication Plants designed to produce memory chips. Groundbreaking was in January. It is projected to create about 9,000 direct jobs and tens of thousands of indirect regional jobs over its lifespan as it meets the growing demands of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Systems and devices powering the modern economy. Matthew Nesbitt, who serves as Business Manager of Iron Workers Local 60 - a member of the Regional Building and Construction Trades Councils in Central and Northern New York, said: "It's a monumental project. The political rhetoric around it talks about the project being the largest in the history of New York State. That's for real. For the Buildings and Trades Council and for the size of this project, we haven't built anything of this magnitude before." The project will be big, in scope - from its 1,400-acre planned footprint to the related ancillary jobs on the horizon - but also the changes it will bring to those who build it, including Labor Union Workers.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Micron project a boon for union construction workers

The United Farm Workers 'Labels Court Ruling Blocking Trump's H-2A Farm Worker Wage Cuts A Victory' - Cuts 'Would Have Hurt' New York's Farm Workers

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A Federal Court ruling striking down the Trump Administration’s cuts to H-2A Farm Worker wages is a victory for both Agricultural Guest Workers and Domestic Farm Workers, the United Farm Workers (UFW) says.

Union Officials pointed out that the decision will carry particular significance in New York State, where many farms rely heavily on H-2A Workers.

Following a lawsuit filed last Fall by the UFW and 18 individual Farm Workers, U.S. District Judge Kirk Sherriff ruled a U.S. Department of Labor policy reducing wages for H-2A Workers by as much as $7 an hour was illegal.

The Trump Administration had adopted the rule on an emergency basis, arguing that lower costs were necessary to address Agricultural Worker shortages it said had been exacerbated by its own immigration crackdown.

The H-2A Visa Program allows U.S. Farmers to temporarily hire Foreign Workers to fill seasonal farm jobs when they say they cannot find enough Domestic Workers.

Judge Sherriff ordered the Labor Department to develop a new methodology for calculating the wage rates and notify employers that they could be responsible for back pay.

The ruling could have consequences well beyond the H-2A Workers whose wages were directly affected.

“It impacts every single Farm Worker in the country,” UFW Secretary-Treasurer and lead New York Organizer Armando Elenes told The Chief.

That is particularly true in New York State, where the Apple, Vegetable and Nursery Industries have become increasingly reliant on H-2A Workers, Elenes said, specifically Workers from Jamaica, who comprise a large percentage of Immigrant Farm Workers in New York.

On some farms, he estimated, roughly 90% of the workforce is made up of Guest Workers.

He described a typical mid-sized operation with about 80 Workers - employing approximately 70 through the H-2A Program.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: UFW labels court ruling blocking Trump’s H-2A farmworker wage cuts a victory - The Chief

WNYLaborToday.com Buffalo Labor Day Parade Photo.

State Senator Hinchey Joins With Labor Leaders 'To Urge' Governor Hochul 'To Sign The AI Labor Information Bill'

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Paul Kir at The Daily Freeman reports from Kingston that New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey has teamed with Labor Leaders to call on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the AI Labor Information Act, described as first-in-the-Nation legislation that will require private employers to report how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is affecting the State’s workforce and business practices. Hinchey (Democrat-Saugerties/41st Senate District) sponsored the legislation along with Assembly Member Harry Bronson, a Democrat from Rochester. The Bill passed both the Assembly and the State Senate this session. Labor Leaders from the AFL-CIO, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and Teamsters joined Hinchey and Bronson in Rochester to urge Hochul to sign the Bill. “The Coalition says New York should not wait for technological disruption to leave Workers behind,” Hinchey’s office said in a news release. “By requiring transparency now, the State can better prepare Workers for changes already underway and ensure the benefits of AI do not come at the expense of economic security. To enact meaningful protections, it is essential that New York has a sound examination of the capabilities and roles of the AI landscape and understands the intersection between productive advancements and job replacement.” The legislation, Hinchey’s office said, will create a recurring dataset that shows how AI is impacting employment across industries and regions. To collect this info, the AI Labor Information Act will require publicly-traded corporations and businesses with more than 50 Employees doing business in the State to report annually to the State Department of Labor on their use of AI and its impact on Workers.

