 | | Denis Hughes, President | Ed Donnelly, Director | JUne 15, 2009
| Issue Eighteen
| President's Message Letter to the Legislature on Unemployment Insurance
(The following letter will be sent to the Legislature on June 15, 2009)
In light of the latest unemployment figures which indicate numbers of unemployed at almost 700,000, I am writing to emphasize the need to reform the state’s antiquated unemployment insurance system and to request passage of A4921/S2245. This bill increases the state’s embarrassing unemployment benefit and indexes the benefit into the future to provide gradual, reliable increases. The bill also gradually increases the taxable wage base on which employers pay the unemployment premium.
The need to increase the benefit to 50% of the average weekly wage, the level at which the benefit has historically been set, is self-evident; however, any unemployment proposal that does not include indexation of the benefit falls short of meaningful reform.
As you know, there is no alternative proposal to A4921/S2245. As such, the NYS AFL-CIO respectfully requests passage of A4921/S2245 before the legislature adjourns for the 2009 regular session. Further, the NYS AFL-CIO is willing to work with the Legislature and Administration on any issue; however, that does not mean we accept the Governor’s position that unemployment insurance benefits be contingent on successful resolution of other issues. Passage of A4921/S2245 should be done on the merits and based on the needs of working families and not negotiated in the context of other issues.
Although there have been agreements between the Governor and some labor unions on other issues not related to unemployment, it is the position of the NYS AFL-CIO that much remains to be done. Thus far, our negotiations with the Governor on a host of issues have been unproductive The fact that unemployment insurance, and many other important legislative issues remain unresolved with just two weeks remaining in the legislative session, is a clear indication that working men and women will need to rely on your leadership if their needs are to be addressed.
We look forward to working with the legislature and the Governor on all of the issues important to working men and women Denis M. Hughes Call to Action NO LABOR LOBBYISTS MEETING
JUNE 15, 2009
You will be notified when the next meeting is scheduled Issue of the Week S.2237-A Stewart-Cousins, et al/A.2005 Rosenthal, et al
The New York State AFL-CIO, representing over 2 million union workers, their families, our retirees and their families strongly supports the above referenced legislation.
This bill repeals provisions of New York State and New York City statutes that remove apartments from rent stabilization or rent control when such apartments are vacated and could be rented under such statutes for monthly rents of $2,000 or more.
In other words, this bill repeals vacancy decontrol. If enacted, the bill will help to prevent the further loss of rent-stabilized apartments. It will deter affordable housing from going to "market rates," which is synonymous with housing for the well-to-do.
New York State had an affordable housing crisis even at the peak of the housing bubble. Now, with the crash, the crisis has become even more acute for working-class renters and homeowners. Evictions and foreclosures are soaring. Therefore, every square foot of rent -stabilized, affordable housing that can be preserved must be preserved.
The NYS AFL-CIO has an abiding commitment not only to the preservation but also to the construction of affordable housing for working families. There is no more obvious example of "market failure" than housing. That is why the State Fed has tirelessly called attention to the need for a much more ambitious state and federal government role in stimulating production of affordable housing. In the interest of all working families, above all, lower-income and middle-income working families, the NYS AFL-CIO urges this bill be passed and signed forthwith. Keep An Eye On MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2009
Nurses Issues Committee Meeting, 2:00 p.m., 100 South Swan Street, Albany, New York. Representatives of the Department of Labor will be addressing the Committee. For further information contact Legislative Department at:518-436-8516 or edonnelly@nysaflcio.org Copyright 2009 New York State AFL-CIO All Rights Reserved
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NYS AFL-CIO Events Annual Labor Celebration
December 16, 2010
Sheraton NY Hotel & Towers
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Support Haitian
Relief Efforts Haiti is a scene of unimaginable devastation and human tragedy today. The NYS AFL-CIO is asking our affiliates to do all they can to help Haitians survive Tuesday’s massive earthquake.
Donations can be made to the AFL-CIO Solidarity Center Emergency Relief Fund to ensure that assistance reaches workers and their families. You may write checks payable to: Solidarity Center Education Fund
888 16th Street, N.W., Suite 400
Washington, DC 20006
Please note in memo line: “Earthquake Relief for Haitian Worker Fund”
The Solidarity Center and its partners are ready to assist Haitian workers and their families in any way possible. Please contribute what you can to the Solidarity Center’s Earthquake Relief for Haitian Workers campaign. Updates on the relief efforts will be posted at
http://www.solidaritycenter.org
Thank you for your life-saving generosity.
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Ethically Speaking...Introducing a new monthly segment written by Chalmers Clark, PhD, focusing on ethical considerations in conversations about our work and positive values that organized labor strengthens in American society. In our last issue of Ethically Speaking... we took the doctrine of employment-at-will (EAW) and put it under the ethical lens of justice. We then brought the concept down to its roots in everyday notions such as 'fairness' and 'even handed treatment' or 'an even playing field'. (full story)
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Unemployment Resources
If you're out of work, you're not alone. In December, 2009, the unemployment in the United States remained at 10 percent, while in New York State it climbed to 9 percent. America's working families deserve better.
Increase Unemployment Benefits NOW!
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History of the NYS AFL-CIO The New York State AFL-CIO has a rich and proud history, which is deeply embedded in labor's continuous struggle for dignity and economic and social justice. This history is the story of the State Federation and its predecessor federations dating to 1865. Click here to view the full history of the NYS AFL-CIO
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