09-23-2026 Wrongful Discharge & Labor Protections Special Committee

The City of Ithaca's Wrongful Discharge & Labor Protections Special Committee convened on September 23, 2026, to discuss proposed just cause employment protections and related labor legislation. The meeting featured extensive public testimony from workers, union representatives, and community members advocating for broad worker protections, including coverage for undocumented workers and graduate student fellows at Cornell University. Committee members received an update from the city attorney on the drafting progress of the legislation, with plans to circulate a draft for public forums and further review. Discussions also focused on strategies for stakeholder engagement, particularly reaching non-unionized workers and nonprofits, and planning accessible public forums to gather input. The committee considered potential partnerships with local organizations to support workers navigating the new protections and discussed scheduling future meetings amid city budget constraints. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting, but the committee emphasized the importance of developing resources and support services for employers and workers as part of the legislative rollout.