Legislative and Budget Priorities The NYS Laborers will aggressively advocate for the passage of our legislative agenda in the 2024 legislative session. These bills will benefit workers, law-abiding employers and New York State taxpayers!
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Period. It’s time to cut through the noise and knock out the stigma. That’s why the NYS Laborers Health & Safety Trust Fund has launched HOPE LIVES, a campaign that puts mental health front and center and directs our membership to lifesaving and lifechanging resources. You’ll […] Read More
ALBANY, NY (WENY)– Construction workers on open street projects will soon receive a prevailing wage, after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law the Roadway Excavation Quality Assurance Act. “Up until this point in New York State, when those public streets were opened a private utility company had no responsibility or obligation to pay prevailing wages,” said […] Read More
Utility company contractors and subcontractors must follow prevailing wage provisions on projects that require a permit to excavate or open a street under legislation signed Wednesday by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The Roadway Excavation Quality Assurance Act mandates construction workers are paid the prevailing wage on such projects, and contributes to reliable utility service for ratepayers, […] Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 16, 2023CONTACT: Gwennan Booth, Communications Manager, New York State Laborers’ LECET 315.717.7379; [email protected] A WIN FOR THE WORKING CLASS – A WIN FOR NEW YORKGovernor Hochul Signs the Roadway Excavation Quality Assurance Act into New York State Law Today Governor Kathy Hochul proved once […] Read More
For the high school students, there are pathways to the skilled trades with the help of the Laborers Local 190 Union. Superintendent of schools John Carmello said, “We have graduates every year that go to some of the top colleges in the country, Ivy League- but it’s not everybody and there’s a great living to […] Read More
This year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week brought with it something extra to take notice of! The NYS Laborers Union is pleased to see their long-fought and hard-won Automated Work Zone Speed Monitoring legislation officially implemented to help curb speeding in work zones, and is thankful for the agencies, organizations and elected leaders who supported […] Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 19, 2023 CONTACT: Gwennan Booth, Communications Manager, New York State Laborers’ LECET 315.717.7379; [email protected] PROTECT NEW YORK’S HIGHWAY WORKERS – ALL YEAR LONG. With National Work Zone Awareness Week officially underway, the New York State Laborers Union, on behalf of its hardworking members located on highway jobsites throughout New York, […] Read More
Establish a project labor agreement for SUNY construction projects of $3 million or moreSUPPORT A5486/S6050! For decades, members of the New York State Laborers Union have taken great pride in building and maintaining our SUNY campuses. Through New York State’s commitment and the collective work of the Laborers and other Building Trades members, we’ve created […] Read More
For Michelle Clark, cutting into heavy concrete is part of her apprenticeship program at Laborer’s International Union of North American, Local 621 in Olean. Local 621 does Department of Transportation work, heavy highways, bridges and blacktop, as well as other building projects. “You get extensive training, be it in the classroom and on-the-job training. It’s […] Read More
On February 28, 2023, the Glen Cove City Council passed a resolution that significantly strengthens safety requirements for construction projects within the city! This measure now stipulates that all workers on projects 20,000 square feet or more are required to have their OSHA 30 certification. OSHA 30 is a class that includes 30 or more […] Read More
There are two things that Central New York drivers are painfully aware of: our roads and bridges are noticeably deteriorating, and the wear and tear on our vehicles is leading to ever-increasingly expensive repairs. With each passing year, we have watched the roads worsen that we rely on to get to work, buy food for […] Read More
An investment in workers is an investment in New York. New York’s budget must attach labor standards to jobs in the clean energy sector. By investing in workers and prioritizing the environment, we can build a better, greener New York.
