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Newsletter for the Movement for Economic, Climate, and Racial Justice
 

There is a wave of worker and climate organizing sweeping the country. And in many ways the momentum for change began here in New York. Amazon workers in Staten Island stood up against exploitative working conditions and negligent COVID safety, inspiring warehouses across the country to organize. Workers in Buffalo formed the first-ever Starbucks union, starting a massive organizing push with 200+ stores now unionized. The Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act and launch of Renewable Ravenswood are both shining examples of ways workers and businesses are leading in creating green jobs and moving toward a clean energy future. Workers are fighting back to reclaim their health and dignity. Communities are demanding good union jobs and climate solutions. The tides are turning. 

TAKE ACTION

Get your tickets: ALIGN’s 2022 Movement Builder Awards are Wednesday, September 28!

This year we’re proud to celebrate worker power for a clean future, honoring the movement builders organizing and mobilizing workers for a more just and sustainable New York.

Can’t make it? Support our work fighting for racial, economic, and environmental justice.

 
 

School’s in Session: It’s Time to
Tackle the Climate Crisis

It’s fall in New York and schools are back in session, but as our children enter the classroom this year, things look a little different. The City Council is calling for Mayor Adams to restore millions in school budget cutbacks that will mean fewer teachers, larger classes, and cuts for arts and language programs in our schools. And as the pandemic rages on, masks have been ruled optional and students are no longer required to quarantine or test to stay in school. Many parents are concerned about these rollbacks, while others are relieved to return to some kind of normal. But one thing’s for sure: we have the tools to improve health and safety in our public schools long-term; we just need to make the investment. 


Deep retrofits of our public schools, starting with HVAC upgrades, can improve ventilation in crowded classrooms to reduce the spread of COVID-19 while also reducing emissions, enhancing air quality, creating green career jobs, and fostering resilient communities across our city. Our Climate Works for All coalition has developed a Green, Healthy Schools plan to do just that, plus set an example for our nation-leading Local Law 97, which mandates that NYC buildings be energy efficient and carbon neutral. We know that our climate crises and health crises are related, and we must address them now, before they continue to multiply.

 

Much of the conversation about Local Law 97 has been focused on real estate developers, city agencies, and climate organizations, but everyday New Yorkers need to know their rights too. That’s why we’re holding a webinar next Thursday, September 22 to inform and empower our communities, just in time for Climate Action Week. Register today to join the conversation and our movement for a green city. 

 
 

2 Million New Yorkers Need a Raise

Raise Up NY at the NYC Labor March, September 10

Labor Day celebrates the legacy of organizing that has come before us—to win a five-day work week, an 8-hour work day, a minimum wage, and much more. But it’s also a reminder of what we are still fighting for, and in 2022, there is much to be done. 

 

The Raise Up NY coalition, led by ALIGN, marched with workers and allies this weekend to call for a stronger minimum wage that keeps up with the climbing cost of living. A decade ago, New York workers built the Fight for $15 and led a nationwide movement for justice. But in 2022, $15 an hour is no longer enough for essential needs like housing, food, and utilities. Other states have recognized that wages must keep in step with rising costs, and it’s due time that New York joins them. Our coalition has united unions and workers across the state with businesses, community groups, and state labor leaders to fight for a living wage for working people that never falls behind again.  

 

We know we can win and change the lives of more than 2 million New Yorkers because in the last year, we’ve seen unprecedented labor wins. Workers organized at some of the biggest companies in the nation, from Amazon to Starbucks and Apple to Trader Joe’s. They’ve sent a message loud and clear: workers deserve a voice on the job. ALIGN has strengthened this wave of organizing by passing bills that help workers directly—from disclosing secret productivity quotas to fighting retaliation in unsafe workplaces—and they await the Governor’s signature to take effect. But we won’t stop there. We’re building coalitions that fight alongside workers for fair working conditions, fair wages, and a fair economy for all.
 

ALIGN in the News

ALIGN City & State takeover! ALIGN’s campaign to raise the minimum wage is the Labor Day issue’s cover story, and Executive Director Maritza Silva-Farrell is featured among the Labor Power 100 and Power of Diversity: Latino 100!

Alliance in Action

 

Teamsters Joint Council 16 - Call on Governor Hochul to save Cleveland Park, used by 7,000 children in the Freeport School district, from being turned into an e-commerce warehouse.

 

RWDSU - Union President and ALIGN Board Member Stuart Applebaum penned an op-ed calling for the Warehouse Worker Protection Act to be signed into law to keep Amazon workers safe. 

 

NYC Central Labor Council - A union campaign dating back two years and involving workers at several New York-based architecture firms has notched its first victory. Read more about the industry’s only private-sector union.