October 2024 was another banner month for public employees in New York. It marked the second-best October ever for the Freedom Foundation’s New York operation, with workers across schools, hospitals and state offices opting out in numbers that prove one thing: momentum is building, and it’s showing up in the numbers.
With New York union dues averaging $71 per month, the 115 public employees who opted out in October alone created an immediate monthly loss of $8,165 for unions.
Over 12 months, this surge will cost unions $97,750 in dues — a powerful testament to New York’s growing movement for employee empowerment.
But October is just one month. Since 2021, we’ve already helped an additional 3,687 New Yorkers leave their unions.
Added up, that’s over $3 million dollars in union dues redirected back to the people who earned it. Every opt-out represents more than just money; it’s a vote for personal financial freedom and a growing community of independent voices.
The October numbers, in fact, build on the success of our record-breaking summer, setting up New York for what could very well be our best year of opt-outs ever.
And what’s fueling this continued surge? Two factors: Co-workers spreading the word and New Yorkers tapping into online tools that put control back in their hands.
The real driver behind October’s wave of opt-outs is word of mouth. One thing we’ve learned is that when one public employee shares their opt-out story with a co-worker, it’s more than just information — it’s a powerful call to action.
This month, we saw a rising number of employees hearing about opting out directly from their colleagues. Across New York, from City University of New York (CUNY) classrooms to busy city hospitals, public employees are talking about why they’re opting out and why their co-workers might want to do the same.
In the words of one former CSEA member, “My view on the union hasn’t changed. This union failed to fulfill its promises, and its values don’t align with mine.”
Another worker expressed a similar frustration: “CUNY has cut budgets significantly — what has the union done to protect our jobs? Absolutely nothing. The majority of my colleagues are considering quitting their union.”
With referrals on the rise, it’s clear New York’s public employees are realizing the benefits of financial freedom firsthand — and they’re eager to share the wealth.
While personal referrals start the conversation, technology is what makes acting on it simple. Over 70 percent of October’s opt-outs were initiated online, where New Yorkers are finding the tools they need to make the decision that’s right for them.
These online resources mean employees don’t have to wait for permission or wade through bureaucracy — they can make their choice when they’re ready.
One former SEIU 32BJ member summed it up perfectly: “I opted out because my wallet called and said it was empty, and it gave me (the Freedom Foundation’s) number.”
With our online resources, New Yorkers can act in just a few clicks, empowered to exercise their rights on their own terms.
The second-best October ever is more than a great number — it’s a sign that New York’s public employees are building a strong community based on independence and financial empowerment.
After a summer of record-breaking opt-outs, this October marks another high point in what’s shaping up to be New York’s best year yet. Each co-worker referral, each click, represents someone choosing freedom and inspiring others to do the same.
As we approach the end of 2024, we’re excited to see how many more New Yorkers will take a stand, sharing their stories and building this movement together.
The Freedom Foundation will continue to stand by, ready to support every public employee who wants to take control of their paycheck and join the movement for financial freedom.
Here’s to New York’s remarkable October and to the co-workers and clicks driving us toward the strongest year on record.
