Union Strong - New York State AFL-CIO

Fighting on behalf of working people can take many forms, from organizing a union so workers have a voice on the job to getting involved in political campaigns to elect leaders who will fight for working people or participating in a rally or march to draw attention to an issue impacting workers. It can also take the form of lobbying—meeting with legislative representatives to discuss the issues that matter to workers. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the Union Movement's State Legislative Lobby Day. New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento kicks off the discussion on why it's so important and the difference it makes. NYS AFL-CIO Legislative Agenda, support/oppose memos and more: https://nysaflcio.org/legislation 

The executive orders from President Trump are hitting workers hard and fast, leaving them in a constant state of uncertainty about their job security. These drastic changes are not just shaking up the workforce but also endangering vital public services that millions of Americans rely on. In this episode of the Union Strong Podcast, we will hear the personal story of a disabled Army Veteran who lost her job at the VA and a union president fighting to protect workers and their rights. Resources: SavePublicServices.com  https://www.federalunionists.net/ https://deptofpeoplewhowork.org/ https://www.mobilize.us/ 

On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we sit down with New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon to discuss the key workforce elements in the Governor's budget proposal, including worker protections, investments in childcare, workforce training initiatives, and more. Tune in for insights that could help shape the future of work. Website: https://dol.ny.gov/  Newsletter: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYDOL/signup/44950 NYS AFL-CIO Legislative Priorities: https://nysaflcio.org/legislation

In this episode, we are diving into the legislative priorities of the Union Movement for 2025. Join us as we unpack the critical issues impacting workers today—from the rise of AI and its effect on jobs to the ongoing battle for pro-worker policies in the face of swift changes at the federal level. Our guest is New York State AFL-CIO Legislative Director Mike Neidl, who shares insights on the challenges ahead and how our legislative priorities will address them.   See the NYS AFL-CIO 2025 Legislative Agenda: https://nysaflcio.org/legislation Sign up for email or text updates from the NYS AFL-CIO: https://nysaflcio.info/updates

NYSNA nurses at Albany Medical Center have sounded the alarm about the staffing crisis at the hospital, bravely sharing stories of patients being cared for on emergency room stretchers instead of hospital beds, nurses stretched too thin, and patient care suffering. On this episode of the Union Strong podcast, we will hear from nurses firsthand about the need for a fair contract that finally addresses safe staffing.    Support the nurses: www.albanymedqualitycare.org

Kate Mullany, the pioneer who established the first female union in the United States in Troy, NY, is a figure of immense significance. However, there is a growing concern that many kids are not learning about her role in the union movement or the broader history of unions. The American Labor Studies Center is working to change that. Join us on this episode of the Union Strong podcast to learn about their essential efforts. Visit the American Labor Studies Center website Visit the Kate Mullany House website

Every year, thousands of workers are injured or become ill on the job. In New York State there is a unique network of occupational health clinics available to workers to prevent injuries and illnesses. In this podcast, we talk to the medical director at one of the clinics to learn about the services available and how workers can access them.   Resources: Occupational Health Clinic Network website: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/workplace/clinic_network.htm List of Occupational Health Clinic Network clinics: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/workplace/clinic.htm Mount Sinai Selikoff website: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/occupational-health List of Mount Sinai Selikoff locations: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/occupational-health/locations

The 2024 Legislative Session is underway.  On the latest Union Strong podcast we break down some of the priorities for the Union Movement with New York State AFL-CIO Legislative Director Mike Neidl. Stay up to date on NYS AFL-CIO legislative initiatives.

The New York State Nurses Association is celebrating groundbreaking contract victories and they are building on their solidarity for more fights ahead. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we hear from Nancy Hagans, president of NYSNA and National Nurses United on their fight to prioritize patient care. --- Sign this petition to demand that Ellis Medicine invest in safe patient care, invest in nurses, and negotiate a fair contract now.

Melinda Person is an educator, mother of 4, yoga instructor, and Ironman triathlete. She serves as a member of the New York State AFL-CIO Executive Council, and she's the new president of the nearly 700 thousand-member New York State United Teachers – the largest union in the state. On the latest Union Strong podcast, Melinda talks about the top priorities for NYSUT, discusses some of the challenges ahead, and legislative goals for the coming year.

