MANHATTAN — From celebrating recent victories to addressing challenges facing working people, labor leaders and elected officials delivered a common message at CSEA’s 116th Annual Delegates Meeting: A strong, united union gives workers the power to make a difference.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, newly elected AFSCME International President Patrick Moran and New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento addressed delegates during the convention, held Oct. 5-9 in New York City.
Hochul recognizes CSEA’s contributions
CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan highlighted Hochul’s record of working with the union on pension reform, workplace safety, artificial intelligence protections and the new state contract while introducing the Governor.
“Governor Hochul has not just spoken about issues that matter to CSEA. She has acted,” said Sullivan. “And while we don’t agree on every issue, and I can assure you I’ve never been shy about letting the governor know when we don’t, we always have an open door and a seat at the table.”
Hochul recalled working alongside CSEA members in Erie County government and fighting proposed budget cuts that threatened public employees.
“Standing with you shoulder to shoulder in the fights, it’s just second nature to me,” said Hochul. “In fact, union blood runs through my veins.”
The governor praised CSEA members for providing essential public services and highlighted recent victories, including the new five-year contract, Tier 6 pension improvements and legislation protecting workers from individuals falsely presenting themselves as union representatives.
She also discussed efforts to make New York more affordable through tax relief, expanded child tax credits, free school meals and reduced childcare costs.
“I see you, I value you, I respect you, and I’ll continue to fight for you every single day,” said Hochul.
DiNapoli stresses value of unions and retirement security
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli emphasized organized labor’s role in building the middle class and addressing affordability.
“What we need are more good paying union jobs and more people in those union jobs,” said DiNapoli. “That’s how you have affordability, because unions are the ones that look out for the economic interests of everyday people.”
DiNapoli also recognized CSEA members employed in his office and discussed efforts to strengthen staffing, noting approximately 700 new hires and 300 employees who moved into upgraded positions.
Turning to retirement security, DiNapoli reported that the state’s retirement fund had reached approximately $310 billion.
“We are 97% funded, virtually a fully funded pension plan,” said DiNapoli. “That’s how that retirement security is there. And we’re going to keep it that way.”
Moran calls for continued union strength
Making his first appearance at CSEA’s Annual Delegates Meeting as AFSCME International President, Patrick Moran praised CSEA’s contributions to the national labor movement.
“CSEA members are essential to the strength of not only our union, but the entire labor movement,” said Moran.
Moran recognized CSEA’s recent victories, including the new state contract and Tier 6 pension improvements, emphasizing that those accomplishments were earned through years of organizing and advocacy.
“Every contract, every raise, every dollar in the pension, every single workplace protection we earned,” said Moran. “Somebody had to stand up and fight for it.”
He also addressed workplace safety, fair wages, benefits, and urged delegates to support candidates who stand with working people, regardless of political affiliation.
“I don’t care what letter comes after their name,” said Moran. “If they stand with working people, if they stand with our members, we’ll stand with them.”
Labor solidarity remains essential
New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento praised Sullivan’s leadership as a vice president of the state labor federation and recognized CSEA’s contributions to the broader labor movement.
Cilento emphasized solidarity among New York’s 2.5 million union members in advancing priorities such as Tier 6 pension reform, protecting collective bargaining rights and supporting pro-labor candidates.
Together, the speakers reinforced this year’s convention theme, “Your Voice Build Our Power,” emphasizing that continued organizing, advocacy and solidarity will be essential to building on recent victories.
— Bryan Miller