Governor Hochul highlights worker protections and workforce gains across New York on Labor Day

New York – On Labor Day, Gov. Kathy Hochul highlighted a series of initiatives and policy changes that her administration says are helping make New York more affordable for workers while strengthening protections across the state.

The governor used the holiday to point to recent changes involving wages, workplace safety, retirement benefits, workers’ compensation and job training. Her administration also highlighted efforts to expand access to public-sector jobs and provide new education and apprenticeship opportunities for New Yorkers seeking careers in growing industries.

“Since day one, my administration has stood shoulder to shoulder with New York’s workers,” Governor Hochul said. “We have raised the minimum wage, strengthened prevailing wage, cracked down on wage theft, expanded workforce protections, created new pathways to good-paying jobs through workforce training and free community college for adult learners in high-demand fields. This Labor Day, I am proud to celebrate our labor movement as we continue to fight for the people who make New York State stronger, safer and keep us moving forward every day.”

Hochul has presented herself as a strong supporter of organized labor during her time in office. The Labor Day announcement brought together several initiatives that have been introduced or expanded during her administration, including measures designed to recover stolen wages, improve workplace safety and give workers greater access to benefits.

Fighting wage theft

One of the major areas highlighted by the state is the fight against wage theft, which occurs when workers are not properly paid money they are owed.

Under changes made during Hochul’s administration, the New York State Department of Labor can issue warrants and seize financial assets after obtaining a judgment involving unpaid wage theft orders. State officials say the additional enforcement authority gives the department more tools to pursue money owed to workers.

In 2025, the department recovered more than $35 million in lost wages and collected $2.2 million in penalties connected to wage theft cases. The state described the annual recovery as the highest amount recovered since 2015.

Since Hochul took office in 2021, the Department of Labor has recovered more than $145 million for more than 130,000 workers.

The administration has also continued to focus on prevailing wage requirements, particularly on public works projects. In 2024, the Department of Labor established New York State’s Public Work Contractor and Subcontractor Registry. So far, 14,579 certificates of registration have been issued.

Beginning this year, contractors and subcontractors working on prevailing wage projects are also required to submit certified payroll records electronically. The requirement is intended to make it easier to monitor whether workers are receiving the appropriate wages for the work they perform.

The Department of Labor has added information to its website, including a demonstration video and updated frequently asked questions, to help contractors and subcontractors understand the requirements.

New workplace safety rules

Hochul’s administration is also highlighting the first anniversary of three worker safety laws that took effect in 2025.

The Retail Worker Safety Act, Fashion Workers Act and Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Program were all designed to address different risks faced by employees.

The Retail Worker Safety Act applies to retail employers with 10 or more workers statewide. Covered employers must provide interactive training addressing workplace violence, including threats of physical violence, abuse, harassment and intimidation.

Larger businesses face an additional requirement. Retail businesses with at least 500 employees statewide must provide workers with access to a silent response button by January 1, 2027.

Read also: Nearly all Rochester schools in receivership could be on track to exit the program next year

Over the past year, the Department of Labor has conducted outreach at hundreds of retail locations and worked with both employers and employees to help explain the new requirements.

The Fashion Workers Act focuses on models and other people working in the fashion industry. It requires model management companies and model management groups to meet additional duties and responsibilities and to register with the Department of Labor. Since the law was enacted, 79 companies have registered.

The Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Program is aimed at reducing workplace injuries in the warehouse industry. Employers covered by the previously enacted Warehouse Worker Protection Act must establish and implement a program to identify workplace injury risks and take steps to reduce them.

State officials say the three laws represent part of a broader effort to make workplace safety a continuing priority rather than something addressed only after an accident occurs.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said the holiday was an opportunity to recognize workers while emphasizing the importance of fair treatment and safe workplaces.

“Today, we celebrate the heart and soul of our state—New York’s dedicated workforce. As the Commissioner of Labor, I am incredibly proud of the strides we have made under Governor Hochul’s leadership to ensure New York State is a safe, affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. Labor Day is a powerful reminder of the important role collective action has played in securing rights for workers, and the New York State Department of Labor will continue to fight for safe workplaces and fair pay.”

