It’s official — January 2025 was the biggest month for union opt-outs in New York’s history. A staggering 215 public employees exercised their right to leave their union, shattering the previous high and marking a 117 percent increase from January 2024, when just 99 workers opted out.

With the average union member paying $900 in annual dues, this surge in opt-outs means big government unions in the Empire State stand to lose nearly $194,000 in just one year from these departures alone.

The biggest driver of this historic shift? DC37 AFSCME, New York City’s largest municipal union, saw a mass exodus as public employees finally had enough of the lies, corruption and misuse of their hard-earned dues.

It’s no surprise the workers funding this bloated bureaucracy are taking action. After years of coercion, misinformation and political spending that has nothing to do with representing them, they’re reclaiming control of their paychecks — and their voices.

For many, the decision to leave wasn’t just about money. It was about principle.

“I left the union because I was treated unfairly and biased by several members when I sought support.” – Kindergarten Teacher, NYSUT

“I opted out because my union was useless, big time!” – NYC Caseworker, DC37 AFSCME

These stories echo the frustration of thousands of public employees across the state. The very institutions that claim to “represent” workers have abandoned them when it matters most, leaving them disillusioned and ready to walk away.

This milestone isn’t just a win — it’s a clarion call. Every month, more public employees are realizing they are not obligated to stay in a union that doesn’t serve them.

Thanks to the Freedom Foundation’s tireless efforts to expose the truth, educate workers and challenge union intimidation, New Yorkers are making informed decisions and keeping hundreds of dollars a year that would have otherwise been funneled into political slush funds.

Make no mistake, 2024 was New York’s best year yet for opt-outs, but 2025 is already on pace to leave it in the dust. If January is any indication, this year will see more public employees leaving their unions than ever before.

The movement is growing, and the unions know it.