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: Hinchey, labor leaders urge Hochul to sign AI tracking bill

NYSNA Members 'Testify At Albany Hearing In Support Of Protecting Continuity Of Care & Staffing Levels Through Maimonides, Montefiore Mergers'

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) – Members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) testified late last week before the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council’s Establishment and Project Review Committee in Albany in support of two proposed Hospital mergers at Maimonides Medical Center and St. John’s Riverside Hospital as a means of protecting continuity of care for patients and staffing levels for Nurses.

During the hearing, the Committee weighed the benefits of a merger between New York Health+Hospitals and Maimonides Medical Center, which would help maintain continuity of care at Maimonides.

The facility has long operated with financial constraints and the merger would provide financial stability, while also maintaining Maimonides’ commitment to caring for diverse communities.

The Committee also discussed Montefiore Health System’s potential acquisition of St. John’s Riverside Hospital, which includes St. John’s Division, Park Care Pavilion and Dobbs Ferry Pavilion.

Maimonides Medical Center is the largest Hospital in Kings County, New York's most populous County, and sits at the center of one of the most demographically diverse service areas in New York City, spanning Borough Park, Sunset Park, Bensonhurst, Midwood, Coney Island and dozens of surrounding neighborhoods.

The Hospital’s service area includes large Orthodox Jewish, Chinese, Latino, Russian, Caribbean, South Asian and Southeast Asian Communities.

Roughly 30% of residents have limited English proficiency and 44% are foreign born.

Continuity of culturally competent and religiously appropriate care for these communities must remain a top priority through any change in governance, NYSNA said.

NYSNA Member Megan Kuehne, a Nursing Float in Maimonides Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit, said: “Eighty-three percent of our patients are on Medicare or Medicaid and many others are low-income or uninsured. Too often, they don’t seek care until their chronic conditions have become dangerous. Merging with Health and Hospitals would provide us with access to the technology and systems needed to expand high-quality, preventive care needed to better serve some of Brooklyn’s most underserved communities.”

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: NYSNA Members Testify in Support of Protecting Continuity of Care, Staffing Levels Through Maimonides, Montefiore Mergers | New York State Nurses Association

NYSNA-Provided Photo.

The New York State AFL-CIO Announces Its Political Endorsements At The COPE Convention In Albany

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - The 2.5 million Member New York State AFL-CIO has announced endorsements of candidates running for Congress, State Senate and Assembly. The endorsements took place at the State Federation’s 2026 Committee on Political Education (COPE) Convention at the Albany Capital Center. Delegates representing Union Members from the Public Sector, Private Sector and Building Trades attended. New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said: “We endorse these candidates with great confidence that they will fight hard on issues that will impact the lives and economic well-being of Working People. Through our enhanced Member-to-Member program, we will knock on more doors, make more phone calls and send more texts to ensure we elect candidates who share our vision for the future.” Earlier this year, the State Federation announced endorsements for races that had primary elections.

New York State AFL-CIO Editor’s Note: The complete list of New York State AFL-CIO endorsed candidates can be accessed here.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: New York State AFL-CIO Announces Additional Endorsements at COPE Convention | New York State AFL-CIO

Static Media Management 'Voluntarily Recognizes' The Writers Guild Of America East As The Union Representative Of Its 58 Employees

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) – Management at Static Media has voluntarily recognized the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) as the Collective Bargaining Representatives of the Staff’s Full-Time Editors, Writers and Reporters.

A Card-Check conducted by an independent third-party confirmed an overwhelming majority of the 58-Member Bargaining Unit signed cards in favor of the Union.

Static Media includes the brands BGR, Chowhound, Cuteness, Engadget, Explore/Film, Food Republic, Foodie, Garden Guides, Glam, Grunge, Health Digest, House Digest, Hunker, Islands, Jalopnik, Looper, Mashed, Money Digest, Nicki Swift, Outdoor Guide, PlanetWare, Sciencing, SlashGear, SVG, Tasting Table, The Daily Meal, The List, TheTakeout, TVLine, Women.com, and Wrestling Incorporated.

