For Immediate Release: March 28, 2025
Media Contact: Lisa Thomas, lisa@alignny.org, (347) 415-6431
19 Labor & Community Groups Representing 500,000+ New Yorkers
Call on Governor to Increase DOL Funding
$200 Million in Additional Funding Would Protect
New York’s Workers from Federal Cuts
Albany, NY – Today a coalition of 19 labor unions, worker centers, and community groups released a letter calling on Governor Hochul to proactively allocate $200 million in additional funding to the New York Department of Labor (DOL), to anticipate federal funding losses and ensure that New York’s workforce remains protected. The groups represent more than 500,000 workers across the state.
In the months since the inauguration, the new leadership of the National Labor Relations Board has reversed pro-labor policies, such as protections against non-compete agreements, and changed long-standing labor law, including rescinding guidance on the legality of captive audience meetings. On top of these attacks on workers and unions, the coalition expects significant state funding rollbacks in the forthcoming federal budget.
Currently, New York State receives $150-180 million in annual federal funding for workforce development, job training, and employment services; $25-30 million for employee service grants including job matching, career counseling, and labor exchange services; and approximately $3-4 million for the Public Employee Safety and Health program. The letter calls for proactive budget investments to account for these areas as well as implement essential worker safety legislation passed last year, including the Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Act and the Retail Worker Safety Act.
“We’ve seen federal funding slashed in climate, healthcare, and education, and just yesterday, the President signed an executive order attempting to end collective bargaining rights for federal workers. We can’t take a wait-and-see approach with this administration; Governor Hochul must empower our state’s Department of Labor to stand up for workers, even as our federal government casts them aside,” said Theodore A. Moore, ALIGN Executive Director.
“New York is a leader in worker protections — that’s why we have to stand up to federal threats and make sure workers aren’t left behind. We are proud to stand with our allies in labor and community to urge the Governor to fund the Department of Labor and keep workers safe,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).
“As the federal government retreats from its duty to protect workers, New York must step forward. Passing the TEMP Act, alongside implementing critical legislation like WWIRA and the Retail Worker Safety Act, represents our commitment to workplace safety regardless of extreme conditions. A $200 million investment in our Department of Labor isn’t just funding—it’s a declaration that New York stands with its workers when Washington won’t,” said Charlene Obernauer, Executive Director of NYCOSH.
The full list of signers includes:
32BJ SEIU
ALIGN
Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC)
CWA District 1
Feeding New York State
For the Many
New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH)
New York Communities for Change
New York Immigration Coalition
New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)
Northeast New York Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health
PSC-CUNY
Retail Wholesale Department Store Union (RWDSU)
Teamsters Local 804
Transport Workers’ Union Local 100
TREEage
Utility Workers Union of America
Worker Justice Center of New York
Worker Justice Project