Gillibrand Hosts Labor Gathering Featuring New York State Union Leaders

Gillibrand Hosts Labor Gathering Featuring New York State Union Leaders

Apr 9, 2026

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) hosted "A Morning with Labor," a summit bringing together New York State's most influential labor leaders to discuss the most pressing concerns for New York's union members and the future of the American workforce. The event, hosted alongside Hotel and Gaming Trades Council President Rich Maroko, New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento, and Executive Director of District Council 37 Henry Garrido, served as a forum for aligning federal policy with the immediate needs of New York's working families.

The morning-long event featured a series of remarks and discussions aimed at ensuring every New Yorker has the resources and protections to thrive in a changing economy. The senator announced that she is cosponsoring the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which would require employers to come to the negotiating table quickly and ensure that they engage in good faith negotiations with unions.

Beyond the policy discussion, the event also served as a tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to the labor movement. Senator Gillibrand presented three awards, including:

• U.S. Senate Proclamation for Outstanding Service presented to Christopher Erikson, Former Business Manager of IBEW Local 3 and Chairman of the IBEW International Executive Council
• U.S. Senate Proclamation for Innovation in Workforce Development presented to Kereem Berry, Executive Director of the Multi-Craft Apprenticeship Preparation Program (M.A.P.P.)
• U.S. Senate Proclamation in Recognition of Full Federal Funding Secured for the World Trade Center Health Program and the 25^th Anniversary of September 11^th Attacks presented to New York state, regional, national, and international labor unions who were on the front lines of the 9/11 response, evacuation, rescue, security, transportation, clean-up, recovery, and rebuilding efforts and have since fought tirelessly to secure funding for the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)

"Everything from groceries to gas costs more now than it did before President Trump took office, and American workers are feeling the pinch," said Senator Gillibrand. "Instead of focusing on lowering costs and helping people get ahead, President Trump has spent his time launching a full-frontal assault on organized labor. In the face of these attacks, we must not back down, which is why this morning's event was so critical. Every step forward for the American worker - from every weekend off to every safe workplace and every living wage - came because workers showed up, fought back, and refused to be silent."

"Kirsten Gillibrand has been a true champion for the middle class, actively advocating for policies that support working people here in New York and across the nation," said Mario Cilento, President of New York State AFL-CIO. "The Senator has the courage of her convictions to fight for what she believes in. And that is more important now than ever before, as workers are increasingly under attack. Senator Gillibrand has fiercely supported our efforts to ensure 9/11 responders, survivors, and their families have access to the help they need. She continues to be instrumental in ensuring those exposed to the toxins at Ground Zero receive the health care and compensation they deserve. I am deeply grateful for all she has done for working people and look forward to continuing to partner with her to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers."

"Thank you, Senator Gillibrand, for your leadership and for bringing us together at this challenging time. What we're living is a full throttle attack on working people, an economic attack due to Trump's commitment to war over social services, an attack on immigrants, and an attack on what we used to respect about this country - democracy. We need more conversations like the one Senator Gillibrand convened today," said Manny Pastreich, President, 32BJ.

"At a time when organized labor is under attack, Senator Gillibrand has remained steadfast in her commitment to ensuring that workers aren't left behind," said Rich Maroko, President of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, AFL-CIO. "She understands that strong labor protections are more than good wages and benefits; they are the bedrock of a thriving society."

"The stakes have never been higher for working people as they are with this administration, and we need leaders like Sen. Gillibrand who will stand up to President Trump and his attacks on organized labor and programs that help families thrive," said Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37 AFSCME, New York City's largest public employee union. "Today's discussion highlighted the need for aggressive policies that prioritize the health and security of the working class. We thank Sen. Gillibrand especially for her work to fund the WTC Health Program, oppose cuts to social security, and strengthen labor protections."

"We're grateful to Senator Gillibrand for her continued partnership with working people across New York City and New York State," said Brendan Griffith, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. "From securing health care for 9/11 responders to expanding pathways into union careers, New York's Labor Movement has always led on what working people need. This gathering reflects Senator Gillibrand's shared commitment with the Labor Movement to build on that progress and ensure that this and future generations of workers have the protections and opportunities they deserve."

"I want to thank the Senator for the U.S. Senate Proclamation for Outstanding Service. I couldn't have done anything without my local 3 members. My sole purpose was to serve the members, and when you do that with distinction you can focus on your challenges and make meaningful progress," said Christopher Erikson, Former Business Manager of IBEW Local 3 and Chairman of the IBEW International Executive Council.

"I am incredibly grateful to be honored by US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for her continued support of MAPP and its mission to provide career opportunities for individuals in disadvantaged communities into the union construction trades," said Kereem Berry, Executive Director of the Multi-Craft Apprenticeship Preparation Program (M.A.P.P.).

"On behalf of the Port Authority Detectives Endowment Association of NY & NJ, I want to thank Senator Gillibrand for her unwavering commitment to our first responders and organized labor. Her leadership in securing and protecting funding for the World Trade Center Health Program continues to make a real difference in the lives of those who answered the call on 9/11 and are still paying the price today. Today's recognition of our unions is deeply appreciated. We stand grateful for her continued partnership and dedication to those who serve," said Michele M. Fusco Jr., President, Port Authority Detectives Endowment Association.

"Senator Gillibrand has stood shoulder to shoulder with 9/11 responders, fighting for their healthcare, and never letting America forget their sacrifice," said Dr. Jean Kanokogi, Director of Mental Health and Peer Support, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

This summit is the latest event in Senator Gillibrand's longstanding partnership with organized labor. As a champion of bills such as the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act, Gillibrand has been a leader in the Senate, urging her colleagues to pass bipartisan legislation that would bolster and protect New York State workers.

Her legislative priorities remain focused on:

• Strengthening collective bargaining and ensuring workers have a seat at the table without fear of retaliation;
• Protecting federal funding and ensuring the long-term solvency of the WTCHP and VCF for 9/11 first responders and survivors;
• Safeguarding union jobs and supporting the development of pathways to economic mobility, including through pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs;
• And advocating for paid family leave and affordable child care, longtime priorities that have both New York State and New York City governmental support.

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