The Static Media Organizing Committee said: “In the wake of ongoing industry-wide cuts in journalism and with human-driven writing at risk, we have joined with the WGAE to build a more sustainable future at Static Media. Unions have driven social progress and income parity for decades and we are proud to join in solidarity with the Jalopnik Union, as well as our thousands of Unionized Colleagues across the industry.”

“We’re so excited the Editorial Team at Static Media will be joining their Jalopnik Colleagues as Members of the WGAE,” said Sara David, who serves as Vice President of the WGAE’s On-Line Media Sector. “Journalists need workplace protections as urgently as ever. We look forward to working with Static Media to secure a strong first Union contract.”

In addition to Static Media, the WGA East’s On-Line Media sector represents Workers employed at the Bustle Digital Group, the Civic News Group, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Fast Company Incorporated, Financial Times Specialists, Future PLC, Futuro Media, Gizmodo Media USA, HuffPost, Jalopnik at Static Media, Hearst Magazines, Incorporated, Jewish Currents, NowThis, Onion Incorporated, Salon, Scientific American, Slate, Talking Points Memo, The Intercept, The Root, Vox Media and VICE.

WGAE represents more than 7,500 Members working in film, television, news, podcasts and online media.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: WGA East Wins Voluntary Recognition at Static Media | Press Room

New York City Construction Workers 'Call Out The Use Of Body Shops' At City-Funded Construction Site, 'Allege Unsafe Practices, Poor Pay At Brooklyn Job'

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(BROOKLYN, NEW YORK) - Clad in bright orange ponchos, Construction Workers, Labor Leaders and Elected Officials recently rallied against unsafe and exploitative labor practices that they said are occurring at Kingsland Commons, a City-funded Affordable Housing Project in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Standing in front of the partially-completed complex, speakers called on City Officials to strengthen oversight of labor practices on City-funded projects and accused the Marin Organization and Apex Labor Solutions - the Labor Brokers hired by the developer of the project, of being Construction Industry “Body Shops,” suppliers of cheap Non-Union labor which exploit the bodies of vulnerable workers.

Jaylin Dunbar, a former employee of the Marin Organization, told The Chief companies like Marin take advantage of people who are at a low point, and because of that are able to compensate them poorly for such a dangerous job.

“They are specifically targeting disenfranchised Workers,” said Justice Favor, a Field Organizer at the Mason Tenders District Council. “Black and Brown Workers, a lot of formerly incarcerated, a lot of people from low socio-economic backgrounds and Immigrant Workers.”

Representatives said often people were hired with no experience and sent to a site untrained on their first day - which inevitably led to unsafe conditions - and frequent injuries.

Making matters worse, workers will often work through the pain of their injuries because they need the pay and because Workers' Compensation is essentially not an option for most.

To Read This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: Construction workers call out use of 'body shops' at city-funded construction site - The Chief

New Contract Reached Between New York State & The Public Employees Federation Is 'Overwhelmingly Ratified' By Union Membership

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - Governor Kathy Hochul announced a five-year contract with the Public Employees Federation (PEF), which represents 60,000 New York State Employees, that was quickly ratified by 88% of those PEF Members who cast ballots.

The contract runs until April 1st, 2031 - and includes raises in each of the five years of the agreement: 4.5%; 4%; 3.5%; 3% and 3%. It also includes boosts to location pay and several other Unit-specific payments. Members will also gain 20 hours of paid Pre-Natal Leave and an increase in the cap for sick leave accumulation, among other improvements.

Governor Hochul said: "Public Employees provide vital services every day to New Yorkers everywhere and this agreement recognizes their hard work, professionalism and contributions. New York values its talented Public Servants and this agreement underscores my Administration's support and dedication to the Empire State's Public Workforce. I thank PEF's Leadership in helping realize this deal and I applaud PEF's Members for their continued commitment to serving New Yorkers all across this State."

PEF President Wayne Spence said: "While contract negotiations can be challenging, we appreciate Governor Kathy Hochul's leadership in forging an agreement that works for the (State Employees) represented by the New York State Public Employees Federation, as well as for the residents of New York. We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor to improve the safe, efficient and effective delivery of services for every New Yorker."

To Read This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: New labor agreement reached between state, Public Employees Federation

And For More, Go To: PEF members overwhelmingly ratify contract - PEF

The Teamsters Release A Report On Amazon's 'Violations Of The New York State Warn Act'

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) – The Teamsters have released a report that exposes Amazon as the leading violator of the New York State Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (NY WARN) Act.

