Statement of New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento on Governor's Support for Unions included in State of the State

Albany - As the most unionized state in this country, it is fitting that Governor Cuomo wants New York to lead the way in protecting the rights of workers. We applaud the governor for his commitment to ensure working people continue to have a voice in the workplace, and for recognizing a strong labor movement is the key to raising the standard of living and quality of life for all working people.

Protecting the Rights of Workers

New York has a long and proud tradition of fighting for union workers' rights.  At a time of stagnant wages, evaporating pensions, and swelling household debt, unions offer a pathway to the middle class and create economic growth that reaches all Americans.

• Stand with Labor Unions Facing Uncertainty from the Supreme Court:Public-sector labor unions are under attack on the national level, facing legal challenges to their very core.  The United States Supreme Court will soon hear Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees which seeks to effectively end public labor unions.  The Court will determine whether fee arrangements like those permissible under the Taylor Law violate the First Amendment. As the nation waits for a decision in the Janus case, Governor Cuomo stands beside public labor unions in their fight for survival and will do everything in his power to preserve workers' rights and protect the right to organize and collectively bargain.