Jobs and Economy

Years after the official end of the recent recession, America is still in a jobs crisis. Although job growth is slowly picking up steam--with steady private sector job creation--we still have a long way to go. Job losses came on top of decades of inadequate job growth, wage stagnation and growing inequality. The U.S. economy is increasingly imbalanced, with the top 1 percent holding more than 40 percent of the nation’s wealth.

The AFL-CIO is ready to work with anyone—business, government, investors—who wants to create good jobs and help restore America's middle class and challenge policies that stand in the way of giving America the chance to go back to work. The union movement is partnering with such organizations as the Clinton Global Initiative to find innovative ways to create good jobs that support workers and their families.

More about this issue:

Apr 27, 2023 | Press Release

NEW YORK, April 27, 2023 — The New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO (NYC CLC), representing 300 unions and 1.3 million members, including more than one million registered voter households across New York City, today announced its first round of endorsements for the 2023 N

Apr 21, 2023 | News Story

Julie Su has made a career out of representing not only workers, but the most vulnerable workers in America. Her record speaks for itself. As a young attorney representing trafficked Thai garment workers outside of Los Angeles, she won $4 million in stolen wages.

Apr 21, 2023 | News Story

Members of the Staten Island Ferry crew who sprung into action when the Sandy Ground boat caught fire during an evening commute in late December have been formally recognized for their heroic, live-saving actions.

Apr 21, 2023 | News Story

Striking workers of the Hispanic Society Museum & Library, an Upper Manhattan institution dedicated to Portuguese and Spanish art, staged an action outside the Upper East Side residence of Board Chair Philippe de Montebello this week, with support from their UAW siblings from across the City.

Apr 21, 2023 | News Story

Stressing the service and sacrifices made by transit workers throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, TWU Local 100 President Richard Davis kicked off contract negotiations with the MTA this week with a presentation of general

Apr 21, 2023 | News Story

Actors’ Equity Association, the national union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers working in live theatre, applauded the reintroduction of the bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA).

Apr 14, 2023 | News Story

On Monday, Attorney General Letitia James and more than ten labor unions joined forces to rally for a $21.25 minimum wage in the final state budget.

Apr 14, 2023 | News Story

Actors’ Equity Association, the national union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers working in live theatre, and The Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry, announced yesterday that they have reached a new, three-year collective b

Apr 14, 2023 | News Story

Tens of thousands of people who work for New York City will soon get their first raise since the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the city’s largest municipal employee union – AFSCME District Council 37 – earlier this month voted 97.7% in favor of the citywide economic contract.

Apr 14, 2023 | News Story

The New York City Council this week resoundingly passed a resolution demanding Wendy’s join the Fair Food Program, a groundbreaking initiative that guarantees the rights of farmworkers on farms under its protection.