Nearly two years into the Coronavirus Pandemic, the long-term impact on Workers is not fully clear.

Many Americans lost their jobs, while others walked away voluntarily in what’s been dubbed the “Great Resignation.”

The Federal Government helped stabilize the economy and bring down unemployment, but it also contributed to a sharp rise in inflation.

And while wages are up, Unionization Rates remain low and some Workers aren’t gaining leverage they expected to have with employers.

What is clear is that the national mood has shifted in favor of Workers.

Support for Labor Unions has risen to levels not seen in decades.

In Western New York, Employees at several Starbucks stores made history by voting to Unionize - and the coffee shop chain is now contending with similar standoffs across the country.

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) kicked off “Striketober” with a walkout that led to a favorable agreement for South Buffalo hospital workers.

On Long Island, Farm Workers formed their first Union and are poised to secure a lower overtime threshold.

Plus, there’s an influx of Federal dollars to be spent on infrastructure projects to be built by Unionized Laborers.

The State Labor Power 100 features many Labor Leaders, advocates and allies in New York who are battling on behalf of Workers.

The list, which was researched and written in partnership with Journalist Marc Bussanich, focuses primarily on those who are active in New York on a statewide, multi-state or national capacity.

Other Labor Leaders who operate solely or primarily in the five New York City Boroughs will be featured on our New York City Labor Power 100 later this year.

We’re pleased to introduce the 2022 State Labor Power 100 – Here are those Labor Leaders who made the listing who are from Western New York:

Peter DeJesus Jr., President, Western New York Area Labor Federation (WNYALF) - DeJesus, who was elected president of the WNYALF last March, is the first Person of Color to lead the group of 165 Unions representing over 140,000 Union Members. His Union career has included work at General Motors, Allegheny Technologies and the Tonawanda Tire Plant. He said those experiences influenced his approach as a Union Leader by teaching him to be reasonable and approachable.

Richard Bensinger, Michelle Eisen & Lexi Rizzo - Organizers, Starbucks Workers United - Among the biggest Organized Labor breakthroughs in the past year took place in Buffalo, where Employees at two Starbucks locations have voted to Unionize for the first time - and Organizers are moving forward with efforts to Unionize the coffee shop chain at other stores in Upstate New York and across the country. Barista Michelle Eisen played a key role in organizing the first location, on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, while Shift Supervisor Lexi Rizzo helped organize the second Starbucks location in Cheektowaga. Long-time Labor Organizer Richard Bensinger has been advising the Starbucks campaign on behalf of the Workers United.

Philip Rumore, President, Buffalo Teachers Federation (BTF) – Rumore’s been President of the 3,800-member BTF for 40 years and counting. The Union is currently in mediated contract negotiations with the Buffalo School District for the 2023 through 2025 school years. According to the BTF, the District Superintendent has proposed significant raises for his Staff. Thus, Rumore has reasoned, Buffalo Teachers also deserve significant raises because they have been on the front lines, continuing to endure and prevail over unprecedented obstacles during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Del Vitale, Director, United Steelworkers (USW) District 4 - Vitale became Director of USW District 4 in 2019 and represents Steelworkers in nine states - including New York - as well as Puerto Rico. He first joined a Union at 18, working for a paper packaging plant in New Jersey. The USW in December announced its endorsement of Governor Kathy Hochul for a full term in this year’s elections, becoming the first Industrial International Union to endorse her for another bid as Governor.

Paul Brown, President, Buffalo & Niagara County Building and Construction Trades Council - Brown started as a Plasterer with Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association in 1984. He now represents more than 12,000 Construction Workers across 18 Affiliates in Western New York. After Brown and the Buffalo & Niagara County Building and Construction Trades Council endorsed Governor Hochul in December, the Governor in her January State of the State address touted job-creating infrastructure plans like the Kensington Expressway Project in Buffalo.

For More On City & State New York’s Entire Top 100 Ranking Of New York State’s Labor Leaders, Go To: www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2022/02/2022-new-york-state-labor-power-100/362127/