Changes to wages and benefits

The state is also pointing to progress in reducing the gender wage gap.

According to state figures, New York had the smallest gender wage gap in the nation in 2024. Women earned 91.4 cents for every dollar earned by men, compared with 87.3 cents per dollar in 2023.

The Hochul administration has linked the improvement to several policies, including increases to the minimum wage and paid prenatal leave. The governor has also made universal child care for children under age five a priority.

The state says these policies are intended to create a more equitable labor market while addressing some of the costs and barriers that can affect working families.

Another change involves airport workers. In January, an expanded version of the Healthy Terminals Act took effect. The law extends its wage rates, health benefits and leave benefits to part-time workers at John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.

The expanded law includes an exemption for small employers with 10 or fewer employees.

For families trying to navigate the state’s many programs, the Department of Labor has also created an online Services for Working Families hub. The site brings together information about state policies and benefits, including paid leave, child care and resources for young people entering the workforce.

The goal is to give families a single place to find information that otherwise may be spread across different state agencies and websites.

Workers’ compensation changes

Workers injured on the job are another focus of the administration’s Labor Day announcement.

Hochul’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes changes to the workers’ compensation system intended to fight fraud while expanding access to medical care.

Beginning in 2027, the Workers’ Compensation Board will administer a new grant-funded program that will allow district attorney offices to dedicate additional resources to prosecuting workers’ compensation fraud.

Another change is scheduled for January 2028. At that point, all eligible licensed providers in good standing will be able to treat injured New York workers. State officials say the change will significantly increase the number of health care options available to injured workers.

Workers’ Compensation Board Chair Freida D. Foster said the changes are intended to provide greater support for people who are injured or become ill while working.

Read also: State Police investigate fatal one car crash that claimed the life of a Monroe woman

“Labor Day is a reminder that every worker deserves not only recognition for what they contribute, but the assurance that they will be supported when they are injured or unable to work.
As we celebrate all those in the workforce, we thank Governor Hochul for the important changes she’s helped bring about to improve the New York State workers’ compensation system for the benefit of workers and employers alike. Thanks especially, to her “game-changing” Universal Authorization legislation, workers who are injured or become ill on the job will have far more options when it comes to finding a doctor to give them timely treatment and our new anti-fraud program will go a long way in make the workers’ compensation system more fair and more affordable for everyone.”

Tier 6 retirement reforms

State workers are also affected by changes included in this year’s budget.

The administration highlighted reforms to Tier 6, the retirement system covering many New York public employees.

Among the changes are lower retirement ages for educators. The reforms also reduce contribution rates and increase overtime caps for state and local workers, including police and fire department members outside New York City.

Additional changes reduce employee contribution rates for members of the United University Professions and Professional Staff Congress-CUNY in the Optional Retirement Plan.

The administration says the changes are intended to strengthen benefits and make public-sector employment more attractive to workers.

Apprenticeships expand

Workforce training is another central part of the state’s approach.

Registered apprenticeships have expanded beyond traditional trades into several industries where the state says there is strong demand for workers. Those fields include health care, information technology, finance, child care, education, transportation and advanced manufacturing.

As of June 30, 2026, the Department of Labor supported almost 18,000 apprentices, more than 600 sponsors and more than 900 apprenticeship programs. More than 1,300 certificates for program completion had been granted so far this year.

The administration also continues to promote pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs as ways for New Yorkers to gain practical experience while preparing for careers.

Hochul has emphasized apprenticeships as an alternative pathway into jobs that can offer long-term career opportunities without requiring a traditional four-year college degree.

Free community college for adult learners

Another major workforce initiative is the SUNY and CUNY Reconnect program, which was created through Hochul’s fiscal year 2026 budget.

The program provides free community college for adult learners between the ages of 25 and 55 who do not have a college degree and want to pursue associate degrees in high-demand fields.

Tuition, fees, books and supplies are covered for eligible students. The original list of fields included areas such as advanced manufacturing, technology, nursing and education.

This year, the state expanded the list to include logistics and air traffic control. The program was also expanded to cover students with previous degrees who are pursuing a nursing degree.

