1199, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater NY, CSA, NYSNA, RWDSU, PSC-CUNY, UAW, CIR-SEIU, CWA, Mason Tenders, Carpenters & Workers United call on Adams to fully fund free, full-day 3-K & Pre-K

Despite City Hall’s promises, thousands of families across NYC rejected from 3-K seats — costing many $20K in private childcare fees

New York, NY – June 12, 2024 – Fifteen of New York City’s prominent labor unions and organizations joined together to call on Mayor Eric Adams, to reverse his proposed budget cuts to early childhood education and commit to significant investments in these essential programs. This collective action underscores the critical importance of universal access to early education for New York City’s working families.

In a letter addressed to Mayor Adams, the unions highlight the severe impact that budget cuts to the Department of Education’s early childhood education programs would have on working families. The unions emphasize that these cuts would disproportionately affect low- and middle-income families, many of whom already struggle with the high cost of living in New York City.

In the letter, the 15 major labor organizations call for full funding for early childhood education and a reversal of budget cuts, including:

  • Restore $170 million cut to allow for truly universal access to 3-K and Pre-K seats and fund $10 million 3-K and Pre-K outreach and advertising
  • Fully fund 4,000 extended day and extended year 3-K and Pre-K seats citywide – $60M
  • Fund preschool special education – $100M

Signatories include: 

  • United Federation of Teachers
  • Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (and Local 338)
  • Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater NY
  • The New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO
  • American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 37
  • Committee of Interns and Residents
  • Workers United NY NJ Regional Joint Board a/w SEIU
  • United Auto Workers (UAW) – UAW REGION 9A
  • New York State Nurses Association
  • Professional Staff Congress (PSC-CUNY)
  • 1199SEIU – United Healthcare Workers East
  • NYC District Council of Carpenters
  • CSA, Council of School Supervisors & Administrators
  • Communications Workers of America, District 1
  • Mason Tenders District Council PAC

The signatories argue that access to affordable, high-quality child care is crucial for the economic stability and well-being of New York City’s families. The letter points to data from the Citizens Committee for Children, showing that 80% of New Yorkers cannot afford childcare costs, with some families spending up to 43% of their income on center-based care.

“Budget cuts to early education programs would undermine the progress we have made towards educational equity and social justice,” the letter states. “At a time when many families are still recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to maintain and expand support systems that help stabilize and uplift our communities.”

“We urge you to reverse proposed budget reductions and to baseline recent restorations in early education programs to protect universal access to child care in the city’s budget,” the letter continues. “By doing so, you will demonstrate a commitment to the working families of New York City and to the future success of our children and our city.”

The unions have expressed their readiness to collaborate with the Mayor’s administration to ensure the sustainability and expansion of early childhood education in New York City.

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