Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a set of bills aimed at strengthening and expanding labor protections across New York State. The legislation is designed to support union jobs, increase worker protections, and address gaps in federal oversight by the National Labor Relations Board.
Governor Hochul stated, “Our union laborers are the lifeblood of New York, working tirelessly to continue to build and uplift this great state. While the Trump Administration has failed to prioritize a strong National Labor Relations Board and is dismantling unions left and right, here in New York we are taking strong action to protect worker rights and sending a clear message that we will always have the backs of New York’s workers.”
The legislative package includes several measures. One law allows the New York State Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) to step in when the National Labor Relations Board cannot assert jurisdiction over disputes between employers and employee organizations. Other laws strengthen protections for public unions during layoffs or suspensions, prevent wage reductions for union members involved in workplace violence investigations, require apprenticeship agreements for contractors on renewable energy projects, and establish a program providing grants for mechanical insulation improvements in schools.
Timothy Connick, Chair of PERB, said, “As the current administration continues to sideline longstanding labor institutions like the National Labor Relations Board, it is more important than ever that New York State step up to defend the rights of workers and create fair venues to resolve labor disputes. PERB stands ready to fill the void left by Trump’s NLRB and protect the rights of workers and organized labor across the state.”
State Senator Robert Jackson said his bill would ensure collective bargaining agreements remain binding even during layoffs or suspensions: “Today marks a victory for the backbone of our public workforce. With the signing of my bill, S12, New York sends a clear message: collective bargaining agreements are not fair-weather promises — they are binding commitments that must endure through every challenge. This law ensures that layoffs or suspensions cannot be used to discard the rights won at the bargaining table. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law and standing with us. I am also proud to co-sponsor the companion measures signed today — together, these laws strengthen the voice of labor and uphold the dignity of every worker across our state.”
Other lawmakers praised provisions that address federal shortfalls in worker protection as well as new requirements tied to renewable energy construction projects.
State Senator Jessica Ramos said she was grateful her bills were included: “I’m so grateful to Governor Hochul for signing my bills to protect federal workers when federal safeguards fall short and to expand union apprenticeships that build the greener future we urgently need. That’s how we honor workers in New York.”
Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton emphasized training standards: “Thank you to Governor Hochul for signing my bill that requires contractors and subcontractors performing construction work for renewable energy systems to use apprenticeship agreements. Apprenticeship requirements will ensure workers are adequately trained in a skilled, safe, timely and efficient way. These programs provide New Yorkers with opportunities to gain access to career-track jobs, supporting families and local economies.”
Senator Chris Ryan highlighted increased protections: “Today’s actions by Governor Hochul represent another strong step forward in protecting working people across New York State. From ensuring fair treatment of public sector workers during investigations or layoffs, to strengthening apprenticeship and training opportunities, this package of legislation makes clear that New York will always stand with workers. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for including my legislation, S5254, as part of this package. As a lifelong labor leader and advocate, I’m proud to advance measures that safeguard collective bargaining rights, strengthen workplace protections, and create pathways to good-paying careers for our families and communities.”
Assemblymember Harry Bronson pointed out gains from both expanded protections against wage loss during workplace safety investigations as well as energy efficiency improvements: “As Chair of the Assembly Labor Committee, I am committed to always fighting for the protections which New York workers have earned and deserve — good wages, the right to safe workplaces, the right to organize and select who will represent them, and the right to take action when their worker rights are threatened. With the signing of these bills…we are demonstrating our unwavering commitment…and achieving meaningful protections against the Trump administration’s attack on workers….by enacting [the] Mechanical Insulation Energy Savings Program bill…, we will increase…energy efficiency…and create workforce development opportunities through apprenticeships.”
Assemblymember Didi Barrett said expanding apprenticeships supports both clean energy goals as well as job creation: “By establishing apprenticeship programs across all renewable energy projects…we are ensuring…a skilled workforce…for our clean energy transition…, while laying…groundwork for good-paying,…union careers….”
Other supporters included Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato; Mario Cilento (New York State AFL-CIO); Gary LaBarbera (New York State Building Trades); Mary E. Sullivan (Civil Service Employees Association); Wayne Spence (New York State Public Employees Federation); Donato A. Bianco Jr., LiUNA Vice President; Thomas LeCount & John Jovic (NY/NE Conference Mechanical Insulators), each expressing appreciation for enhanced job security provisions or expanded access through apprenticeships.
These changes follow ongoing efforts by state leaders—particularly under Governor Hochul—to respond at a local level when federal agencies reduce their involvement or enforcement regarding workplace issues.