The initiative is expanding beyond community colleges as well, with associate programs at eight SUNY colleges and three CUNY colleges joining the program.

More than 12,000 New Yorkers have already enrolled.

The program is aimed at adults who may have entered the workforce without completing college but now want to move into industries where employers are looking for qualified workers.

Opening doors to government jobs

The state has also been working to make public-sector employment easier to access.

Under the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide, or NY HELPS, program, state civil service examination requirements are temporarily waived for many government job vacancies.

More than 64,000 appointments have been made to state and local government through the program.

At the same time, the Department of Civil Service is opening new computer-based testing centers around the state. The centers are intended to make civil service testing more accessible to people seeking government employment or looking to advance in public service.

The state has also created 10 Centers for Careers in Government. The centers provide jobseekers with guidance about the civil service system and available career opportunities.

The Department of Civil Service is developing a new applicant management system as well. The system is expected to improve the hiring process by helping match qualified applicants with open jobs more quickly and equitably.

The state has also used multimedia campaigns to promote public-service careers over the past two years. Another campaign, developed in partnership with New York’s first Chief Disability Officer, has focused on public-sector opportunities for New Yorkers with disabilities.

Changes have also been made to civil service qualifications. The state updated requirements for approximately 800 entry-level and promotional job titles to allow equivalent work experience to be considered as an alternative to a college degree.

Department of Civil Service Commissioner and Civil Service Commission President Timothy R. Hogues said the changes are designed to reduce barriers for people seeking public employment.

“Since she took office, Governor Hochul’s support of the public workforce has been clear and steadfast. Under her leadership, the Department of Civil Service is reducing barriers to entry and promotion for public-service jobseekers and state employees alike. Through NY HELPS, which temporarily waives exams for many government jobs available to the public, to opening new Computer-Based Testing Centers, which boosts access and opportunities for our dedicated state employees who seek career advancement, Governor Hochul understands that a strong public workforce helps New York families on a daily basis and makes the Empire State a great place to live and work.”

Modernizing youth employment paperwork

The administration is also working to modernize the process young people use to obtain working papers.

Last year, Hochul signed legislation changing the youth employment certification process. Under the initiative, the Department of Labor is developing a one-stop online portal designed to make the process easier for young workers, their parents and guardians, school districts and businesses that employ minors.

The new system is scheduled to launch next year.

The digital system is intended to replace a process that can require several parties to handle employment certification. By putting the process online, the state hopes to make it more convenient for everyone involved.

Labor Day recognition across New York

Alongside the policy announcements, Hochul also announced that 17 landmarks across New York would be illuminated in red, white and blue in recognition of Labor Day.

The landmarks include One World Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, the Kosciuszko Bridge, the H. Carl McCall SUNY Building and the State Education Building.

Other locations taking part include the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, Empire State Plaza, the State Fairgrounds Main Gate and Expo Center, Niagara Falls and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge.

The Grand Central Terminal Pershing Square Viaduct, Albany International Airport Gateway and Lake Placid Olympic Center are also included.

The list continues with the MTA LIRR East End Gateway at Penn Station, the Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal, Moynihan Train Hall and the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse.

The lighting was intended as a visible tribute to workers and the labor movement during the holiday.

Taken together, the initiatives highlighted by the governor cover a wide range of issues facing New York workers, from the wages they receive to the conditions in which they work and the benefits available when they retire or are injured.

The administration is also placing considerable emphasis on the future workforce, with apprenticeships, free community college and changes to government hiring aimed at creating more routes into employment.

For Hochul, Labor Day provided an opportunity to highlight those efforts while reaffirming her administration’s focus on workers.

The policies do not represent a single program, but rather a collection of changes affecting workers in private industry, public service, education, transportation, health care, retail, warehouses and other sectors.

As New York enters another year of workforce initiatives, the administration says its focus will remain on protecting employees, expanding access to jobs and training, recovering unpaid wages and making benefits more accessible.

The broader goal, according to the governor, is to build a labor market where workers have stronger protections, more opportunities to gain skills and greater access to jobs that can support themselves and their families.