New York City

Politics

New furloughs empower New York City unions

Municipal unions have an edge in protecting their own against city budget cuts.

Labor

Policy

Will labor stick with the establishment?

After losing to progressive insurgents, will unions learn to love the DSA?

Labor

Policy

Overtime pay for farmworkers still in dispute

The overtime threshold could be lowered to 40 hours a week, but farm owners say it would make labor costs too burdensome.

Labor

Policy

New York City’s history of public sector strikes

Despite a 1967 law making strikes illegal, there have been several prominent strikes by transit workers and teachers.

Labor

Policy

Will gig workers be classified as employees?

Gig workers have been on the frontlines during the pandemic, but their fight for more employment benefits still continues.

New York State

Politics

Key labor unions endorse Democrats in Western New York

These four open state Senate seats could determine the state’s approach to economic recovery in 2021.

New York State

Politics

How would line-of-duty benefits work for COVID-19?

De Blasio has thrown his support behind death benefits for NYC workers, but the measure would first have to pass in Albany.

New York State

Policy

Unemployment benefits loom large before reopening

Expanding eligibility could help redefine the balance of power in the workplace.

Bill de Blasio

Policy

New York City’s non-strategy to furloughing workers

There are political and practical impediments to immediately and temporarily trimming the New York City payroll – and perhaps tactical reasons for the de Blasio administration not to do so.

New York City

Policy

NYC Council bill could reignite gig worker debate

The council wants to extend sick leave to gig workers and have the state Legislature classify them as employees.

New York State

Politics

Which workers could get hazard pay?

Officials are calling for bonuses for front-line workers, but nobody agrees on who that is.

Labor

Policy

Front-line workers hope newfound respect leads to better conditions

Labor unions are determined to make sure employers don’t forget essential workers’ sacrifices.

Labor

Personality

The importance of low-wage workers during a pandemic

RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum talks about the challenges his members face as they perform essential work.

New York City

Policy

Gig worker reforms won’t be included in the budget

They’re on the front lines of the pandemic, but they’ll have to wait for labor protections.

Budget

Personality

Why Democratic state lawmakers are pushing to tax the rich

State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi wants higher taxes on the rich, health insurance for airport workers and an expansion of absentee balloting.

Labor

Policy

Gig economy companies weigh paying workers affected by coronavirus

Some companies are announcing steps to protect gig economy workers vulnerable to the coronavirus.

Labor

Policy

Could coronavirus push gig workers’ labor fight to the fore?

Despite concern about gig workers’ risk of exposure, the gig economy debate remains in limbo in Albany.