This Labor Day, honor the workers who power our economy

Published in the Times Union on August 31, 2025

Happy Labor Day! For many, it's a chance to enjoy the long weekend, marking the unofficial end of summer. But for the union movement across this country, it's a moment to honor the workers who are the backbone of our economy. It's a celebration of working people who keep this country running, and a reminder of the ongoing struggle as the rich and powerful seek more control.

The roots of Labor Day stretch back to the late 19th century, a time when workers fought for a federal holiday to recognize their contributions to the economy. New York led the charge by becoming the first state to pass a bill honoring Labor Day.

But Labor Day isn't just about reflecting on the past; it's a call to action for the future. As billionaires and corporations continue to concentrate their wealth and influence, unions have never been more important in fighting for the fair treatment that all workers deserve.

Here in New York, our strong union movement is a testament to the power and leverage of workers who stand together. With over 3,000 affiliated unions across the public sector, private sector and building trades, we represent more than two million workers. The percentage of union membership is nearly double the national average.

Our mission remains unchanged: to improve the lives of working people through better wages, benefits and working conditions, and not just for union members. The NYS AFL-CIO has been at the forefront of legislative victories that benefit all workers, regardless of union affiliation.

Earlier this year, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law raising unemployment benefits by more than 70%, which will help thousands of New Yorkers, union and non-union alike, who are out of work through no fault of their own. It also reduces the waiting period for workers on strike from three weeks to two, a long-overdue step toward equity.

The union movement played a key role in getting bills passed this year that provide worker protections, including a state-level labor relations act to ensure that the National Labor Relations Board does not undermine the rights of private-sector workers.

And despite the fact we have lost a partner in the federal government when it comes to addressing climate change, we are fighting to ensure New York continues to lead the way with clean energy production, transmission and storage. We want New York to continue to create good jobs by requiring union scale pay and benefits in the construction, manufacture, operation and maintenance of those projects.

We are committed to ensuring that workers, public services and taxpayers are protected from the use of artificial intelligence, as underscored by a bill that highlights the irreplaceable role of human judgment and the importance of maintaining jobs. And several bills are pending that address workplace violence in hospitals, safety measures in public-sector facilities, and improvements to safety for workers on utility poles and telecommunications towers.

Victories for working New Yorkers have always come with hard-fought battles, and the union movement will continue to push for policies that level the playing field, demand accountability from corporations and ensure that workers have a voice on the job, safe workplaces and economic security.

As we celebrate Labor Day this year, let's take a moment to reflect on how far we've come and recommit ourselves to the fight for workers' rights, fairness and the security that comes from a union contract. Together, we can ensure that the promise of a fair and equitable economy benefits us all.