Labor Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on where we stand as a union. Looking back on the past year, one word comes to mind: progress.
That progress didn’t happen by chance. It happened because CSEA members stayed engaged, stood together and continued to make their voices heard. Whether advocating in the workplace, speaking with elected officials or standing shoulder to shoulder at rallies across New York, our members proved once again that when we act collectively, we can accomplish remarkable things.
This year, we secured meaningful victories that will improve the lives of working people for years to come. More than 55,000 state employees ratified a new five-year contract that invests in wages, health care, workplace protections and quality-of-life improvements. We continued making long-overdue progress on Tier 6 retirement reforms, strengthening retirement security for current and future public employees. And when Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, a proven friend of working people and a strong protector of our pensions, faced a tough primary challenge, CSEA members across the state stepped up and helped him overwhelming win the primary. We also advanced workplace safety initiatives, expanded protections for workers facing the challenges of artificial intelligence and continued advocating for services New Yorkers depend on every day.
Of course, our work is far from finished. Across the country, we continue to see efforts to weaken unions, reduce funding for services and roll back protections that generations of working people fought to secure. Here in New York, we cannot take our progress for granted. Every gain we celebrate today was earned through years of advocacy and solidarity.
That is why Labor Day is more than a holiday. It is a reminder of who we are. CSEA members keep our schools open, care for our most vulnerable residents, maintain our roads, protect our communities and much more. The work you do matters, and so does your voice.
The state of labor in 2026 is strong because CSEA members are strong. Together, we have demonstrated that when workers stand united, we continue building something even better. I couldn’t be prouder to stand beside each of you as we continue that work.
Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day and thank you for everything you do for our union and the people of New York.