The New York State Constitution requires prevailing rate be paid to workers on public works projects. This basic principle is intended to ensure that constitutional provisions protecting the labor rights of working men and women are respected and that taxpayer dollars are used to create meaningful jobs that build our communities and strengthen our economy. Over the years, the prevailing wage law has been misconstrued by the courts and others such that the law's original intent has been eroded.

  CWA and IBEW Reach Tentative Agreement On behalf of the 2.5 million members of the New York State AFL-CIO, I want to extend my congratulations to the leadership and members of the CWA and IBEW for the agreement in principle announced Friday, May 27, 2016 between the two unions and Verizon. The hardworking men and women of both unions spent 6 weeks walking the picket line in a show of solidarity, strength and determination, never once wavering in their fight to create solid middle class jobs in our communities.

Today, NYS Veterans Groups met in Albany to urge veterans to contact Governor Cuomo in support of Pension Bill A.9531/S.7160. “The New York State Council of Veterans Organizations have unanimously coalesced in support of veterans pension credit Legislation” said Bob Becker, legislative coordinator for a group of more than thirty veterans service organizations including those of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.