“There is always something to be thankful for.” We’re thankful for the South End Children’s Cafe’s incredible commitment to so many families in Albany, the opportunity to help prepare their special Thanksgiving dinner and for the support from the LIUNA New England Region and Feel the Care initiative to make a difference for deserving people […] Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 16, 2022CONTACT: Gwennan Booth, Communications Manager, New York State Laborers’ LECET 315.717.7379; [email protected] A Win for New York’s Sports Fans and New York’s Workers:New York City Football Club Stadium to be Built 100% Union The Cement & Concrete Workers District Council and New York State Laborers’ Union LECET commend the New York City […] Read More
When labor fights together, we win! We’re proud of every union brother and sister that showed up to the polls to prove that ONE UNION, ONE VOTE can make a difference. The Environmental Bond Act invests $4.2 billion overall in new and existing programs and projects to create a cleaner, safer New York. This funding […] Read More
As Election Day approaches, construction industry executives will be keenly tracking outcomes not only of key U.S. House and Senate and state and local races, but also results for important project funding measures and other ballot issues in several states.
Through thick and thin and back again – our union families stand strong together through the toughest times and during the hardest fights. Honored to show our support for those fighting breast cancer and for survivors during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
– Earning a paycheck while you learn – Zero-cost education – A lifelong career – A family of union brothers and sisters. – And GOOD wages & benefits. What’s not to love?! We teamed up with Local 210 for the Western New York Construction Career Days to show high school students why becoming the ultimate […] Read More
We’re proud to join Local 621 in support of the The Pink Pumpkin Project, an incredible community organization that ensures nobody fighting breast cancer is fighting alone. Volunteers created and sold 2,022 beautifully decorated pink pumpkins to support the PPP’s mission to provide critical resources and comfort for those battling breast cancer. Strong unions build […] Read More
It isn’t often that New Yorkers have the opportunity to vote for something that will directly impact their everyday lives. Their family’s lives for generations to come. The future of our state. Voting YES for the Environmental Bond Act (Proposition One) is one of those opportunities. By voting YES for the Environmental Bond Act, you’re […] Read More
Our union is proud to work side by side with nonprofit HEART 9/11 to help those struggling in the aftermath of disaster. Currently, many of our members are putting their skills and knowledge to work in Puerto Rico assisting those impacted by Hurricane Fiona by repairing roofs, clearing debris and helping to create a safer […] Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 14, 2022 CONTACT: Gwennan Booth, Communications Manager, New York State Laborers’ LECET 315.717.7379; [email protected] NEW YORK STATE LABORERS’ UNION ON VP HARRIS’ BUFFALO ADDRESS: WE’RE READY TO BUILD. Following Vice President Kamala Harris’ remarks in Buffalo today regarding the administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, the New York State Laborers’ LECET reaffirms […] Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 14, 2022 CONTACT: Gwennan Booth, Communications Manager, New York State Laborers’ LECET 315.717.7379; [email protected] NEW YORK STATE LABORERS’ UNION ON VP HARRIS’ BUFFALO ADDRESS: WE’RE READY TO BUILD. Following Vice President Kamala Harris’ remarks in Buffalo today regarding the administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, the New York State Laborers’ LECET reaffirms […] Read More
We’re committed to helping kids kick of the school year with brand new backpacks and fresh supplies. It’s true that having those essentials on lock can make all the difference! We’re proud that, under LIUNA’s Feel the Care initiative, we have ability to create meaningful partnerships within the communities our members live and work in […] Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 9, 2022CONTACT: Gwennan Booth, Communications Manager, New York State Laborers’ LECET315.717.7379; [email protected] CHIPS ACT: AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE, WORKING MEN AND WOMEN The New York State Laborers’ Union LECET commends the Biden administration for signing the CHIPS Act to boost domestic supply chains, combat the underinvestment in our country’s manufacturing and research […] Read More
We’re always looking for new and creative ways to engage our membership! We had the opportunity to be a presenting sponsor at the Cherry Valley Outdoor Games/STIHL Timbersports Series, and jumped at the chance to talk to members attending the games, promote the incredible opportunities available as a LIUNA member, AND meet and recruit new […] Read More
Laborers’ Local 157 and Tri-Funds staff had the wonderful opportunity to visit Girls Inc. GCR, bringing along flowers to help the girls create beautiful bouquets to celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, mentors, teachers and strong women in their lives! Add “floral arranging” to the list of Local 157’s list of talents! Laborers = ultimate utility […] Read More
New York State LECET staff, Laborers Local 66, Greater New York LECET staff and the Mason Tenders District Council PAC secured a major win Tuesday, May 24th as the Town of Hempstead UNANIMOUSLY passed OSHA 30 requirements for all large-scale public and private work (35,000 sq ft threshold). We congratulate Local 66 Business Manager Steve […] Read More
New York State Laborers’ Tri-Funds staff fought hard for and secured imperative wins this budget season that directly benefit our members, our local unions and organized labor. Through productive dialogue and negotiations with legislative members, fellow labor unions and influential statewide organizations, Tri-Funds staff has ensured 2022 will be a successful year for the New […] Read More
Happy to hop in and support the South End Children’s Cafe‘s efforts to ensure a happy and sweet Easter for deserving kids! Strong unions build strong communities, and we’re proud to partner up with such wonderful local organizations!
