Time Warner Cable News - Annual Labor Day Parade Marks End of NYS Fair

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By Bill Carey

The annual Labor Day parade at the fairgrounds is the traditional way to mark the final day of the New York State Fair. It is an annual display of union solidarity in the region, but this year, there are some signs of strain that centers on the race for governor.

Many unions have been less than happy with Gov. Andrew Cuomo's policies. Some have offered support for a challenger in law professor Zephyr Teachout. Others have steered clear of taking a position, hoping to send a message via the lack of an endorsement.

The unions, though, are arguing that the strain is simply a difference of opinion.

"We are working together and our brothers and sisters, who are not in the public sector, we work and support them as well," said Eileen Landy, the United University Professions State secretary. "I think the division is being made much more of than is may be in reality."

Still, some of the largest unions are keeping silent and hoping, at the very least, Democratic voters will support Teachout's running mate, Timothy Wu, and reject Cuomo's choice for lieutenant governor, former Congresswoman Kathy Hochul. Again, some union leaders say "no" to the effort to reject Hochul.

"Kathy Hochul we really support. She's really great and she's great for Upstate New York. And, unfortunately, downstate, they paint her as too conservative. And, Upstate she's catching a little flack because she's a little liberal. She's actually perfect for Central New York," said Greg Lancette, Central-Northern New York Building Trades Council president.

Many of the private sector unions are supporting the incumbent governor.

"The governor, overall, has been good to us. I mean, I think there's folks in labor who have every reason to be a little disappointed in the governor, but for our local union, I can only say he's been good for us," said Scott Phillipson, the SEIU Local 200 United president.

The question is, will rank and file union members be there for Cuomo on both primary and election days after the talk of disappointment?

"I'm not seeing them mobilize. They're not enthusiastic, because his budgets have been very conservative," said Howie Hawkins, a candidate for governor.

Hawkins and others claim Cuomo should be worried about the outcome on Sept. 9. Only one major statewide worker union offered its endorsement to challenger Zephyr Teachout in next week's primary. That was the Public Employee Federation, which represents some of the state's white collar workers.

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