New York State Senator Jessica Ramos joined the picket line in front of the New School University Center in support of part-time faculty this morning.
The part-time faculty have been on strike since Wednesday as they continue to collectively bargain with the university for a fairer contract.
In a moment of rallying at the picket line, Ramos was handed a megaphone and was introduced to the assembled crowd, who let out a raucous cheer for her.
“I am in awe of each and every one of you and your bravery,” Ramos said. “It takes a lot of courage to tell your boss that you’re doing the wrong thing. Going out and striking is actually a fantastic teaching moment for the rest of the state.”
Ramos has a long history of fighting for labor rights and supporting unions. She was raised by immigrant parents in Astoria, Queens. Now she represents East Queens and is dedicated to finding a way for immigrant and non-immigrant communities to form a better workplace for all.
Ramos ran for office in 2019 and won in her home district, District 13. Her career has been marked by a variety of hardships faced by the people of the city. In 2021, she called for an investigation and the subsequent resignation of then-Governor Andrew Cuomo after an aide admitted that the administration had covered up the true data of lives lost in nursing homes to Covid-19.
Recently, she has been fighting for a change in minimum wage for workers in New York City, where inflation has skyrocketed while wage, according to The New York Times, was not linked to the rate of inflation. Her dedication to wage improvement was reflected in her last few words to the gathered picketers.
“We’ve got your back, and we’re going to be here as long as we need to, but we’re going to make sure that you guys win that fair contract,” Ramos said.
As the picketers resumed marching, Ramos marched along to the beat of the drums, shouting along with the strike captains before departing shortly after.
The strike continues tomorrow from 11a.m to 4 p.m. in front of the University Center. A student caucus is being held at 7:30 p.m. by the student-faculty solidarity group to answer questions, explain ongoing conditions with the strike, and organize more effectively for plans of action.