The Union simultaneously filed a complaint with the New York City’s Labor Department over Amazon’s WARN Act violations, requesting the Commissioner of Labor investigate Amazon’s control of its third-party contractors and Delivery Service Partners (DSPs).

Amazon uses DSPs as shell corporations to shield itself from the legal responsibility the company owes to its workforce, Union Officials said.

“This is yet another reason why Amazon is a parasitic White-Collar crime syndicate,” Randy Korgan, who serves as Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division, said. “Jeff Bezos, Andy Jassy and the rest of the crooks who run this company can’t find a Labor Law that they don’t want to violate, but the Teamsters have bad news for Amazon: The law has a way of catching up with you.”

The Teamsters report demonstrates that since 2018, Amazon has closed 35 DSPs in the State, resulting in the loss of more than 3,500 jobs.

Amazon’s job-killing makes up an outsized percentage of layoffs across New York’s entire Transportation and Warehousing Industry, with a full 25% of all Workers laid off in the industry since 2023 being Amazon Drivers, the Union said.

A majority of those laid-off Amazon Drivers never received the advance notice required by law and Amazon may owe as much as $11 million in back wages, the Teamsters said.

Tom Gesualdi, who serves as President of Teamsters Joint Council 16, said: “Amazon sells itself to communities as a ‘job creator,’ but the revelations in the Teamsters report should dispel that notion completely. In reality, Amazon has killed more jobs in the Logistics Industry than any other company in New York. The Teamsters and our allies will not allow Amazon to continue harming its Workers or our communities with its illegal actions.”

The Delivery Protection Act, which Teamsters and their allies are campaigning to pass in New York City, would end Amazon’s subcontracting shell game and force the company to directly hire its Drivers.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: Teamsters Release Report on Amazon Violations of NYS Warn Act – LaborPress

Planned Parenthood Workers 'Call For Better Pay' At City-Wide Picket

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - Frustrated by a lack of progress on bargaining with management for a new contract, the Union representing more than 160 Front-Line Health Care Workers employed at Planned Parenthood in the Greater New York City area recently conducted a lunch-time picket line outside five offices across the City and on Long Island. The Workers, who include Nurses, Midwives, Patient Care Associates (PCAs), Physician Assistants, Sonographers and administrative staff, say the non-profit’s proposed pay package would “strip away” gains won by the Union since they organized under Local 1199 of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) back in 2019. The Union negotiated its first contract in 2020, followed by another in 2023. Negotiations between the Workers and the Local Chapter of Planned Parenthood - the largest provider of abortions, reproductive healthcare and sexual education in the country, have stalled over the pay discussion. “We feel like there's been very little movement,” Natalie Mitiguy, a PCA and Member of the Union’s Bargaining Committee told The Chief at the August 11th picket that was held outside of Planned Parenthood's Brooklyn Office.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Planned Parenthood workers call for better pay at city-wide picket - The Chief

Unions Certified At Both The Fortune Society & The New York Immigration Coalition - Creating More Than 400 New Members Of OPEIU Local 153

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - Two new Unions of Workers at the Fortune Society and New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) were certified this month by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) after a third-party check of Workers’ Union Authorization Cards. More than 400 Workers employed at the Fortune Society, a Prison Re-Entry Organization, and another 39 at the NYIC, an Immigration Non-Profit, are now officially recognized as Members of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 153. Malik Hardy, a Group Facilitator and Discharge Planner at the Fortune Society, said the completion of the Card Check was “awesome news.” “This is an opportunity for us to be able to move the beautiful place where we work into a more stable place for us Workers where we can bring our concerns to the table without fear of retaliation,” he said. Workers at the Fortune Society went public about their Unionization campaign in early May, just before the May Day March in Lower Manhattan, along with 200 Workers at the Osborne Association, another Prison Re-Entry Organization. Union Officials said the Workers there are still working through the Card-Check process. Workers at both organizations told The Chief in May they were hoping for raises and a clearer promotional pathway in their first Union contract.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: Unions certified at Fortune Society, NYIC - The Chief

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.