Unemployment Insurance Reform: Challenges and Opportunities for New York State's Labor Movement

This webinar will discuss the importance of Unemployment Insurance Reform to the labor movement. Unions are a powerful voice for their members and all working people in New York State. Access to Unemployment Insurance allows workers, including union members, to feel more comfortable in fighting unfair workplace practices and increases the ability of workers to organize. Indeed, New York is one of two states in the country (the other being New Jersey) that allow striking workers to receive Unemployment Insurance - a crucial lifeline to sustain oneself (and a family) during difficult fights.  

The Covide-19 pandemic demonstrated how much workers need an Unemployment Insurance program that works. But nationally, and particularly in New York State, Unemployment Insurance fails to adequately support workers during periods of unemployment. For example, New York has the lowest Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefit in the region. New York’s maximum benefit has been stuck at $504 a week since 2019. $504 a week is just 29% of New York’s average weekly wage. In comparison, Massachusetts’s maximum benefit is $1015 per week and provides an additional $25.00 per child.  

Reforms are needed to construct a more equitable New York state Unemployment Insurance system—one reflecting changes in our 21st century labor market. To start, a substantial increase is needed in Unemployment Insurance benefits to bring benefit levels in line with the cost of living. In order to increase benefit levels, the New York State Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, which is in severe deficit, needs to be properly funded.

While proposed reforms would affect all New Yorkers eligible for Unemployment Insurance, we cannot forget that union members are a core group who are recipients of benefits. This webinar will discuss these and other important issues as they impact Unemployment Insurance reform and union members.