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Working to Eradicate Worker Exploitation

Governor Cuomo’s worker protection efforts have helped transform the economic and social justice landscape in New York State. These efforts have shared an overarching mission of protecting workers in the industries where they are most likely to face exploitation, yet do not come forward for fear of retaliation.

In July 2015, Governor Cuomo announced a first-of-its-kind statewide Task Force to root out worker exploitation issues in multiple industries in New York State. In July 2016, to mark its one-year anniversary, the Governor established a permanent, statewide task force on worker exploitation and misclassification (Joint Task Force).

To date, the Joint Task Force has launched nearly 16,000 wage theft and misclassification cases impacting nearly 150,000 workers, and recovered nearly $150 million in lost wages, which it returned to 125,000 workers victimized by wage theft.

Investigating Worker Exploitation

About the Task Force

Governor Cuomo created the Exploited Workers Task Force with a mission to identify and eliminate worker exploitation throughout New York. 

Industries

The Exploited Workers Task Force will initially target 14 industries, including farming, childcare and home health care.

Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee members will examine and make recommendations on how to best tackle worker exploitation issues.

Exploited Workers Share Experiences

At the first Task Force meeting, video testimonials were presented that included the experiences of workers who were exploited in various industries across the state.

Protecting New York’s Workers

Partnering with Employers

We’re working with employers to foster fair and healthy working environments for their employees.

 

Nail Salon Safety

Get information on how to ensure that the rights of nail salon workers are protected. 

first-of-its-kind Task Force

Watch video of Governor Cuomo announcing the multi-agency Task Force to protect workers from exploitation.

What People Are Saying

President & CEO, Partnership for NYC

Kathryn Wylde

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“Governor Cuomo’s commitment to address conditions of worker exploitation are important to New York’s employers, most of whom are committed to responsible treatment of workers. This task force offers an opportunity for the business community to help the Governor ensure that the laws, regulations and enforcement mechanisms are in place to prevent abuse of workers.”

Kathryn Wylde

President, New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Vincent Alvarez

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"Today's announcement is a move to protect the rights and improve livelihoods of a segment of our workforce that is too often exploited. The creation of this task force sends a clear message that we will not tolerate worker mistreatment on any level. This is an example of the historic change that can be created through productive partnerships between the labor movement and government."

Vincent Alvarez

President, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York President

Gary Labarbera

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“For generations, the plight of abused workers went unnoticed – but no longer. Alongside Governor Cuomo and his new task force, we are giving a voice to those exploited workers and taking important steps to regulate industries that have for too long flown under the radar. The creation of this task force gives countless works hope for a brighter future, without unfair and inhumane business practices.”

Gary Labarbera

Co-Executive Director, Make the Road

Javier Valdes

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“Every worker should be treated with respect and dignity – which is why Governor Cuomo’s new task force is so important. By investigating cases of worker abuse and exploitation, the state can better crack down on businesses that take advantage of their employees. This will lead to a safer and better work environment, just as the new laws that the Governor signed today will do for nail salon workers, and we are proud to stand with the Governor in defending New York’s workers.”

Javier Valdes

See What Others Are Saying

See What Others Are Saying