On the latest Union Strong podcast, our guest is Mario Cilento, the President of the New York State AFL-CIO.  In this wide-ranging interview, President Cilento talks about the energy he sees, right now, within the Union Movement and why we are seeing more workers making the difficult decision to strike. He discusses a critical new law passed in New York State that will remove a barrier to union organizing and reminds us of what being a union member means and how life-changing it can be. 

Kyle Viverito is an electrician and member of IBEW Local 3.  Not too long ago, while on the job doing electrical work at an NHL arena, he started singing and it did not go unnoticed. He caught the attention of management, and the next thing he knew, he was performing there. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we will introduce you to the man known as the singing electrician. See Kyle sing at Union Strong Night at Citi Field on September 2nd! Click here to get tickets.

There has been a surge in union activity across the country with more workers deciding to join unions and demanding improved working conditions. One of those regions is in Buffalo, New York, home to the first unionized Starbucks that set into motion a wave of organizing at Starbucks stores across the United States. On the latest Union Strong podcast, Peter De Jesus, the President of the Western New York Area Labor Federation joins us to talk about the growing union movement, member engagement, and leadership lessons from the Buffalo region. Take the Hot Union Summer survey or get involved Get tickets for Union Strong Night at the New York Mets

The 2023 legislative session has come to an end and there are some big victories for workers including various worker protections and improved Workers' Compensation. On the latest Union Strong podcast, our guest is the Legislative Director at the New York State AFL-CIO, Mike Neidl. Mike breaks down the list of legislative victories and explains what they mean to workers. See the 2023 End of Session Report See the 2023-24 Final Budget Breakdown

We are celebrating our 100th episode by diving into the historic writers' strike that is making headlines across the country.  Our guest is the Executive Director of the Writers Guild of America East, Lowell Peterson, who will give us an overview of what this strike, by film and television writers, is all about.  But first – to commemorate our 100th episode and look to the future of staying Union Strong, our guest is the President of the New York State AFL-CIO – Mario Cilento. Writers Guild of America East website: https://www.wgaeast.org/ Writers Guild of America East social media: https://www.facebook.com/WGAEast/ https://twitter.com/WGAEast https://www.instagram.com/wgaeast/ Tell us what you want to hear about in future episodes: https://bit.ly/3LWQn25  Get info on the Union Strong Yankees and Mets games: https://nysaflcio.org/news/union-strong-baseball-2023

There has been a significant spike in the number of child labor violations reported in New York State over the past year. What are those violations and what is the state doing to address the increase? Also, an examination of the gender wage gap. Have we made any progress and what about the so-called motherhood penalty, is it still a thing? New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon joins the podcast to discuss how the DOL is using the Child Labor Task Force and a new Gender Wage Gap Report to protect workers.   See the Salary Negotiation Guide See the Closing the Gender Wage Gap in New York State study

As a union movement, the New York State AFL-CIO has been working with its affiliates to address climate change in a responsible way. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we discuss thermal energy networks and their role in decarbonizing state-owned campuses and facilities while creating a pipeline to union jobs. Our guest is John Murphy, International Representative for the United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler Fitters in NY. Visit UpgradeNY.org to learn more. See Upgrade NY's budget letter to Governor Hochul.

Addressing climate change presents all sorts of opportunities for workers and unions, but it also puts many good union jobs at risk of elimination which is why the state must maintain flexibility. As New York State continues to work to reduce emissions and combat climate change, the New York State AFL-CIO has made clear that protecting the rights and interests of workers and their unions must be a priority. On the latest Union Strong podcast, David Wasiura, Assistant to the Director of United Steel Workers District 4 discusses the importance of keeping good union manufacturing jobs in New York State.

Combating climate change while protecting workers is a top priority for the union movement, which is why the New York State AFL-CIO along with our affiliates have been involved every step of the way as the state moves toward achieving its ambitious clean energy goals laid out in the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). On the latest Union Strong podcast, New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento discusses how the state can address climate change in a responsible way.

Healthcare workers who are members of 1199 SEIU filled the 17,000-seat MVP arena in downtown Albany this week for one of the largest rallies in the state in decades. The caregivers, still reeling from three years of the pandemic, are calling on the governor and legislative leaders to invest $2.5 billion in healthcare in the state budget. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we take you inside the arena and hear from a registered nurse who talks about the dire state of our healthcare system.

An executive budget proposal aimed at improving the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters may have good intentions, but could have unintended consequences that jeopardize public safety. On the latest Union Strong podcast, Sam Fresina, President of the New York State Professional Firefighters Association explains why paying volunteer firefighters a “nominal fee” is a bad idea. See the NYS AFL-CIO oppose memo.

