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:

Sep 7, 2018 | News Story

Labor Day is a time to reflect on who we are as working people, what we’ve achieved together, and the challenges that lie ahead. When we organize, we make it possible for workers to demand family-sustaining wages, health care, retirement security, and a meaningful voice in the workplace.

Aug 28, 2018 | Press Release

“Blaming the MTA’s problems on its working men and women at a time when violent assaults on MTA employees are on the rise—Marc Molinaro should be ashamed,” said Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO.

Aug 10, 2018 | News Story

State and Local primary elections are happening on Thursday, September 13, and registration deadlines are coming up fast. Make sure you're ready to vote on Election Day!

Aug 17, 2018 | News Story

For more than a year, Best Market workers have been coming together to voice their concerns about conditions in their stores. Low wages and benefits are not the only issues facing their families; healthy and safe stores are equally important.

Aug 17, 2018 | News Story

Members of the Thrillist Union with the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) voted on Monday to authorize a strike after meeting at the WGAE office for a Day of Action rather than reporting to work. 91% voted in favor of the strike authorization.

Aug 17, 2018 | News Story

Verizon workers represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions and at Verizon Connected Solutions voted last Friday to ratify a four year extension of their current contracts, which were set to expire in August 2019.

Aug 17, 2018 | News Story

DC 37 members voted overwhelmingly for a contract that provides for a total wage increase of 7.42 percent and preserves their premium-free health-care coverage with no givebacks. Members voted 31,133 in favor and 743 against the contract, an approval rating of 97.6 percent.

Jul 20, 2018 | News Story

The city Taxi & Limousine Commission is proposing a minimum wage for drivers, addressing rock-bottom wages among Uber and other for-hire operators, officials said this month.

Jul 13, 2018 | News Story

Last week, President Trump nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh to become an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. The New York City Central Labor Council AFL-CIO, along with labor federations and unions across the country, stands in opposition to Judge Kavanaugh's nomination.