ALBANY — Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President Mary E. Sullivan released the following statement in recognition of Labor Day 2025:
“This Labor Day is a time to reflect on where working people stand,” said Sullivan. “This year has brought challenges and progress, tested our resolve and proved once again that our greatest strength is unity.”
Sullivan pointed to recent renewed attacks from corporate-backed groups such as the Freedom Foundation. These groups seek to weaken unions and undermine workers’ rights with misinformation.
“Working people know what’s at stake: fair pay, safe workplaces, affordable health care, and secure retirements,” said Sullivan. “These are not luxuries. They are rights that generations of workers have fought for, and we will not give them up.”
Sullivan also warned about the federal reconciliation bill’s massive cuts that would impact schools, hospitals, and vital community programs across New York.
“This is not a distant Washington, D.C. problem,” said Sullivan. “In time, it will directly harm working people and the communities we live in.”
Reflecting on the past year of labor as one of resilience in the face of many challenges, Sullivan recognized the contributions to the labor movement by former CSEA President Danny Donohue, who passed away in August.
“Danny was a dear friend and fearless labor leader who never backed down from a fight,” said Sullivan. “His example reminds us that while the challenges ahead are great, our collective strength is greater. Working people are being tested, but we are not shaken. When we stand together, we win.”