(NEW YORK CITY) - Labor Leaders, Child Care Advocates and Providers last week gathered at the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) for The Labor Path to Universal Child Care, a day-long convening that focused on developing a shared Labor strategy to advance Universal Childcare across New York State.

More than 100 people attended the event, representing Unions from across the State, Childcare Funds, Academic Institutions and Community-based Organizations.

The convening brought participants together to discuss what a Universal Childcare System should look like, how to protect and support Childcare Workers and how the Labor Movement can help make that vision a reality.

The day's opening panel - Solidarity in Care: Child Care as a Core Labor Issue, featured: Labor Council Executive Board Members Stuart Appelbaum, the President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU); Henry Garrido, Executive Director of American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 37; and UFT President Michael Mulgrew; alongside Labor Council President Brendan Griffith.

The discussion was moderated by Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Janella Hinds, who also Chairs the New York Union Child Care Coalition.

Panelists discussed why affordable, accessible childcare is a critical issue for Working Families and an important priority for the Labor Movement.

Throughout the day, additional panels explored Childcare policy and funding, fair compensation for providers, and successful Union-negotiated Childcare Programs.

The event concluded with breakout discussions aimed at developing shared priorities and building a coordinated Labor agenda for Universal Childcare ahead of the 2027 New York State Legislative session.

New York City AFL-CIO Labor Council Editor’s Note: Click here to join the New York Union Child Care Coalition and help address the urgent need to change the workplace to reflect the realities of today's Working Families.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: Labor Leaders, Child Care Advocates, and Providers Come Together to Advance Universal Child Care in New York | New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO

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