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S6328

An act to amend the Labor Law — 2024-03-28 · Calendar #530

The New York State Senate passed legislation amending the Labor Law on a 51-8 vote, with eight Republicans voting against the measure. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ramos, drew significant debate over a proposed amendment addressing Tier 5 and Tier 6 pension relief that the Acting President ruled nongermane. Senators Murray and Weik appealed the ruling, arguing the amendment was germane because it addressed worker protections and a critical recruitment and retention crisis in public-sector employment. The appeal failed on a show of hands vote, 19-0. Senator Jackson, chair of the Civil Service and Pensions Committee, explained his affirmative vote by noting that Tier 6 pension deficiencies have left 12,000 state positions vacant and created workforce shortages affecting direct care professionals, child protective services workers, corrections officers, and school social workers. Jackson's separate proposal to reduce the final average salary calculation window for Tier 6 members from five to three years was included in the Senate's one-house budget resolution. Senator Martins urged colleagues to use the current budget process to address Tier 6 reform, stating 'now's the time to do it' given projected spending increases. The bill passed with support from both sides of the aisle, though Republicans Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Stec, Tedisco, and Weber voted in opposition.
Passed Senate Ayes: 51 · Nays: 8

Debate Summary

The bill, sponsored by Senator Ramos, addresses labor protections and worker relief. A proposed amendment regarding Tier 5 and Tier 6 pension relief was ruled nongermane by the Acting President, prompting an appeal. Senators Murray and Weik argued the amendment was germane because it pertains to worker protection and addresses a critical recruitment and retention crisis in public-sector employment caused by Tier 6 pension deficiencies. The appeal to overturn the chair's ruling failed 19-0 on a show of hands vote. The underlying bill then passed 51-8.

Recorded Votes

Individual vote records shown here are captured from roll call mentions in floor transcripts. Because most bills pass with unanimous or near-unanimous ayes, only dissenting (nay) votes are typically read into the record — so the table below skews toward no votes. The full tally (ayes/nays above) reflects the official count.

Senator Vote Party
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick nay Republican
Gallivan nay Republican
O'Mara nay Republican
Oberacker nay Republican
Ortt nay Republican
Stec nay Republican
Tedisco nay Republican
Weber nay Republican

Amendments

Sponsor Description Outcome
Sen. Lanza An amendment to provide relief to workers in Tier 5 and Tier 6 pensions ruled nongermane and out of order

An act to amend the Labor Law — 2023-06-01 · Calendar #858

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Ramos to strengthen protections for call center workers facing job displacement when employers lose contract bids. The bill passed on a 46-12 roll call vote. Sen. Scarcella-Spanton, speaking in support, cited the closure of the Staten Island E-ZPass Center as a catalyst for the measure, noting that call center workers often face "constant anxiety" about losing income and facing displacement. The legislation requires new contractors to hire existing workers when contracts are transferred and protects collective bargaining agreements. Twelve senators voted against the measure: Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weber. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Passed Senate Ayes: 46 · Nays: 12

Debate Summary

Sen. Scarcella-Spanton spoke in support of the bill, citing the need to protect call center workers from job displacement when employers lose contract bids. She referenced the closure of the Staten Island E-ZPass Center as a catalyst for the legislation. The bill requires new contractors to hire existing workers and protects collective bargaining agreements when contracts are terminated.

Recorded Votes

Individual vote records shown here are captured from roll call mentions in floor transcripts. Because most bills pass with unanimous or near-unanimous ayes, only dissenting (nay) votes are typically read into the record — so the table below skews toward no votes. The full tally (ayes/nays above) reflects the official count.

Senator Vote Party
Borrello nay Republican
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick nay Republican
Gallivan nay Republican
O'Mara nay Republican
Oberacker nay Republican
Ortt nay Republican
Rhoads nay Republican
Rolison nay Republican
Stec nay Republican
Tedisco nay Republican
Walczyk nay Republican
Weber nay Republican