WORKERS TESTIFY AT NYC COUNCIL TO SHINE LIGHT ON JOB SAFETY ISSUES
Local 1101 member Xavier Maynard (left) and 1101 Vice President Al Russo (center) testifying at the NYC Council
Underground safety workers, members of CWA Local 1101, testified yesterday before the New York City Council Transportation Committee to push for legislation on fair scheduling requirements and safety training for utility workers.
The legislation, sponsored by Council Member Brad Lander, was prompted by unsafe and unfair working conditions endured by our members who work for the United States Infrastructure Company (USIC), a multi-billion dollar, multi-national corporation that performs underground utility location and damage prevention services for utility companies including Con Edison and National Grid.
"On-call scheduling and the disrupted sleep that comes with it puts our safety at risk. It also puts the public at risk,” said Xavier Maynard, an underground utility locator and 1101 member, and former USIC worker. “We go to great lengths to perform our jobs safely, but all it takes is one misstep due to exhaustion or inadequate training for tragedy to occur. Passing Intro 946 and 947 is hugely important in making our jobs and our city safer."
Xavier testified along with Local 1101 Vice President Al Russo about the urgent safety risks to both workers and the general public and the need to codify scheduling and training that will allow workers to do their best work.
Local 1101 members with City Councilmembers Ritche Torres (center) and Brad Lander (third from right)
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