Welcome to the third edition of Work in Progress!

We're bringing you a straight list of worker education opportunities. Every class featured in this newsletter is free, based in NYC, and offered directly through CWE or a trusted union or community partner.

We're also covering an exciting worker event coming up in June, some worker news, and a bill you can help push for at the NYC Council!

Know someone who should be on this list? Forward along this email. They can read last month's edition and subscribe here.

Here's what you can sign up for today:

Digital Literacy Workshop Series

Consortium for Worker Education | 83 Maiden Lane, Manhattan

CWE's three-part workshop series covers essential digital skills including online search strategies, password security, notetaking and keyboarding, filling out online forms, and how to identify phishing, malware, disinformation, and AI-generated fakes.

Dates: June 8, 10 & 12 Schedule: 5:00–7:30 PM Eligible: Open to all Apply: Register at bit.ly/42Sq5XI

GED Preparation

New York Communities for Change | 470 Vanderbilt Ave., 9th Fl., Brooklyn

NYCC offers free GED preparation classes on Zoom, covering Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies. Students are guided toward the High School Equivalency (HSE) Exam and receive special support in Math fundamentals. Open to all levels.

Dates: Sept. 21 – June 4 Schedule: Afternoon: Mon., Wed. & Thu., 12:00–4:00 PM | Evening: Tue. & Thu., 6:30–9:30 PM | Math Fundamentals: Wed., 6:30–8:30 PM Eligible: Adults 21+, living in the five boroughs Apply: Text (917) 746-5399 or call (347) 410-6919 ext. 4 Deadline: Until classes fill

Environmental Remediation Technician Training

St. Nicks Alliance | 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn

St. Nicks Alliance in partnership with Big Apple ERT offers a 7-week, 215-hour credentialed, employer-linked training program combining classroom and hands-on instruction in environmental remediation.

Dates: July 20 – Aug. 28 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eligible: NYC residents who are un- or underemployed and authorized to work in the U.S. Apply: Attend an in-person information session every Wednesday at 1:00 PM at 92 Throop Ave. Deadline: July 15

Construction Training

STRIVE | 205 E. 122nd St., 3rd Floor, Manhattan

Clients will receive hands-on training, including their OSHA and SST certifications. This training will provide clients with the required certifications needed to work on construction sites.

Dates: July 2 – Aug. 21 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eligible: Adults 18+, with a high school diploma or GED Apply: Attend an information session on Tuesdays or Thursdays at 10:00 AM at 205 East 122nd St. Deadline: June 19

Spanish Language

1199SEIU Training & Employment Funds | 498 7th Ave., 4th Fl., Manhattan (online via Zoom)

The 1199SEIU Spanish Program offers free online Spanish classes at all levels, with a focus on conversational skills, particularly for healthcare workers. Classes are offered beginning through advanced, and prospective intermediate/advanced students must schedule an assessment prior to enrollment.

Dates: Sept. 2026 – May 2027 (winter break mid-Dec. through Feb.) Schedule: Mon. & Wed. 5:30–8:30 PM | Tue. & Thu. 5:30–8:30 PM | Fri. 6:00–8:30 PM | Sat. 9:30 AM–12:00 PM Eligible: Adults 21+, living or working in New York City Apply: Contact Dania Martinez at Dania.Martinez@1199funds.org or (212) 494-0525. Prospective intermediate/advanced students should email to schedule an assessment. Deadline: Aug. 31, 2026

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

1199SEIU Training & Employment Funds | 498 7th Ave., 4th Fl., Manhattan (online via Zoom)

The 1199SEIU ESOL Program offers free online English classes at all levels, from beginning to advanced. Classes cover speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with a focus on grammar and pronunciation. Students must complete an online registration form and English placement test to enroll.

Dates: Sept. 2026 – May 2027 (winter break mid-Dec. through Feb.) Schedule: Mon. & Wed. 5:30–8:30 PM | Tue. & Thu. 5:30–8:30 PM | Sat. 9:30 AM–1:00 PM Eligible: Adults 21+, living or working in New York City Apply: Contact Roberta LeBaron at Roberta.LeBaron@1199funds.org or (212) 894-4364 to request a registration and placement test email Deadline: Aug. 31, 2026

Hemodialysis Technician Training

St. Nicks Alliance | 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn

St. Nicks Alliance, in partnership with City Tech, offers a 6-week, 100-hour credentialed training program combining classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience in hemodialysis, with direct employer connections.