This year for National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, we reminded everyone to ALWAYS engage in safe driving practices when approaching a work zone. NYS Laborers’ Health & Safety billboards could be seen throughout the Capital Region, Buffalo and the Hudson Valley. This year’s campaign reminded drivers that each person in those work zones is […] Read More
NEWBURGH – Construction labor leaders in the Hudson Valley, Tuesday, called for community support for the construction of two power lines – the Champlain Hudson Power Express and Clear Path New York. The building trades officials emphasized what they said was the urgency of community backing for approval of the lines. The underground electric lines, […] Read More
The Albany High School Robotics Team 1493, after taking second place in a regional competition, earned the opportunity to compete in Houston, Texas for a national title! Students are never responsible for the costs associated with participating on the team or travel. Eliminating financial barriers make it possible for all to participate, but also makes […] Read More
Build Better, Build Safer, BUILD UNION! New York State LECET staff and Greater New York LECET staff were honored to visit Local 66 and Local 78 members on the job to express our appreciation for their hard work! Our members and our signatory contractors like IBS keep New York State moving forward, and get the […] Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 28, 2022 CONTACT: Gwennan Booth, Communications Manager, NYS Laborers’ LECET315.717.7379, [email protected] A CHAMPION FOR NEW YORK’S WORKERS: NYS LABORERS’ PAC ENDORSES HOCHUL The New York State Laborers Union is honored to endorse Kathy Hochul for New York State Governor in 2022. Since taking the helm in August, Governor Hochul has proven to be an exceptional leader […] Read More
We have at times been led to believe that legislation can typically only fall in one of the following categories: environmental improvement, economic boost, or labor-friendly. In fact, we have actually seen instances where this is true and the goals outlined within a bill are at odds with others. But New York has an opportunity […] Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 5, 2022 CONTACT: Gwennan Booth – Communications Manager, NYS Laborers’ LECET 315.717.7379 [email protected] NYS State of the State Outlines Bold Infrastructure Investment Statement from Patrick Purcell, Executive Director, New York State Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust and John Hutchings, Executive Director, New York State Laborers’ PAC: Congratulations to Governor Kathy Hochul […] Read More
A little extra warmth…a little extra comfort…a LOT of care for our communities. Our Pillows & PJs event at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center with Local 17, James Skoufis and Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson saw 612 pillows and 665 pairs of pajamas go home with families just in time for the holidays. Proud to support the […] Read More
This time of year can be financially challenging for so many members of our community, and we’re honored to be able to help uplift those in need. Under the LIUNA New England Feel the Care community outreach initiative, Tri-Funds staff created 35 Thanksgiving baskets packed with everything needed to prepare a nice meal, a gift […] Read More
Washington, D.C. (November 15, 2021) – Terry O’Sullivan, General President of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – made the following statement today: Today’s long awaited vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, the single greatest infrastructure investment in generations, is a victory for the hard-working […] Read More
NASSAU – It was a bipartisan moment in the town highway garage Friday afternoon to celebrate the passage of the $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure act that was greeted warmly by Capital Region labor and businesses. “It invests in strong economic growth for our communities and will allow us to compete in the 21st century instead of […] Read More
The passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill marks a historic investment in our roads, bridges, transit, energy systems and more, and it guarantees that hardworking LIUNA members will have clear pathways to solid, life-changing union jobs. Congressman Delgado assured us that he’d fight hard to get this legislation over the finish line – and he […] Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 28, 2021 CONTACT: Gwennan Booth – Communications Manager, NYS Laborers’ LECET 315.717.7379 [email protected] PASS THE INFRASTRUCTURE BILL. Statement from Patrick Purcell, Executive Director, New York State Laborers’ LECET: As a vote on the infrastructure bill finally appears to be imminent following weeks of stagnation and inaction, we once again urge our […] Read More
On the job, there is nothing more important than keeping yourself and your brothers and sisters safe. Health & Safety staff joined LIUNA Local 210 for Gilbane Building Company’s stand down at the Albright-Knox Campus Development and Expansion Project to meet with members, provide lunch and disseminate supplies to help keep everyone healthy and safe […] Read More
Our hard-working LIUNA members are up before the sun every day to keep NYC running and build our city. Health & Safety staff joined Laborers Local 1010 Business Manager Keith Loscalzo and Organizing staff to thank Local 1010 and Local 731 members for their hard work – and drop off gear to keep them safe, […] Read More
With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework vote approaching, Tri-Funds staff headed down to the NYS Capitol to hit up the lunch crowd and urge people to contact their representative and demand they vote YES for infrastructure! If you’re a LIUNA member, be sure to show your support for this life-changing legislation by sending a letter to […] Read More
Saturdays are for family, and building up our communities! Health & Safety Executive Director Frank Marchese, Jr., his wife Jess and their son Jack attended the South End Children’s Cafe Harvest Fest and gave out school supplies, masks, hand sanitizer and toothbrushes to help ensure kids have a safe and healthy start to fall! And […] Read More
Lawmakers and laborers came together outside the DL&W Terminal construction site Friday, urging the federal government to pass a five-year, trillion-dollar infrastructure rebuilding plan.
Huge thank you to our friends at Harvey Austin Buffalo Public School 97 for inviting us to their Ready Freddy Back 2 School BBQ! Our Health & Safety team handed out 100 pencil boxes to students to help make sure they have a strong, safe start to the school year!
Members from Laborers’ Local 190, Local 157 and Local 235 attended Congressman Antonio Delgado’s Schoharie town hall meeting to personally thank him for his support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework – legislation that has the ability to change our members’ lives and improve NYS for generations to come!
Bipartisan infrastructure bill will benefit NY To our representatives in Congress – do your duty and pass the bipartisan infrastructure framework. It isn’t often that the people we elect to represent our best interests in Washington have an opportunity to pass impactful legislation that will benefit every single American for generations to come. In fact, […] Read More
SEPT. 6, 2021 While Labor Day will always be a significant day for union brothers and sisters throughout the country, today marks a historic day for New York State as Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislation package that will expand the protection afforded working New Yorkers and further empower them – a pro-worker package that […] Read More
We joined Local 621 Business Agent Tommy Lippert in Olean to talk to jobseekers about the benefits of a career in union construction with the Laborers! This was our first career/recruitment event since before the pandemic hit—and it felt great to get out and talk to people about our union, and how rewarding this work […] Read More
ICYMI: This #NationalWorkZoneAwarenessWeek we’re calling on Albany to protect New York’s workers and drivers by passing photo enforcement of active work zones!
