Saying he had “never seen a more united and stronger NYSUT,” New York state AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento praised union members for fighting back against Gov. Cuomo’s ongoing attacks against public education during remarks at the RA’s opening session.
He pledged to work side by side with NYSUT because “an attack against one is an attack on all.”
Cilento also praised the leadership of NYSUT President Karen E. Magee and recalled a December board meeting where she outlined NYSUT’s plans for fighting the governor’s toxic public education agenda and asked for the support of the state labor movement.
“After that meeting, the NYS AFL-CIO Executive Board sent a resolution to the governor stating that the entire labor movement stands with NYSUT — because we are one movement together.”
'He also commended NYSUT members who are fighting back against the governor with dignity, honor and grace while continuing to educate the children of New York state.
“Nobody pushes NYSUT around,” he said. “Your strength makes the entire labor movement in New York state stronger.”