Albany, NY, Feb 18, 2011 — A major New York State union is going on the air with televisions ads to try to convince state lawmakers to continue a tax on the wealthy instead of adopting Governor Cuomo's billion and half dollars in school aid cuts. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article

Rensselaer, NY, Apr 14, 2010 — The state's largest public worker union has filed a grievance with state labor relations board, over Governor Paterson's decision to temporarily withhold 4% raises which were due to state employees April 1st. Karen DeWitt has more.  Go to full article

Glens Falls, NY, Jun 16, 2009 — Representative Scott Murphy has co-sponsored his first set of legislation, since taking office a little more than a month ago. Today and tomorrow, we'll talk with the new Democratic Congressman from Glens Falls about his agenda in Washington. One of the first bills that Murphy is backing is the Employee Free Choice Act. It would allow unions to organize workers without a secret-ballot election, if a majority of employees sign a union card. Business groups and most Republicans have slammed the measure for eliminating the secret ballot. But Murphy says he thinks it would give important new clout to workers. He spoke with Brian Mann.  Go to full article

Jan 07, 2009 — Interest groups will be in Albany today to protest some of Governor Paterson's propsed budget cuts. Union members from St. Lawrence County left for Albany in a bus early this morning. Martha Foley reports.  Go to full article

Oct 08, 2008 — Governor David Paterson, who's been warning of budget deficits that could reach $8 billion, says he'll meet with union leaders later this week to discuss the state's condition. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

May 30, 2008 — A group of nurses and other unionized workers rallied yesterday for more staff at Sunmount Developmental Center in Tupper Lake. The state-run facility is home to more than 200 residents with mental and physical disabilities. Nurses say a staff shortage is hurting patients and straining staff. Jacob Resneck reports.  Go to full article

Apr 14, 2008 — After months of turmoil, employees at the non-profit organization ComLinks have voted to unionize. The Malone-based agency is one of the region's largest independent social service providers. Friday's vote follows news that the organization's CEO was improperly reimbursed by her agency for campaign contributions made to various politicians. Jacob Resneck reports.  Go to full article

Jan 02, 2008 — 2007 was a roller coaster year for Massena. It ended with the security of knowing Alcoa will keep almost 1,000 jobs in the company town. But in May, hundreds of people's lives were turned upside-down. General Motors announced it will close its plant there, laying off about 500 workers. A new art project aims to make those people more than statistics in the global shift of manufacturing. A half dozen workers and family members used photography and journaling to tell their stories as their lives change forever. Their exhibit is up at the local union hall in Massena through January 17th. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Sep 26, 2007 — It's back to work this morning for tens of thousands of rank-and-file members of the United Auto Workers. Union negotiators reached what's being called an historic agreement on a three-year contract with General Motors. Details are still sketchy. But both sides confirm the deal would create a trust fund to cover GM's $50 billion retiree health care obligation. A person briefed on the contract tells The Associated Press that GM would pay about 70% of the massive fund. It would be administered by the union. UAW president Ron Gettelfinger says the contract will protect jobs. The contract must be reviewed by local union presidents and then voted on. The deal sends 382 members of UAW Local 465 back to work in Massena this morning. But they still face an uncertain future likely not affected by the new contract. GM announced several months ago it will close its operations in Massena next year, laying off almost 500 people. David Sommerstein visited the picket line yesterday, as the rank and file were hunkering down for what they thought was going to be a long strike.  Go to full article

Sep 25, 2007 — General Motors workers in Massena are among the thousands nationwide who walked off the job this morning. United Auto Workers president Ron Gettelfinger says the union launched the strike after what he described as ``one-sided negotiations.'' The union is seeking more job security and better benefits. The picketing comes as General Motors prepares to close its Powertrain plant in Massena next year. David Sommerstein spoke with UAW local 465 president Tony Arquette Monday afternoon.  Go to full article