ALIGN Rejects $17 Minimum Wage Proposal; Calls for $21.25 Minimum Wage

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ALIGN Rejects $17 Minimum Wage Proposal; Calls for $21.25 Minimum Wage

Alliance of Powerhouse Unions includes DC37, RWDSU, NYC Central Labor Council, and Teamsters

New York (April 25, 2023) – Lucas Shapiro, Executive Director of ALIGN, an alliance of powerhouse unions including DC37, RWDSU, NYC Central Labor Council, and Teamsters that leads the Raise Up NY coalition, released the following statement today in response to reports of Governor Hochul’s new minimum wage proposal, which would increase New York’s minimum wage to $17 downstate by 2026 and upstate by 2028:


“Governor Hochul and State legislators represent the people of New York, and it is their duty to make our great state a prosperous home for all. But under record inflation and a historic cost-of-living crisis, a $17 minimum wage does not add up to livable wage. It is simply not enough. 

ALIGN and our Raise Up NY coalition, composed of more than 30 labor unions representing over 1.5 million workers, is fighting for a $21.25 minimum wage because it is just that—the minimum for New York’s workers. 

With the support of 80% of New Yorkers, we have built a powerful movement, and we won’t rest until we deliver dignity and justice for 3 million workers who deserve a raise.”