With well over 10 thousand bills introduced during the two-year legislative cycle in New York State and a $227 billion budget, there is a long list of issues that impact workers and the union movement. On this podcast, New York State AFL-CIO Legislative Director Mike Neidl explains how the state federation formulates our legislative agenda and discusses some of our top priorities for this legislative session. See our legislative agenda, support/oppose memos and more. Stay up to date on minimum wage lobbying efforts.

The adult-use cannabis market is open for business in New York State and it's expected to create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. On this podcast, we learn about the Cannabis Workforce Initiative and how it's helping people navigate this emerging industry from seed to sale. Visit the Cannabis Workforce Initiative's website: https://www.cannabisworkforce.org/ Connect with them on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/nycannabisworkforce/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086750882307 https://www.linkedin.com/company/cannabis-workforce-initiative/

We know from a recently released survey that 76 percent of consumers prefer to buy American-made products, but where do you find them? Our guest from the Alliance for American Manufacturing has an entire holiday gift guide of Made in America items.  And we'll tell you where to find union-made gifts, food, and drinks to make it a holiday that not only supports workers but will help create good union jobs. AAM's 2022 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide AAM's Made in America Directory AFL-CIO's Union-Made Resources

TikTok is a powerful communications tool, but getting started can feel intimidating. On the latest Union Strong podcast we discuss how TikTok works, tips and tricks for unions who want to use it to get their message out, and why you shouldn't be afraid to dive in. - Download the “Captions” app to get a teleprompter for your TikToks Follow @NYSAFLCIO and @Local802AFM on TikTok

Candidates seeking the endorsement of the New York State AFL-CIO must meet a high threshold of support.  On the latest Union Strong podcast, we break down the endorsement process with our guests; Ryan Delgado, Political Director and Chief of Staff at the federation and Jenn Puja, the Executive Director of the Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body.  We also discuss what's at stake in the general election and how union members are making their voices heard. Get voter info and find out how you can get involved NYS AFL-CIO 2022 Endorsements

Union construction workers and members of the fire and police departments in New York City developed a strong bond working together on New York's 9/11 recovery mission. Years later, many of them now retired, are putting their knowledge and skills to use to help those in need. On the latest Union Strong podcast, Bill Keegan, founder and president of HEART 9/11 talks about the mission of the organization and what drives workers to pay it forward.   Visit the HEART 9/11 website. You can find details about their 9/12 Tribute event here.   Stay up to date with HEART 9/11 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Workers won big in the 2022 legislative session. The list of victories includes workplace health and safety protections, improvements to labor rights and pensions, and the creation of good-paying jobs as we address climate change. On the latest Union Strong podcast, New York State AFL-CIO Legislative Director Mike Neidl breaks it all down for us to explain what these changes will mean for working people and their families. See the 2022 End of Session Report Get tickets for Union Strong Night at The New York Yankees (July 29th) Get tickets for Union Strong Night at The New York Mets (September 3rd)

When nurses were forced to work mandatory overtime during the COVID pandemic, it was understood that we were dealing with an emergency. The emergency has passed, yet mandatory overtime is back with a vengeance and it's reached a crisis level in many of our hospitals. Overworked nurses are pleading with lawmakers to do something about it. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we will hear from nurses and their unions on why they are so passionate about strengthening mandatory overtime laws. Here are the bills we discuss in the episode, which will improve the prohibition on mandatory nurse overtime law: S8063A Ramos/A8874B Joyner S4885A Savino/A181A Gunther A286A Gunther/S1997A Jackson

The concept of Buy American is simple: Our tax dollars should be used to create jobs and advance production here at home. On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we discuss the importance of prioritizing Buy American legislation and in particular, Buy American Rock Salt. Our guest, Dave Wasiura, Assistant to the Director for the United Steelworkers, District 4 explains what the legislation would do and its impact on the New York State economy.

