April 2, 2016
By NYS AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento
Albany, NY – I am proud of the unified efforts of the 2.5 million members and 3,000 local unions of the New York State AFL-CIO to improve the economic and social well-being of working men and women throughout our state. The Labor Movement has been united and fought tirelessly to raise the minimum wage and implement Paid Family Leave – both critically important issues to working people.
Three million working people in New York State will see their wages go up due to the $15 per hour minimum wage making New York the first state in the country to reach that landmark. Raising the minimum wage is long overdue and is a step in the right direction toward addressing poverty and income inequality. This meaningful wage will allow hard-working men and women the opportunity to better support themselves and their families, and enjoy a standard of living and quality of life they can be proud of.
New York State is also leading the way on Paid Family Leave. This ground-breaking benefit will have a positive impact on working people by allowing them to put their families first during times of need. Whether it is to bond with a newborn or the opportunity to care for an ill or dying family member, working men and women will no longer be forced to choose between being with loved ones during life-changing moments, and the ability to make ends meet.
I want to thank Governor Cuomo, Speaker Heastie, Majority Leader Flanagan and Independent Democratic Conference Leader Klein for listening to the working men and women of this state and understanding how the aforementioned legislation will positively impact the lives of all New Yorkers. Their leadership and actions will set an example for the nation.