We aren’t kidding when we say laborers have the skills to do it all! We joined Laborers’ Local 157 at Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region to show off our flower arranging expertise and help the girls create lovely bouquets to give to someone they love this Mother’s Day! HUGE s/o to our new […] Read More
Strong UNIONS build strong COMMUNITIES! We had a blast stopping by South End Children’s Cafe and Connect Center for Youth to drop off some beautiful bouquets from Rizzo’s House of Flowers for kids to give to someone special for Mother’s Day! Proud to support the incredible work these organizations do! #FeelThePower #FeelTheCare
Stopped by Connect Center for Youth in Cohoes today for a tour and to drop off computer lab furniture, sports equipment, after school snacks and safety items. They’re doing incredible things in their community, and we’re honored to step up and help out. STRONG UNIONS BUILD STRONG COMMUNITIES! #FeelthePower #FeeltheCare
We’re proud to partner with Laborers Local 190 to provide The Black Nurses Coalition with supplies to keep THEM safe, and the people they’re serving. The Black Nurses Coalition is an incredible organization based in Albany that has been literally going door-to-door in underserved communities, registering HUNDREDS of eligible individuals for vaccine appointments—read more about […] Read More
Throughout the pandemic, we continuously assessed what actions were necessary to keep our members as safe and healthy as possible. That meant getting hand sanitizer stations and handwashing trailers on jobsites, disseminating appropriate PPE and when the time came – partnering with pharmacies to get COVID-19 vaccinations in the arms of our members. By facilitating […] Read More
Today, as he does every year during Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the results of New York State’s Operation Hardhat – an initiative conducted to crack down on work zone violations and highlight the importance of safe driving when encountering road construction and maintenance. And again, as with every year, an […] Read More
On Tuesday we were reminded yet again of the inherent danger construction workers face while simply doing their jobs. Tragically, two New York State Department of Transportation workers were injured within a work zone on the Northway – during National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week and Governor Cuomo’s annual Operation Hard Hat initiative, which are […] Read More
From John Hutchings, Executive Director, New York State Laborers’ PAC: We commend Governor Cuomo, Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie and members of the legislature on the passage of this historic budget for working-class New Yorkers. The inclusion of labor standards on large-scale renewable projects ensures New York’s transition to a clean energy future prioritizes the creation of good jobs. […] Read More
75 more hand sanitizer stands ready to go! Health and Safety teamed up with Local 60 to build stands for job sites throughout NYC and Long Island. Always working for our members, and always stronger together!
What do you do when a global pandemic keeps members away from a health fair? Bring the health fair to the members! Our Health & Safety Executive Director Frank and Health & Safety Specialist Harold (with an assist from PAC’s Amy!) packed bags to drop off members that’ll help keep them safe this summer!
We were honored to have the opportunity to partner with Local 60 and the New York State Laborers’ Organizing Fund to visit Local 60 members on the job in Port Chester to express our gratitude for their hard work. Our members demonstrate their commitment to the job and their communities every single day. Above all […] Read More
Taking care of your mental health is always important—now more than ever. It was our absolute privilege to deliver lunch to the incredible St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester staff on the front lines doing this imperative work. We appreciate you! “On behalf of the staff of St. Vincent’s, we thank the Labor Assistance Professionals, LIUNA Local […] Read More
Purposeful Giving + Active Engagement = Empowered Communities Our union has always believed in working to effect positive change throughout the communities our members live and work in. As LIUNA members, we know that strong unions build strong communities, and creating meaningful partnerships with local and regional charitable organizations helps provide valuable assistance to those […] Read More
It’s the season of giving and local organizations are working hard to try to fill wish lists of families in need across the Capital Region. The South End Children’s Cafe in Albany is just one organization helping families in the area, and on Tuesday, the Local Laborers’ 190 stopped by to help fulfill some wishes. […] Read More
Purposeful Giving + Active Engagement = Empowered Communities Our union has always believed in working to effect positive change throughout the communities our members live and work in. As LIUNA members, we know that strong unions build strong communities, and creating meaningful partnerships with local and regional charitable organizations helps provide valuable assistance to those […] Read More
