Related Article: The Number of Hires in New York City Falls to Lowest Rate Since 2003 - lavocedinewyork.com - Friday, August 15, 2025, 2:27:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Target: President of the United States, U.S. Congress, Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State Legislature
Goal: We call on federal and state leaders to enact bold, worker-centered policies that will restore economic stability, reverse harmful tariffs and immigration restrictions, and invest in good jobs for all.
In the first six months of 2025, New York City saw only 956 new private sector jobs created—a staggering drop from 66,000 in the same period last year. This is the lowest hiring rate since 2003, with the exception of the pandemic and the Great Recession. The city’s unemployment rate now stands at 4.7%, higher than both state and national averages.
Experts point to erratic federal tariffs and hostile immigration policies as key drivers of this crisis. These policies have created uncertainty for businesses, leading to hiring freezes and job losses in critical sectors like finance, hospitality, and retail. Rising prices and declining sales have only deepened the problem.
New York’s economic health is a bellwether for the nation. Without immediate intervention, millions of workers and families will continue to suffer. We urge our leaders to prioritize stability, invest in communities, and advance policies that ensure everyone has access to good jobs and economic security.