2017 Year-in-Review

As 2017 comes to a close, it is important to look back on all that labor has accomplished this year. We defeated the Constitutional Convention, we stood together to rally for better workplace standards and protections for construction workers, we rallied to support striking IBEW Local 3 cable workers, we stood with our immigrant and undocumented sisters and brothers for the right to live and work with dignity in the city and country they love. At our annual awards reception, we honored IBEW President Lonnie R. Stephenson, IBT Local 831 President Harry Nespoli, and the Retail Action Project for their continued commitment to protecting and advancing better workplace standards for hardworking New Yorkers. We were proud to have Workers United Secretary-Treasurer Edgar Romney and IATSE Local One President James J. Claffey, Jr. lead this year’s Labor Day Parade up 5th Ave., and remind New York City why a unified labor movement leads the way and sets the standard that other movements follow.

As we look head to 2018, we look forward to continuing to support the hard work of the men and women who help make our city great. We must continue to stand together and to educate and remind workers of the benefits of union membership. Yes, we know that unions brought us the weekend, child safety laws, and the 40 hour work week, but we must remain on the front lines of ensuring that all workers are able to live and work with dignity, and without fear of deportation. We are standing up for workers, because they are the lifeblood of the labor movement, and of our city. And just like last year, we are grateful that you have continued to stand with us. Together, we can create the change that working people need. We are all stronger together.