On Saturday, April 5, at 10 a.m., more than one thousand community members and unionists rallied at the Mt. Kisco train station, standing in strong opposition to proposed cuts to Social Security, Medicaid, and essential services, as well as anti-union and anti-worker policies. The event, held in Rep. Mike Lawler’s district, was part of the nationwide “Hands Off” movement, which mobilized more than 350,000 people in 1,000 protests across the country to demand protections for healthcare, workers’ rights, and economic security.
A coalition of labor unions, community organizations, and elected officials led the demonstration, reaffirming their commitment to defending vital public programs and standing against harmful cuts and layoffs. Many attendees planned to travel to Bryant Park in New York City later that day for the larger “Hands Off” march.
Union and Community Leaders Speak Out
Kevin Sheil, President of CWA Local 1103, condemned recent attacks on collective bargaining and union rights:
“Protecting collective bargaining rights for workers shouldn’t be a partisan issue in America. So, when Trump signs an executive order stripping collective bargaining and union rights from over one million workers across the federal government, we should all be outraged. The labor movement will stand up and fight against this vindictive effort at union busting.”
Dylan Valle, 32BJ SEIU Hudson Valley District Leader, warned against attempts to divide working people:
“We are standing up and fighting back alongside the labor movement and allies to defend our region and state from attacks by the Trump Administration and unelected billionaires in Washington. They are trying to defund our institutions and divide us by race, immigration status, and gender. New Yorkers will not be divided! They are attacking working peoples’ rights and proposing cuts to healthcare benefits for millions of children, low-income people, and seniors. We won’t have that!”
Madison Norwich, Manager of Advocacy and Student Programs at Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, emphasized the urgency of the moment:
“This is a critical moment for our country. Health care and our rights are on the line. Now more than ever, we must stand together and fight for a safer and healthier future for all.”
Casandra Chen, Healthcare Advocate at the Healthcare Education Project for 1199 SEIU, highlighted the direct impact of Medicaid cuts:
“In NY-17, there are 245,828 Medicaid recipients—real people: seniors, those with disabilities, children, and pregnant individuals,” Chen emphasized. “Washington keeps assuring us that Medicaid won’t be cut, but the real question is: what will our elected officials do to Medicaid?”
Ed Berry, Political Director of Sierra Club Lower Hudson Valley, linked the fight to environmental justice:
“Trump and his corporate polluters want to sell our air, water, and public lands for their own profits. It’s time to show them our environment and our future are not for sale.”
A Unified Message: Hands Off Our Essential Services
The rally remained peaceful, with organizers emphasizing nonviolence and civic engagement. Supporters from across the region stood in solidarity, sending a clear message: Hands off our essential services.
For more details, a full list of sponsors, and upcoming events, visit Hands Off.
