NY at Work report: Cost of living most critical issue

More than 65% of Empire State Poll respondents say the cost of living is the most critical issue facing their households, according to the ILR School's annual New York at Work 2023-24report, published Aug. 22.

Drawing on expertise, research-based data and policy analysis on a range of issues affecting the state's workers, unions, communities and employers, the report is intended to serve as an informative, accessible and relevant resource for policymakers and the public.

The annual poll, conducted by ILR's Center for Applied Research on Work, also found that more than 60% of the 2,500-plus people surveyed are employed, but disparities exist across race and ethnicity. Of the New Yorkers either employed or unemployed but looking for work, 92% of white respondents reported being employed vs. 86% of Black or African American, 84% of Asian and 78% of Latinx respondents.

In another section, a survey of human resource managers by ILR's Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative found that individuals with criminal records continue to experience discrimination.

"One of the primary ways to advance outcomes for New York state residents is through improvements to their opportunities for and experiences of work," said Ariel Avgar, Ph.D. '08, theDavid M. Cohen '73 Professor of Labor Relations and senior associate dean for outreach and sponsored research.

"Improving access to employment opportunities and working conditions through policy and practice requires a clear understanding of the current labor and employment landscape," said Avgar, who is also director of ILR's Center for Applied Research on Work. "Each year around Labor Day, the ILR School releases the New York at Work Report to inform policy and practice through useful, accessible and timely research. We are proud of the role that we play, through our work, in helping to advance work and employment policies in New York state that can improve the lives of workers, families and communities."

Research and policy briefs in New York at Work 2022-23 were contributed by ILR's Buffalo Co-Lab; Center for Applied Research on Work; the Climate Jobs Institute; the Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative; the Ithaca Co-Lab, Labor and Employment Law Program; the Worker Institute; and the Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability.

Among the report's findings:

• The average wage of child care workers in New York is $32,900, 40% less than the median wage for all workers in the state.
• 21% of New York state households do not have a computer.
• An estimated $600,000 to $800,000 could be saved by using unionized workers to construct a 10-story building in New York City.
• 65.4% of workers in the state would earn a living wage if the minimum wage increased to $21.25.
• 65% of Empire State Poll respondents want increased climate change action from labor, industry and government leaders.
• The percentage of people of color in New York City union apprenticeships doubled from 30% to 60% over 20 years.
• 12% of solar industry workers surveyed had been injured while working in New York state, two-thirds of the workers said the injuries were not reported to the .
• Only 13% of potential employers of people who have criminal records consider rehabilitative factors such as counseling and community service when hiring.
• 70% of Cannabis Workforce Initiative certificate holders don't have a college degree, reflecting social equity goals of state's cannabis industry regulations.
• $3.50 per hour is what many people with disabilities are paid.

The annual report embodies the ILR School's continuing commitment to enhancing labor policy and practice in New York state, said Alexander Colvin, Ph.D. '99, the Kenneth F. Kahn '69 Dean and Martin F. Scheinman '76, M.S. '76, Professor of Conflict Resolution.

"Improving labor relations and enhancing the lives of New York's working people has been central to ILR's mission since 1945, when the New York State Legislature established the school as part of Cornell's land-grant mission," Colvin said. "We are proud to continue to serve through our research, teaching and outreach."

Previous New York at Work reports were published in 2021, 2022and 2023.

Mary Catt is director of communications for the ILR School.

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