Friend,

Happy International Workers Day! As the Labor Committee chair, I have always been a strong advocate for workers' rights and unions throughout New York. 

With the rise in unionization throughout the country, and the passing and introduction of legislation meant to support workers, we have a lot to celebrate this May Day!

We have won significant victories in the past few years, advocating for undocumented workers during the pandemic, lowering overtime thresholds for farmworkers, and supporting Amazon workers as they voted to become the first Amazon labor union in the country!

Victories aside, many workers are still not protected, and I’m working hard in the Senate to change that:

• Passing the Warehouse Workers Protection Act will keep companies in check by limiting inhumane, unrealistic quotas that increase worker injuries and will allow workers protection from speaking out against unsafe working conditions.

• Pinning the minimum wage to inflation will dramatically impact lower-income workers by ensuring their wages reflect the changing economic landscape, making it easier for families to put food on the table and take care of their families.

• Working industry by industry to pass legislation that ensures workplace standards will protect workers who are often taken advantage of, such as nail salons and construction workers. 

We have the momentum and will keep fighting until all workers have fair and equitable working conditions and pay. 

Happy May Day!

Jessica Ramos