Governor Andrew Cuomo held a rally at the Manhattan headquarters of the Hotel and Motel Trades Council Thursday urging a “Wage Board”, which he appointed, to increase the minimum wage for fast food workers. Cuomo was joined by about dozen labor leaders, including New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento, HTC President Peter Ward, Building and Construction Trades Council President Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO Vincent Alvarez, RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum and President of Teamsters Local 237 Gregory Floyd. Cuomo was also joined by Jon Bon Jovi. Bon Jovi’s song “Work for The Working Man” is frequently played at Cuomo events.
Cuomo’s appearance at the rally came as the legislature staggered toward the end of it’s 2015 session with major issues unresolved.
Cuomo Speech:
In one curious comment, Governor Cuomo declared that he does not “use those words income inequality.” A closer look at that comment is here. Below is Governor Cuomo’s full speech.
Post-rally gaggle:
Governor Cuomo spoke with the press following the rally. Here is the full exchange.
Bon Jovi Speech:
Jon Bon Jovi gave a brief speech in support of the governor’s push to increase fast food workers wages. His appearance did not include any musical performance. Here is Jon Bon Jovi’s full speech.