Senator George Onorato (BAC Local #1 Gold Card member) is sponsoring strong Unemployment Insurance Reform legislation, Bill: S2245 – which would raise the benefit, and create an indexation of benefits going forward. As you all know, it has been 11 years since New York’s maximum unemployment benefit rate for jobless workers was increased.

Senator Sampson (the new Democratic Conference Leader) promised that the bill would be conferenced by the Democrats when the Senate goes back into session on September 10.  Assuming it is voted out of conference, it will be brought to the floor.

Today the New York Times posted an editorial hailing the labor-management partnerships that the building trades have historically used to train our members, as the best way to create career ladders for success in a failing economy. We know from our history that training apprentices and giving them the opportunity to learn under the guidance of experienced journeymen is the best way to ensure that our skills are passed on and that our crafts survive.

Firings are unlawful under federal labor law, yet the law does not adequately protect workers' rights to organize free of employer intimidation. Thats why we need to pass Employee Free Choice Act to provide real penalties against employer who break the law. The firings have left the three terminated employees with no income, and they're having trouble making their healthcare payments. The workers are now out on strike, and they need our support every Wednesday on the strike line in front of the Holiday Inn Express in Latham. Call Prairie  518.456.5477 for more information on how you can help.

With the NYS Senate in upheaval, what if any worker-focused legislation will they enact? The Governor called an extraordinary session today, we're keeping an eye on them...

Looking for ways to make state funding of private projects a more transparent process, the Legislature is moving legislation that would require companies receiving taxpayer-funded subsidies to:

• provide greater detail about their plans to pay prevailing wages,
• consult with regional labor organizations,
• and whenever possible hire local workers.

Governor paterson is scheduled to hold his first State of the State address as Governor this afternoon at 1 PM. Here is an excerpt of his speech:

"My fellow New Yorkers: Let me come straight to the point – the state of our state is perilous. 

New York faces an historic economic challenge, the gravest in nearly a century.  For several months, events have shaken us to the core.  Bank closures, job losses and stock market meltdowns have destabilized the foundations of our economy..."

President Mantello will be in attendance at the State of the State. We will be reporting live from the event.

Congressman PAUL TONKO (NY CD 21)


is holding a Health Care Town Hall Meeting Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 at 5:30 PM at Elm Ave Park, Large Pavilion, 261 Elm Ave,  Delmar, NY.

Please join us!

Washington, D.C. On Thursday, Congressman Scott Murphy (NY-20) voted to help pass the 21^st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act which will provide critical funding to make green improvements to our public schools, helping to provide our children with healthier and safer learning environments.

BAC Local #2 congratulates the staff of the Las Vegas Sun on winning the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. The newspaper won the award for its reporting on the high death rate among construction workers on the Las Vegas strip. Local #2 is gratified to see the recognition of journalism covering construction safety issues.

Unemployment Insurance Lobby Day

As you know we have been actively working together in Albany and in-district to reform the Unemployment Insurance Law, with an immediate benefit increase as well as indexation of that benefit by supporting S. 2245 Onorato/ A. 4921 John. You can read more here.