Highlights Recognition of Public Employees, Need for Higher Wages, and Reduction of Income Disparities

New York – New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, President Vincent Alvarez today released the following statement regarding Mayor de Blasio’s State of the City Address:

"I applaud Mayor de Blasio's commitment to ending the staggering income disparities that have plagued our city for far too long.

"Initiatives like the city’s plan to fund local universal Pre-K and afterschool programs, the expansion of Paid Sick Leave and the protection of our healthcare facilities, and the expansion of workforce development opportunities signal a real step toward creating a fairer, more balanced, and more equitable New York City for all working families.

"We all understand the pressures on working men and women, and Mayor de Blasio's recognition of our public employees demonstrates his appreciation of their hard work, professionalism, and dedication.

"Today we can all reaffirm our commitment to making the American Dream a reality for all New Yorkers, by raising the floor to increase wages and respect for all workers, thereby putting the foundation in place to ensure that the 'Tale of Two Cities,' becomes a thing of the past.

“This city belongs to all working people, and the 1.3 million working men and women of the New York City labor movement are committed to standing with Mayor de Blasio to ensure that our city becomes safer and more affordable for all of its residents."

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