The state of New York has lost thousands of public sector workers over the past decade. Recruiting and retaining public employees is reaching a crisis level.   In addition, dedicated public sector workers who risked their lives during the pandemic could be inadvertently penalized for the overtime they worked throughout the crisis.   On the latest Union Strong podcast, we talk about reforming the state's pension system, to address these issues.   New York State AFL-CIO Legislative Director Mike Neidl is our guest.   Learn more about tier 6 here >>>   Call or write your state legislators about tier 6 >>> 

March 25th is the 111th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in lower Manhattan. It was one of the deadliest industrial tragedies in U.S. history. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we are revisiting an episode we called, “A day in history that changed workplace safety”. It is a look-back at the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire through an interview with Edgar Romney, the Secretary-Treasurer of Workers United. Join the New York City Central Labor Council and Workers United at the 111th Anniversary Commemoration of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire: https://bit.ly/36JRCkr Learn more on the Cornell University Industrial Labor Relations School website: https://bit.ly/3IDtCMT

Nursing home workers at Our Lady of Peace in Lewiston, New York held a one-day strike to draw attention to their contract fight over fair wages. Tomorrow, that fight moves to St. Louis Missouri.   The nursing home workers are represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and have been without a contract since December 31, 2021. Already hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, these caregivers are now working critically short-staffed while their employer, Ascension Living shuts down units and threatens layoffs.   On the latest Union Strong Podcast, a worker describes the conditions inside the nursing home, a union representative gives details on the contract fight, and we hear from our partners at the Missouri AFL-CIO.   Click here to sign the petition for the Our Lady of Peace workers.   Click here for the details about the March 15th event in St. Louis.

Working New Yorkers have put themselves at risk throughout this entire pandemic. Many workers died after being exposed to the virus on the job and countless others became ill.    And now, as we reach the 2-year mark since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are learning more about long-haul symptoms.   That's why the New York State AFL-CIO wants to help get the word out on how critical it is for every worker who believes they were exposed to COVID-19 at work, to file a claim with the Workers' Compensation Board.    On this podcast, we will talk to the Chair of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board and we will hear from an advocate for injured workers to educate workers on their rights and explain the process for filing a claim.   Get info or file a claim on the NYS Workers Compensation Board website >>>   Webinar Series for Workers on Workers' Compensation and COVID-19 >>>   Call 877-632-4996 or email AdvocateForInjuredWorkers@wcb.ny.gov for assistance from the NYS Workers Compensation Board.   Follow the NYS Workers Compensation Board on social media: Facebook: @NYSWCB  Instagram: @NYSWorkersCompBoard Twitter: @NYSWorkersComp

Workers at Starbucks stores across the country are banding together and filing for union recognition at a pace not seen in recent memory, and it all started in Buffalo, New York. On the latest Union Strong podcast, one of the workers leading the campaign gives us an inside look into what it's like taking on a corporate giant determined to stand in the way. And Workers United Secretary-Treasurer Edgar Romney joins us to discuss the unique way the campaign started and what's next.

Voting rights were a cornerstone of Martin Luther King Jr's legacy.    On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast we discuss the current state of voting rights in this country and what Dr. King might have to say about it if he was with us today.    New York State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Terry Melvin is our guest as we discuss the meaning of Martin Luther King Day and Dr. King's connection to the union movement.   Secretary-Treasurer Melvin also talks about how we can honor Dr. King and what we can learn from his many speeches and writings.    Visit The King Center online   Attend the virtual MLK Celebration 2022: “Labor and Community United for Social Justice”

The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for teachers and support staff, students, and their parents. Now the 600,000 member New York State United Teachers has turned those challenges into an opportunity. NYSUT brought together a group of education professionals from across the state to come up with ideas on how to support public schools to build a brighter future for students. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we talk to three teachers who were a part of the Future Forward Task Force and get their insight on what their classrooms are like today and what the future of public education should look like.   Link to report  https://futureforwardny.org/

For most workers, overtime pay after 40 hours was a victory won over 80 years ago, but shockingly for farmworkers it's a battle still being fought. Farmworkers in New York State won some very basic rights in 2019 with passage of the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act.  Those rights which the New York State AFL-CIO had been fighting for, for years include: the right to organize a union, a mandatory day of rest, and the right to overtime pay. But the overtime threshold remains unfairly high at 60 hours per week.  On the latest Union Strong podcast our guest is the former president of the New York State AFL-CIO, Denis Hughes. Denis represents Labor on the Department of Labor's Farm Labor's Wage Board which is scheduled to meet on the overtime threshold within weeks. 

On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we learn how unions are helping veterans find a pathway to the American dream. Our guest is Will Attig who is a U.S. Army Veteran and serves as the Executive Director of the Union Veterans Council at the AFL-CIO. Will discusses the benefits of belonging to the Union Veterans Council and how it helps veterans transition from military service to civilian life and a solid middle class job.

