Mario Cilento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO, said the labor movement is under attack by opponents "who not only want to defeat us ... but eliminate us" Though corporate interests have the ability to significantly outspend labor, the union movement remains formidable because of its membership "and willingness to mobilize,” he noted.
"We are the economic engine that runs this state and runs this country and everyone needs to know that,” Cilento said, adding that it is up to union members to make the public better understand that the labor movement not only benefits its membership, but all working men and women.
"There are better days ahead,” he said. Now, "it is up to us to mobilize"