Labor Solidarity Building

Conducted advocacy on behalf of workers at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, Tioga Downs, and Vernon Downs to secure a fair tax rate that supports the sustainability of unionized operations.

Administers the Abraham Chatman Scholarship, awarding financial support to family members of Sidney Hillman Health Center employees, such as the 2022 and 2023 recipients.

Runs advocacy campaigns such as the Solidarity Pledge to mobilize public support and pressure Starbucks to cease union-busting activities.

Offers health benefits to eligible union members through an established benefits program, supporting access to care for workers and retirees.

Represents over 9,500 active and retired workers in diverse sectors including hospitality, manufacturing, food service, education, non-profits, laundries, and gaming facilities across Upstate New York, including in Buffalo, Rochester, Schenectady, and Gloversville.

Organizes rallies, testifies at hearings, and advocates for legislation such as the Delivery Protection Act and Paid Sick Time Act to advance worker rights and protections in New York City. Mobilizes union members and allies to influence policy and support working people.

Condemned Supreme Court decisions affecting TPS, expressed solidarity with TPS holders, and advocated for congressional action to establish a pathway to citizenship for immigrant workers to protect workforce stability.

Organized rallies and mobilized labor leaders, elected officials, and community allies to oppose the relocation of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ New York offices to New Jersey and to defend women federal workers.

Negotiated a tentative agreement for Brooklyn Defender Services Union that includes a salary step scale for all workers, reduced management rights, and protections against employer-mandated geolocation tracking of union members.

Hosts annual Workers’ Memorial Day events in Midtown Manhattan to honor New Yorkers who have died, suffered injury, or illness due to workplace incidents, including reading aloud the names of over 40 workers who died in the past year.

Submitted and secured unanimous adoption of resolutions at the AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention, including Resolution 32 honoring 9/11 rescue and recovery workers and recommitting to support for the World Trade Center Health Program, and helped set broader organizing goals for the labor movement.

Negotiates collective bargaining agreements to improve compensation, benefits, and job protections for adjunct faculty and provides formal grievance procedures and due process protections, including in cases of dismissal for cause.

Provides multiple annual monetary scholarships to eligible part-time students, including a $3,000 award for graduating students with a minimum 3.5 GPA, three scholarships for students aged 35 or over (two of $2,000 and one of $1,000) with a minimum 3.5 GPA, and several $1,000 and $2,000 awards for students with a minimum 3.3 GPA.

Maintains a centralized website with official documents, private email lists independent of college systems, a master database of member information, and a private online forum requiring moderator-approved registration; also enhances content in the Vanguard publication and ensures technological infrastructure is functional and secure.

Provides access to educational materials explaining Right to Work laws and their impact on workers, along with curated links to partner organizations such as AAUP, NCCFT, AFT, NYS ERS, NEA, NYS TRS, NCC, and NYSUT.

Operates standing committees and maintains a system of department representatives to support communication, advocacy, and governance across academic departments; also includes maintaining formal leadership roles such as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Chief Information Officer.

Advocates for better wages, benefits, and fair working conditions on behalf of workers.

Elects an executive board and appoints plant executive stewards at six facilities to represent members and support worker engagement.