Labor Leaders and Community Groups Urge Action to Protect Working Families in New York
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Labor leaders and community groups are calling on New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature to take immediate action to protect working families. The coalition of 27 organizations delivered a petition to Hochul’s Manhattan office on November 20, demanding increased wages, statewide wage parity, and other measures to address rising costs and safeguard working-class communities.
Demands for Relief
The coalition outlined several key demands, including:
- Wage increases to keep pace with rising costs of living
- Statewide wage parity to ensure equal pay for equal work
- Unemployment reform to provide relief to marginalized communities
- Better benefits for excluded workers, including undocumented immigrants
- Publicly funded childcare to support working families
- Fair pay for home care workers and other essential professions
- Permanent affordable housing to address the state’s housing crisis
- Higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy to fund social programs
Rising Costs and Inequality
The coalition emphasized that rising costs for necessities like housing and childcare disproportionately affect women, immigrants, and communities of color. Undocumented immigrant workers and their families are particularly vulnerable, as they are not eligible for unemployment or disability coverage.
State Reforms
The coalition urged the state to reform its policies to ensure that all workers receive fair treatment and equal protection, regardless of legal status. They also pushed for policies to defend LGBTQ+ workers who face hiring and wage discrimination.
Minimum Wage and Tipped Workers
The coalition noted that the state’s 2023 minimum wage increase still falls short of a $26-per-hour living wage. Many low-wage jobs lack protections or benefits, making them vulnerable to federal rollbacks. Tipped workers, who often earn less than minimum wage, stand to lose limited protections secured under President Joe Biden.
Childcare and Home Care
Childcare providers often receive low pay despite the essential nature of the profession. Publicly funding childcare would allow parents, particularly mothers, to reenter the workforce and drive the economy. Low pay also drives a statewide staffing shortage in the home care industry, which serves the families of elderly and disabled New Yorkers.
New York Climate Change Superfund Act
The coalition also called for the passage of the New York Climate Change Superfund Act, which would create thousands of new union jobs to build climate resilience. They also advocated for closing tax loopholes and raising rates progressively to fund worker protections, housing, and social programs.
Conclusion
The labor leaders and community groups are urging voters to hold their representatives accountable and demanding that Democratic state lawmakers transparently communicate their plans to constituents. They emphasized that it is time for blue-state leaders to stand up against far-right and corporate power and fight harder for working-class communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main demands of the labor leaders and community groups?
A: The main demands include wage increases, statewide wage parity, unemployment reform, better benefits for excluded workers, publicly funded childcare, fair pay for home care workers, permanent affordable housing, and higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy.
Q: Who is part of the coalition?
A: The coalition includes 27 organizations, including ALIGN: The Alliance for a Greater New York, Citizen Action of New York, Coalition for Economic Justice, Community Voices Heard, and many others.
Q: Why are rising costs a concern for working families?
A: Rising costs for necessities like housing and childcare disproportionately affect women, immigrants, and communities of color, making it difficult for them to make ends meet.
Q: What is the goal of the New York Climate Change Superfund Act?
A: The goal is to create thousands of new union jobs to build climate resilience and fund worker protections, housing, and social programs.
