Statement of New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento on Executive Order to Protect Personal Information of Public Employees

Albany – Today Governor Cuomo signed an executive order that will preserve the safety and privacy of public employees by ensuring that their personal information including cell phone, home phone and home address is not handed over to any unauthorized individual or organization that simply asks for it.

“By ensuring this vital protection, the governor is once again showing his commitment to stand up for the rights of working men and women,” said Mario Cilento, president of the NYS AFL-CIO.

“Public employees are routinely subjected to violence, threats and harassment simply for performing their duties. Today’s action will help ensure the responsibilities of their work lives do not carry over to their personal lives or put their children or loved ones at risk. 

“We thank the governor for taking the lead on this important issue and for setting an example for every elected official throughout our country.” Cilento added.

The new executive order will still allow name, titles and salaries to be accessible via FOIL, balancing the need for transparency with the need for safety and privacy.

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The New York State AFL-CIO is a federation of 3,000 affiliated public sector, private sector, and building trades unions throughout the state representing 2.5 million members, retirees and their families. Our State Federation, which is the largest and most diverse in the country, is committed to helping working families achieve a better life. For more information on the Labor Movement in New York, visit www.nysaflcio.org.