(WNY News Now) – Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, pledged unwavering support for workers’ rights during a tribute event honoring labor reformer Frances Perkins, and highlighted the importance of safe working conditions for all.
New York – New York Governor Kathy Hochul, speaking at an event commemorating Frances Perkins, expressed her commitment to advancing workers’ rights and safety. Perkins, a pioneering figure in the labor movement, served as the U.S. Secretary of Labor and played a pivotal role in improving workplace conditions during the early 20th century.
Governor Hochul began her speech by acknowledging Roberta Reardon as her ‘Frances Perkins’ and applauded her dedication to workers’ rights. Reardon has been at the forefront of labor advocacy, having marched alongside various labor unions, including SAG-AFTRA and UAW, across the state.
The Governor, who is connected to the labor movement due to her family’s history in the industry, shared her determination to champion the rights of workers who often lack the resources to match corporate interests.
Hochul also recognized the tragic history of workers’ safety violations, referring to the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which claimed the lives of young workers, including a 14-year-old girl named Rosa. The Governor pledged never to allow such tragedies to happen again and emphasized the importance of safeguarding workers.
The Governor also addressed the issue of recent migrants arriving in search of the American Dream, thanking her labor team for swiftly connecting them with job opportunities. She emphasized that these migrants came to the United States with the desire to work, reinforcing the historical importance of immigrants to the state.
Hochul concluded her speech by assuring that the state would never return to a time when corporations jeopardized lives for profit, vowing to protect workers’ rights.
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