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.