News from New York State Department of Labor

For more information contact: Leo Rosales, 518-457-5519

Media Advisory

Labor Department To Announce Landmark Legislation Impacting Western New York’s Workers

ALBANY, NY (08/13/2008; 1501)(readMedia)-- State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith will be holding a press conference at the Labor Department's Western New York Regional Office to announce the signing by Governor David A. Paterson of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, making New York one of only four states to strengthen this law at the state level. The law will replace terms currently established by the federal government. The need for a stringent law at the state level comes on the heels of a number of companies, including some located in Western New York, which closed their doors in recent years and gave their workers little or no prior notification.

WHEN: Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: NYS Department of Labor, Regional Office, 290 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202

WHO: M. Patricia Smith, State Labor Commissioner

Susan John, Chair of the New York State Assembly Labor Committee

Assemblymember Crystal Peoples

Assemblymember Sam Hoyt

Local Western New York Officials