On March 8, thousands of union members packed the MVP Arena in Albany in an incredible show of solidarity, calling on the Governor and State Legislature to Fix Tier 6 in this year’s budget. In this episode of the Union Strong podcast, we break down how we got here, take you inside the arena for a firsthand look at the rally, and hear from New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento about what comes next in the fight to Fix Tier 6.

Ask your State legislators and the Governor to Fix Tier 6: https://nysaflcio.info/4rgACWn

NYS AFL-CIO Tier 6 Pension Reform web page: https://nysaflcio.org/tier-6

New York State Assemblyman Harry Bronson’s journey from a childhood of hardship to becoming a champion for workers is inspiring. As one of 12 siblings growing up without indoor plumbing, and at times, no running water, he saw firsthand the struggles his parents faced working low-wage jobs for companies that did not offer collective bargaining. It was those early experiences that shaped his dedication to fighting for equity and opportunity. Now, as the powerful chair of the NYS Assembly Labor Committee, he is in a prime position to influence the future of labor policy, and he is our guest on the Union Strong podcast.

Unemployment benefits just got a significant boost in New York State. This long-awaited increase, championed by the union movement, raises important questions: How much did the benefit go up? Who qualifies? How long can you collect?

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon joins us to break down what’s changed, why it matters, and what workers need to know.

Resources:

Visit https://dol.ny.gov/