John,

In 2023, organized labor had its most active year in two decades. We saw big wins for labor unions across the country, including in strikes against GM, Ford and Hollywood studios — and 2024 could see even more major wins for workers.

It’s not just nationwide. Right here, in New York City, we’re witnessing the change that organized labor can create.

In April, members of the Fordham Graduate Student Workers union voted to authorize a strike in pursuit of fair wages, workplace rights, and employment protections before reaching a tentative agreement after 19 months of bargaining.

Just recently, I joined the unionized workers of Mobilization for Justice (MFJ) to walk the picket line in what is officially the longest legal services strike in New York City in over 30 years.

On the picket line.

And this week in Queens, I loved seeing UAW President Shawn Fain weighing in to personally encourage members to knock doors for Claire Valdez, who is running to represent Assembly District 37. Shawn is showing what bold union leadership that fights courageously for its members, and for an economy that actually works for working people, looks like.

All workers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect by management that comes to the bargaining table in good faith. Every strike is an urgent call to action.

From standing on the picket line, to returning $8 million in stolen wages to NYC workers since 2022, to urging the companies we invest in to respect workers’ rights, I am always proud to stand with New York City workers.

In solidarity,

Brad