Declare Labor History Month

Assembly Resolution No. 179 BY: M. of A. McDonald MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019, as Labor History Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, For centuries, the American labor movement has served as a force for economic and social progress in these United States; and WHEREAS, Prior to the formation in 1881 of a nationwide labor movement in the United States, safe working conditions, regular working hours, reasonable workdays, decent wages, paid holidays, and vacations were utopian dreams, while such benefits as emergency and family leave were almost unimaginable; and WHEREAS, The struggle of American workers against appalling working conditions, exemplified by those that caused disasters like the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, has played an important role in improving American life through the establishment of health and safety standards and OSHA; and WHEREAS, Labor history reveals the vital role of labor unions in the establishment of the 8-hour day, the 40-hour work week, unemployment insurance, workmen's compensation, old age pensions, protection for the sick, equal employment opportunity, and prohibition of child labor, as well as in the passage of the Wagner Act and of legislation banning discrimination in employment; and WHEREAS, Labor history shows that American workers were in the forefront of the effort to make free public education available to all children regardless of geography, or social and economic status; and WHEREAS, The American labor movement, as recognized by the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., has been a strong supporter of civil rights for all Americans, regardless of race, color, or creed; and WHEREAS, The American labor movement has been a vigorous proponent of democracy and civil liberties at home and around the world, as well as a vigorous opponent of all forms of dictatorship; and WHEREAS, Democracy and freedom can succeed only if there are free, democratic, and independent institutions, including labor unions; and WHEREAS, The State of New York has played a crucial role in the development and passage of federal laws and regulations that establish and expand the rights of workers to bargain collectively and to work in environments free of chemical and other hazards to life and limb; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019, as Labor History Month in the State of New York, and to celebrate the diverse achievements of the American labor movement; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably embossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, and publicized in all New York State institutions.