May 6, 2026
UUP added its voice on May Day to the thousands of rallies across the country supporting workers on what is known around the world as International Workers’ Day.
The message, from UUP’s view, was simple: UUP deserves a strong, on-time contract from the state.
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten joined UUP President Fred Kowal and about 30 UUP members at a May 1 evening rally at Albany’s West Capitol Park. Weingarten, who showed off a UUP sign with the words “Fair Contract Now,” came to the following a day at the NYSUT Representative Assembly, held a few blocks away.
She spoke of UUP’s efforts to settle a new contract and the importance of May Day rallies. May Day is more proof that unions don’t just care about themselves and their families, but all of society.
“This is what May Day is about,” Weingarten said. “It is not a historical artifact. It is a reminder that everything we get as workers, as teachers, as college professors, as healthcare attendants and anybody who works at any job in the state of New York, public or private, none of it happens without a fight or without a struggle.”
The theme of interconnection was common among the speakers who followed, which included Kowal and representatives from NYSUT; the New York State Nurses Association; the Professional Staff Congress/CUNY; the Capital District Area Labor Federation; and the Public Employees Federation.
Kowal opened his speech with a chant: “Workers united will never be defeated!” that was quickly joined by the crowd. He thanked Weingarten, AFT and NYSUT for standing with UUP during the union’s negotiations for a new contract. He called for taxing the rich and for an end to funding “immoral, genocidal wars” in the Middle East and around the world.
“When we fight for a contract, and we’re fighting for job security and we’re fighting for good health benefits and fair pay, that sends a message to all workers that together, united, we can all lift each other up,” he said. “A victory for UUP is not just for UUP. It’s for all workers.”
All of UUP’s statewide officers were at the rally: Vice President for Professionals Carolyn Kube; Vice President for Academics Alissa Karl; Secretary-Treasurer Jeri O’Bryan-Losee; and Membership Development Officer Patrick Romain. UUP members who were in town for the NYSUT RA also came to the rally.
UUP members in other parts of the state went to May Day rallies, in places such as New York City, Oneonta, Cortland and Canton.
Albany Chapter member Ron Friedman, a psychology professor at the University at Albany, was at the Albany rally. He said he’s been coming out to rallies and marches for at least 20 years.
He’s shown up for events for social justice, a clean environment and to support other unions. In academia, it’s easy to become isolated in your own department. Going to rallies has allowed him to meet people in many different fields.
“It’s not about control over our conditions, salaries and healthcare, it’s a broader movement for social justice,” he said. “We don’t just want fair pay and benefits for us. We want it for everyone.”