Dates: July 27 – Oct. 16 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eligible: NYC residents who are un- or underemployed and authorized to work in the U.S. Apply: Attend an in-person information session every Friday at 1:00 PM at 92 Throop Ave. Deadline: July 24

Certified Nursing Assistant and Phlebotomy

Goddard Riverside | 250 West 65th St., Manhattan

This healthcare pathway program for young adults out of work and school offers CNA and phlebotomy training alongside paid internships, free MetroCards, professional development, and ongoing social support. Scholarship opportunities are available for those who wish to continue their education after completing the program.

Dates: Sept. 14, 2026 – Jan. 2027 Schedule: Mon.–Thu., 1:30–6:00 PM | Fri., 10:00 AM–2:00 PM Eligible: Adults 18–24, out of work and school, with a high school diploma or equivalent and proof of COVID-19 vaccination Apply: linktr.ee/isaacsedworkforce Deadline: Early August 2026

Yoga and Community Circle

Astoria Worker Project (CWE) at P.S. 112 | 25-05 37th Ave., Astoria

The class focuses on building awareness of the breath, body, and emotions. Through breathing techniques, body postures, and group discussion, participants explore how yoga and community-building can support them in their daily and work lives. No yoga mat needed.

Dates: June 3 – June 26 Schedule: Wednesdays, 8:30–9:30 AM Eligible: Open to all Apply: Text or email Daniela at dcardona@cwe.org or (917) 847-9034

Astoria Worker Project Potluck Celebration

Saturday June 13th | 1 - 5PM | Rainey Park | 33-34 Vernon Blvd., Astoria

Have you taken a class with the Astoria Worker Project or just interested in building solidarity with your fellow Astorians? Come celebrate with your neighbors! The AWP is hosting a potluck for students, classmates, friends, and family to build community and connection. Bring something to share if you can.

Mayor Mamdani Announces Commission on Government Efficiency to Make Government Work Better for New Yorkers, Including CWE President Marco A. Carrión

From the Office of the Mayor: "COGE’s work is expected to include removing outdated bureaucratic barriers that slow infrastructure projects and delay services; equipping City agencies the authority, enforcement tools, and flexibility they need to deliver programs effectively; and modernizing government to improve efficiency and saving, reserve and budget practices. The Commission may also consider additional reforms that emerge through public engagement, testimony and research."

N.Y.C. Hotel Housekeepers Will Earn Over $100,000 Under New Contract

From the New York Times: "The average pay of housekeepers in New York City hotels will increase to more than $100,000 a year as part of a contract settlement between an industry trade group and a powerful union. The deal, which the group ratified on Monday, averts a threatened strike this summer that could have disrupted the influx of tourists expected for the World Cup and America 250 festivities."

When AI plans are being made, NY's workers need to be at the table - CWE President Marco A. Carrión

From the Times Union: "In New York City, entry-level corporate jobs have dropped sharply in recent years, a trend the state itself suggests may be linked, in part, to AI adoption... That is not a trend to study at a distance using advocates. Workers need New York to act now. Any state AI initiative that touches workers through commissions, training programs, state procurement and research investments should be designed and implemented in coordination with programs that work."

Last month we told you about the Delivery Protection Act, which would require last-mile delivery facilities to be licensed and to directly employ their workers. We are joining our allies in labor in calling for the Council to bring this bill up for a vote.

Currently, companies like Amazon rely on subcontractors to sidestep labor protections and liability, leading to injury and retaliation. This bill would put an end to that practice. It would also require that delivery workers receive training from an independent entity on their rights and on how to stay safe on the job. We're proud to stand alongside Teamsters Joint Council 16 in support of this bill.

You can take action right now. Use the link below to send a message directly to your City Council Member urging them to support this bill. It only takes a couple of minutes.