VIDEO: Unions Rally Against Mangano Legislation

Dozens of unions from across New York State came together in front of the Nassau County Legislative Building on Monday to rally against what they called the “Anti-American and Anti-Union” agenda of County Executive Ed Mangano.

The impetus behind the rally is Mangano’s legislation known as the "Fiscal Crisis Reform Act," which, according to the union representatives, would allow the county executive to break contracts with unions whenever he sees fit.

However, Mangano said that he is simply asking for concessions in an effort to lower taxes.

“Rather than waste members’ dues on T-shirts and juvenile signs, union leaders would serve their members responsibly by getting their butts to the negotiation table," the county executive said. "The fact remains if union bosses fail to negotiate, more of their members will lose their jobs or will be furloughed."

Mangano added: "It is a sad day in America when union bosses are arrogant enough to claim that asking for concessions is 'Anti-American.' ... I continue to offer union bosses the opportunity to negotiate — however, I will not give in to threats. I stand with the residents of Nassau County who are struggling to make ends meet — nothing is more American than that."