Voters have an opportunity in the 2021 general election to make changes to the state constitution. The Labor Movement is supporting two of the propositions; Prop 2 and Prop 4.  Prop 2 would add environmental rights to the state constitution.  Prop 4 would allow no excuse absentee voting. On this podcast we discuss what the propositions are about and why they have the support of working people.

IATSE President Matthew Loeb has drawn a line in the sand saying the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees will go on strike Monday unless a deal is reached. IATSE has been in a contract fight with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for more than five months over safer working conditions, fair wages, and sustainable benefits. On the latest Union Strong podcast, Cinematographer Sarah May Guenther of IATSE Local 600 describes the current working conditions and talks about the union's demands. UPDATE: Landmark tentative agreement reached for IATSE West Coast Film and Television Workers before Strike Deadline - https://iatse.net/landmark-tentative-agreement-reached-for-iatse-west-coast-film-and-television-workers-before-strike-deadline/

On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, our guest is New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. Commissioner Reardon discusses a variety of topics including the unemployed, job creation, apprenticeship programs, workplace safety and the role unions play in all of it.   https://dol.ny.gov/

Newly elected AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joins us on the Union Strong podcast to talk about Labor's priorities and what's behind the growing support of labor unions. 

The Essential workers at United Metro Energy Corporation in Brooklyn, New York have been on strike since mid-April. The oil terminal workers are fighting for their first union contract after joining Teamsters Local 553 in 2019. On the latest Union Strong podcast Andre Soleyn, a terminal worker and leader of the strike, talks about their fight to get what they deserve and their determination to prevail.  http://teamsters.nyc/locals/local-553/ 212-929-6828 call in number for teamsters 553  

One year ago, the New York State AFL-CIO created a Social Justice Task Force to serve as a forum for frank and honest dialogue, and more importantly a vehicle for real and meaningful change to make our society and our movement more equitable and just for New Yorkers of color. On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, CSEA Executive Vice President Denise Berkley is our guest. As a member of the Social Justice Task Force, Denise shares some insights on the work being done and talks about what it takes to build a more perfect union.  

The campaign to unionize workers at the Amazon Warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama has been referred to as the most important labor struggle in more than half a century. We know the outcome as announced three months ago by the National Labor Relations Board, which determined workers voted against joining a union. That outcome is being challenged by The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). On the latest Union Strong podcast, RWDSU NYC Director and Vice President David Mertz is our guest to discuss the lessons learned from the campaign, including how the PRO Act would have changed the landscape of the union election.

The labor movement had a lengthy agenda going into the 2021 legislative session, particularly because of the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we look back at what was an incredibly successful year for labor. New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento is our special guest.  Detailed breakdown can be found at https://online.flippingbook.com/view/134090400/

The labor movement has a long history of feeding the hungry. During the height of the COVID -19 pandemic meals were provided to more than 125,000 families across an 11-county region around Albany, New York. But now, even with continued signs of recovery, food insecurity remains high, and volunteers are already closing in on serving even more families in 2021. On this podcast we visit a food bank in the Albany area and talk to Capital District Area Labor Federation Director Mark Emanatian and Sister Betsy Van Deusen of Catholic Charities about what it takes to meet the demand, who is on the receiving end, and what continues to drive the need.  ccrcda.org

After more than a year of COVID-19, Stories of Hope might be exactly what we need.  On the latest Union Strong podcast, we learn about the Donate Life program in New York State.  We will bring you the story of a 5th generation Local 3 IBEW member who is a living donor and a separate story from a retired GMP member whose life was saved through organ donation.   https://donatelifenys.org/

The latest episode of the Union Strong podcast reports on violence in New York City’s subways. In a pre-recorded interview on Friday, May 14, TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano talked about the need for more police in the subways to keep his members and riders safe. The following Monday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio finally answered the union’s demands. While this is a big win for TWU, President Utano says there is more to be done. Listen to the podcast to learn about the unions' fight to keep our subways safe for workers and riders.

Liz Egan is a registered nurse at Albany Medical Center who describes working throughout the height of the COVID pandemic as, "terrifying."  She is among the nurses who rose to the challenge during COVID, treating patients and saving lives under unimaginable circumstances. On this podcast, a look behind the scenes at a hospital where nurses are called heroes but treated much differently.  Nurses at Albany Medical Center chose to belong to a union, the New York State Nurses Association, (NYSNA) three years ago and continue to fight for their first contract.