Catherwood LibraryILR School

Once-sterling relations between labor unions of New York State and Governor David Paterson, have continued to be problematic since Paterson ascended to the governor's seat in March 2008. Paterson and the unions have spent a lot of time fighting over pension benefits and other heated labor issues, and as the Governor starts to think about a 2010 campaign, some unions are not so sure they want to stick with him. The New York AFL-CIO, and AFT have remained neutral thus far but a number of prominent labor leaders are concerned that with Paterson could not beat Guiliani in 2010, given his current approval rating. Some feel that the best chance for a strong democratic candidate lies with Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Many unions recognize that Paterson is fighting a battle against time to get his approval up, and are withholding support until they see how he fares. Among them, the 600,000 New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) union.