A special message from NYS AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes:

After a hard fought budget process, all New Yorkers must now continue to deal with one of the worst economic periods in our state’s history, one that has made this year’s budget process an unenviable task for our elected officials. We appreciate the Legislature’s restoration of many valuable programs.  However, many issues remain unresolved or in doubt, and we need to get back to work immediately after the session break to protect the livelihoods of New York’s working men and women.

To read more, click here.

On Mother's day of 2009, in Selkirk, NY, locomotive remote control operator Jared Boehlke was killed while attempting a repair as the sole member of a yard switching crew. He left a wife and a 2 year old daughter.

Within days of Christmas 2009 Samuel Lundy was killed in a Burlington Northern Santa Fe yard while using locomotive remote control. He left a wife and three children.

By PAUL TONKO

First published in print: Thursday, June 11, 2009

Word that Global Foundries has struck a deal with the state to provide prevailing wages for workers who will construct the company's chip plant in Malta is a huge win for New Yorkers. It guarantees that taxpayer dollars will be spent wisely to support quality job standards and a living wage for local workers and their families.

As you know we have been actively working together in Albany and in-district to reform the Unemployment Insurance Law, with an immediate benefit increase as well as indexation of that benefit by supporting S. 2245 Onorato/ A. 4921 John.

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The Capital District Area Labor Federation applauds the Albany Common Council for their support of the Albany Newspaper Guild's contract dispute. 

 

For the complete resolution, click here.

Members of Greater Capital Region Building and Construction Trades Council, as well as CDALF leaders, participated in a rally on 4/22 at the Capitol.  Workers were advocating for Assembly Bill A3705 which would clarify the definition of public work.

 

To see video of the event, click here. 

 

Schenectady Gazette: IDA Reform Passes in NYS Senate

CAPITOL — A bill that would change how the state’s industrial development agencies do business has cleared a hurdle in the state Senate for the first time.

A proposed law that would require companies getting IDA benefits to pay higher wages and be more accountable for job creation promises was approved by the Senate’s Local Governments Committee Tuesday in Albany.

 

To read complete story, click here.

On Saturday February 21st, the Capital District Area Labor Federation brought together over 200 elected officials, small business owners and labor leaders to learn the truth about the Employee Free Choice Act.  The see pictures from the event, click here.

Please Support the Employee Free Choice Act

by Kevin Connolly

Working people are being stretched today as never before. Wall Street bankers have crashed our economy. Real wages are falling, health care costs rising, jobs hemorrhaging and pensions disappearing. One of the most important things we can do to relieve this middle class squeeze is to support the Employee Free Choice Act.

Read the full article here