MAJOR STEP FOR WORKER PROTECTION LEGISLATION IN NEW YORK STATE
After months of hard work and advocacy, workers in New York - particularly frontline essential workers who have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 crisis - scored a major, hard-fought victory on March 1st with the passage of the NY HERO Act in the New York State Senate.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Mike Gianaris, would direct the New York State Department of Labor to establish infectious disease requirements for:
Testing
Face masks
PPE
Social distancing
Hand hygiene
Disinfection
Engineering controls
Vitally, the bill would also allow for workers to form health and safety committees with representatives from their employers to discuss health and safety plans and ensure that standards are being met, protected from retaliation by the employer.
Over the past year, essential workers, including CWA members, have kept our communities running. Tragically, many frontline, essential workers have lost their lives to COVID-19, while others were punished by their employers for speaking out about unsafe working conditions. The pandemic has made it clear that we must have clear health and safety regulations as well as protections for workers who advocate for workplace safety, for all workers.
The bill still needs to be passed by the New York Assembly and signed by the Governor for it to become law, but this is a major step towards protecting New York’s workers at a time when we need it the most.
Bargaining Updates - Local 1122 Visiting Nurse Association Contract Ratified!
