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:

Oct 23

What do fast food workers, construction workers, new media, entertainment workers, teachers, transportation workers, and retail workers have in common?

They are all fighting for change by putting workers' voices & faces front and center in their fights!

Sep 11, 2015 | Press Release

"As the cost of living in New York City continues to increase, it is imperative that all workers receive the middle class wages that will allow them to pay for housing, care for families, and invest in their local communities," said Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Co

Sep 17

The conventional wisdom of economists, which has trickled down to the rest of us, is that “the market” ensures that we are all paid what we are worth.

Aug 28, 2015 | News Story

This week, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services held a hearing for a City initiative to eliminate open and competitive testing within the FDNY.

Aug 24, 2015 | Press Release

New York, NY – New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO President Vincent Alvarez released the following statement regarding the City’s proposal to eliminate competitive examinations in FDNY recruitment:

Aug 12, 2015 | News Story

Please stand in support of Verizon workers in their Fight for a Good Contract and for High Speed Internet For All this Thursday, August 13 at 12pm. CWA members will be holding informational pickets at 5 Verizon central offices throughout Manhattan and the Bronx. 

 

Jul 25

Verizon workers are fighting for good jobs building and servicing FiOS, and properly serving copper network customers.

Jul 22

CUNY students and faculty, together with elected officials and labor leaders, will urge the governor to sign a bill to improve the quality of education at CUNY and SUNY.