Happy Holiday Season, John!
It’s hard not to love New York City this time of year.
And what’s more to love about this city we all share: It’s a union town year round :-)
Last week, I had the chance to represent New York and advance workers rights in the nation’s capital. I went to the U.S. Department of Labor to launch a new labor rights initiative alongside Acting Secretary Julie Su.
Our new Labor Rights Investors Network is a group of investors, including NYC public pension funds, who recognize that a thriving portfolio in a thriving economy depends on workers being included, on having freedom of association, and on having their rights respected.
Simply put, the companies we invest in must make sure their workers are cut into growth. Membership of this group will strengthen NYC pension funds and promote good labor practices.
Back in New York, I was honored to host Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg later in the week at our relaunched prevailing wage council meeting! Our Bureau of Labor Law and Workers Rights is deeply committed to enforcing prevailing wage law. Since 2022, we've recovered over $5 million in wages and civil penalties owed to workers.
This annual meeting is a place where leaders from the labor movement, advocacy groups, government, and the contractor community come together with a shared goal: protecting workers, irrespective of immigration status, from wage theft and exploitation by unscrupulous contractors.
And lastly, if there’s a labor rally, you know I’ll be there! I was glad to join the CUNY’s union and CUNY Rising Alliance to rally for a fair union contract with real raises.
CUNY graduates one-third of New York City’s teachers and half of our nurses. Our public university system is the single greatest engine of upward economic and social mobility. So it’s on us to make sure it’s fully funded.
Whose CUNY? Our CUNY!
From marching on the picket line to standing up for labor rights in the nation’s capital, I’ll always come down on the side of organized labor. After all, unions are the backbone of New York City.
In solidarity,
Brad
P.S. John, will you take a moment to consider making a contribution of $5 today? The biggest campaign finance reporting deadline of the year is coming up on January 13, and any amount you’re able to kick in right now makes a huge difference.
Plus, did you know that all contributions up to $250 from New York City residents are matched 8 to 1 by New York City’s campaign finance matching program? That means even a $10 contribution has a $90 impact. Thank you so very much.
