The Cost of Living in Metro New York is up 5.4 percent compared to one year ago, according to a new report released by the Department of Labor on Sept. 16.Since last August, fuel and utility prices in our area are up 23.7 percent.

No wonder that 35¢ on Aug. 1 didn’t feel like much. And it could have been even less. Remember, the first tentative agreement would have diverted 10¢ out of our wages for the pension fund. Good thing we voted NO!

Under our contract, we may be eligible for a cost-of-living increase next year, depending on what inflation is like. But our negotiators left a COLA out of the contract this year when we really needed it.

Click here to see the Department of Labor report.

Click here to read a recent New York Times article: Cost of Living Going Up Fast in New York.

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