While it’s a year that many of us would like to forget, 2020 will forever be remembered for the turmoil, fear, and health, social and economic crises our nation faced. The COVID-19 pandemic has systematically killed hundreds of thousands nationwide, irreversibly sickened countless more and crippled our economy. Families have forever been changed, whether it’s […] Read More
The New York State Laborers Union Local 17 partnered with the New York State Laborer’s Health and Safety Trust Fund to give away pajamas, pillows, school supplies and toys to children in need and at no cost. The event was set up in just a few days and held at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, […] Read More
A local laborers union is giving back to the Boys and Girls Club of Binghamton after the Club reported a theft of their lawn care equipment last month. Members of Labors Local 785 were at the club Monday to donate new lawn care equipment as a part of their LIUNA Cares philanthropy program Hundreds of […] Read More
After having their maintenance equipment stolen, the Boys and Girls Club of Binghamton received a generous donation to replace it all today. The Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 785 donated 20 pieces of maintenance equipment to the Club. A few weeks ago, the club’s shed was broken into and multiple items were stolen […] Read More
The New York State Laborers Union applauds Governor Cuomo’s proposed legislation that would allow the state to hold private utility companies accountable, and ensure New Yorkers receive the service they pay for and deserve. Far too often these companies overpromise and under-deliver on the services hardworking people rely on – a practice that can only […] Read More
A local labor union and barbershop are teaming up to get kids back to school haircuts for free. Kids are the VIP guests at Patsy’s Barbershop in Albany. “It’s really all about love and love is the answer and we’re trying to spread some generosity in these hard times,” said William Yager, owner of Patsy’s […] Read More
Laborers Local 60 and the New York State Laborers-Employers Cooperation Education Trust recognized essential workers helping to keep Westchester County moving by giving them free meals on Tuesday as they worked on job sites in New Rochelle and Yonkers. Local 60 members distributed meals for hungry workers this week. At the Montesano job site in […] Read More
Trays of chicken, canned goods, snacks, and other essential items were unloaded from a van and transported into the South End Children’s Café on Monday. “We’ve donated anything from shampoo, any food items, dry items,” said Anthony Fresina, the business manager for Laborers’ Local Union 190. Fresina and other union members were dropping off these […] Read More
The 2020 New York State Budget amends previous legislation to apply prevailing wage to certain publicly-funded private projects, marking an important victory for the construction trade Unions during a time when the industry is feeling the impact of COVID-19. “The Laborers’ primary concern has always been good jobs and fair wages for our members and […] Read More
“We applaud Governor Cuomo for including tougher penalties for violence against highway workers in the FY 2021 Executive Budget,” said Patrick Purcell, Executive Director, New York State LECET and Greater New York LECET. “The New York State Laborers Union proudly represents the women and men tasked with ensuring our state’s roads, highways and bridges remain […] Read More
“The concept of high-speed rail in New York State has long been explored, discussed and debated,” said Patrick Purcell, Executive Director, New York State LECET and Greater New York LECET. “But despite the expansive list of merits it would afford all New Yorkers, it has remained stalled – until now. We commend Governor Cuomo for […] Read More
This week, we learned that the New York State Senate intends to introduce legislation to permanently ban fracking in New York. Many will recall that the New York Laborers Union, along with our members and supporters, were instrumental in the organized effort to explain and promote the many benefits fracking would create in the way […] Read More
Labor unions and environmentalists are squaring off over a plan to burn used tires to power the LaFargeHolcim cement plant in Coeymans, marking one of the latest chapters in what has long been an uneasy co-existence between the two groups which typically are aligned in other causes. The latest scuffle could come to a head […] Read More
The Building Trades Employers Association (BTEA) recently released new statistics it says show union construction workers in New York City were five times less likely to suffer a fatal accident last year than their non-union counterparts. Although, not everyone agrees. Read Full Article
Apertrechados contra las bajas temperaturas, resguardados por decenas de policías y ante una gran rata inflable -símbolo de la explotación por parte de las empresas contratistas-, un nutrido grupo de trabajadores de la construcción exigió este martes la devolución de sus salarios robados, frente a la sede de la New Line Structures, en plena Fashion […] Read More
In just about a month, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery will be shutting down to prepare for a major expansion project. But an area labor leader is concerned the work is not going to include unionized skilled workers. Laborer’s Local 210, the Buffalo Building Trades and Construction Council, and the New York State Laborers’ Organizing Fund […] Read More