On Saturday, April 28, in cities, towns and communities across this country and throughout the world we remember working men and women who have suffered and died on the job.
Over the years, constant ideological attacks on prevailing rate by well-funded corporate interests have resulted in legal, regulatory and legislative changes that have eroded the intent of the state’s constitutional requirement of prevailing rate.
Individuals face systematic and administrative barriers that inhibit the ability to register and vote. We now have the technology and ability to change that and improve the dismal turnout that has plagued our elections in recent years.
The ability to retire and financial security in retirement have become unreachable goals for too many workers. Low wage and middle-income earners in the private sector often have no retirement options through their employer.
Various Buy American proposals have been introduced over the last few months that would cover several state procurement projects. The goal of these proposals is to return manufacturing in the United States.
Both houses of the legislature and the governor have introduced legislation to enact stronger laws requiring that when taxpayer dollars are used on public works projects we try to use American made iron and steel products to the greatest extent possible.
The increased use of debit cards over the last decade as method of payroll was sold as a modern, convenient way for employees to access their pay and an alternative for low wage workers to avoid predatory check cashing companies.
Working with our affiliates, including the RWDSU who is leading the efforts to improve the working conditions for car wash employees and others, the NYS AFL-CIO is supporting efforts to establish basic standards of decency in pay and benefits.
