Dozens urge Ithaca council to adopt 'just cause' worker protections

Dozens of residents, labor advocates and academics urged the Ithaca Common Council on June 4 to adopt local "just cause" employment protections that would require employers to show a valid reason for dismissing employees.

Speakers said the protections would reduce worker vulnerability, support workforce stability and make it easier for workers to organize without fear of retaliatory firings. "Just cause means fairness to all employees," said Risa Leibowitz, a professor of labor and employment law at Cornell, adding that it requires employers to give a job‑related reason for discharge.

Local organizers and workers amplified that point. Zach Schmidt, an incoming college freshman who described personal financial struggles, said "Just Cause helps people keep their jobs, helps employers invest in their employees." Adam Hart of the Tompkins County Workers Center told the council the center fields frequent calls from workers reporting unpaid wages and alleged wrongful termination and urged passage of protections.

Several speakers cited research and comparative examples. Ian Greer, a Cornell research director, described the United States as an outlier with weak employment protections compared with OECD countries and said stronger local protections could improve labor‑market outcomes. Supporters said coalitions of unions, community groups and small businesses — more than 20 groups and roughly 700 petition signatures, speakers said — back the proposal.

Council members expressed support in general terms during privilege of the floor and subsequent remarks. Alderperson Keel said "I definitely support just cause labor protections," while others called for tailoring protections to avoid undue burden on small businesses, for example by exploring a small‑business exemption.

The council did not vote on a local just cause ordinance at the June 4 meeting. Multiple speakers asked the council to move the initiative forward and to coordinate with community stakeholders to produce draft language for future consideration.