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 survey. New York at Work 2023-24 Report published on August 22nd.

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

The annual surveyconducted by the ILR’s Center for Applied Research on Work, also found that more than 60% of the more than 2,500 people surveyed are employed, but there are disparities across race and ethnicity. Of New Yorkers who are either employed or unemployed but looking for work, 92% of white respondents reported being employed, compared with 86% of black or African American, 84% of Asian and 78% of Latino respondents.

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

“One of the most important ways to improve the situation of New York State residents is to improve their job opportunities and experiences,” said Ariel Avgar, Ph.D. ’08, the David M. Cohen ’73, professor of industrial 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 Labor Research. “Every year around Labor Day, the ILR School publishes the New York at Work Report to inform policy and practice through useful, accessible, and timely research. We are proud of the role we play through our work in advancing labor and employment policies in New York State that can improve the lives of workers, families, and communities.”

Research and policy summaries for “New York at Work 2022–23” were contributed by ILR’s Buffalo Co-Lab, Center for Applied Research on Work, Climate Jobs Institute, Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative, Ithaca Co-Lab, Labor and Employment Law Program, Worker Institute, and Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability.

The report’s findings include:

• The average wage for child care workers in New York is $32,900, 40% lower than the average wage for all workers in the state.
• 21% of households in New York State do not have a computer.
• It is estimated that $600,000 to $800,000 could be saved by using unionized workers to build a 10-story building in New York City.
• 65.4% of workers in the state would earn a living wage if the minimum wage were increased to $21.25.
• 65% of Empire State Poll respondents want workers, industry and politicians to take stronger action against climate change.
• The proportion of people of color in union apprenticeships in New York City has doubled from 30% to 60% in 20 years.
• Twelve percent of solar industry workers surveyed had been injured on the job in New York State; two-thirds of the workers said the injuries were not reported to the news agency.
• Only 13% of potential employers of people with criminal records consider rehabilitative factors such as counseling and community service when hiring.
• 70% of Cannabis Workforce Initiative certificate holders do not have a college degree, reflecting the social equity goals of state regulations for the cannabis industry.
• Many people with disabilities receive $3.50 per hour.

The annual report embodies the ILR School’s ongoing commitment to improving labor policies and practices in New York State, said Alexander Colvin, Ph.D. ’99the Kenneth F. Kahn (1969) and Martin F. Scheinman (1976) Dean, MS (1976), Professor of Conflict Resolution.

“Improving labor relations and improving 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,” said Colvin. “We are proud to continue to serve through our research, teaching and outreach.”

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

Mary Catt is Director of Communications at the ILR School.