ULI class photo: class of 2025

Apply for the Union Leadership Equity and Development Scholarship

Want to grow as a leader in your union? A scholarship is available for the Cornell University/NYS AFL-CIO Union Leadership Institute. Apply by May 22nd.

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New York State AFL-CIO

Helping Working Families Achieve a Better Life

The New York State AFL-CIO is a federation of 3,000 affiliated public sector, private sector, and building trades unions throughout the state, representing 2.5 million members, retirees and their families.  Our members live and work in every community in our state, and reflect the diversity that makes New York great.

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Sign up to receive email updates about our work and how you can support working people.

Check Out the Union Strong Podcast

Get the latest on NY's union movement. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch on our YouTube channel.

Check Out the Union Strong Podcast

Day at the Races 2026

Save the date! Our annual Day at the Races event will be held on July 23, 2026.

Day at the Races 2026

COPE Convention 2026

Save the date! Our 2026 COPE Convention is happening in Albany, NY on August 26th.

Featured News

Press Releases

New York State AFL-CIO Announces Endorsement of Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Endorsements in Congressional, State Senate, and Assembly Races with Primary Elections

New York State AFL-CIO Announces Endorsement of Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Endorsements in Congressional, State Senate, and Assembly Races with Primary Elections

Get Involved

Union members cheering at a fix tier 6 rally
Fix Tier 6 in the State Budget!

Fix Tier 6 in the State Budget!

The fight to Fix Tier 6 is about fairness, equity, and a better retirement for the hard-working public servants who keep our communities running. Ask your Senator, Assembly Member, and the Governor to Fix Tier 6 in the State Budget this year!

Send a Letter

Mario Cilento and Melinda Person sitting with Susan Arbetter for Capital Tonight interview
Capital Tonight: N.Y. teacher unions push to roll back 14-year-old Tier 6 pension reforms
News

Capital Tonight: N.Y. teacher unions push to roll back 14-year-old Tier 6 pension reforms

Fourteen years ago, on March 14, 2012, during what would be a seismic overnight session, the New York state Legislature created a new pension tier, Tier 6, that increased the age at which teachers could retire, and increased the amount that teachers needed to contribute to their pensions.

Capital Tonight: N.Y. teacher unions push to roll back 14-year-old Tier 6 pension reforms

NYSUT President Melinda Person speaking
Newsday: New York State cut pensions for new workers, but some say it went too far
News

Newsday: New York State cut pensions for new workers, but some say it went too far

ALBANY - State lawmakers are looking to roll back pension reforms that cut benefits for public workers hired after 2011 - adjustments that could help attract and retain workers but also increase costs for local governments and schools.

Newsday: New York State cut pensions for new workers, but some say it went too far

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Upcoming Events

27 May
50th Anniversary of the New York Labor History Association
6:00PM - 8:00PM

In-person and online 
Conference Center, ILR School, Cornell University 
570 Lexington Avenue, 12th Floor (between 50th and 51st Streets) 
New York City

50th Anniversary of the New York Labor History Association

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the New York Labor History Association with a 50 Year Review of U.S. Labor History.

23 Jul
COPE Day at the Races 2026
11:00AM - 6:00PM

Saratoga Race Course 
267 Union Avenue 
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

COPE Day at the Races 2026

You are cordially invited to join your union family for our annual Day at the Races, July 23rd from 11am - 6pm to benefit the New York State AFL-CI

26 Aug
New York State AFL-CIO COPE Convention
All Day

Albany Capital Center 
55 Eagle St, Albany, NY 12207

New York State AFL-CIO COPE Convention

The 2026 COPE Convention of the New York State AFL-CIO will take place on Wednesday, August 26th in Albany, NY.