Workers' World Today - Issue 12 by IQ INC.

September 2020 INSIDE

Union Mourns CTA Billy Wright ... 13

Winning the Presidency is Not Enough: Biden Needs the Senate ... 26

Health Special Insert ... 19-24

Issue #12

The Labor-busting Law Firms and Consultants that Keep Google, Amazon and Other Workplaces Union-free ganizations union-free. IKEA, for example, turned to Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest law firms that specialize in so-called union avoidance activities, to help it crush unionization efforts in Stoughton, Massachusetts, in 2016. Google hired IRI Consultants, a firm known for its anti-union activities, for advice on how to deal with growing worker unrest. And just this summer, two liberal-

BY JOHN LOGAN THE CONVERSATION

merican companies have been very successful at preventing their workers from organizing into unions in recent decades, one of the reasons unionization in the private sector is at a record low. What you may not realize is that a handful of little-known law and consulting firms do much of the dirty work that keeps companies and other or-

continued on page 18

Hot Topics and News You Should Know About

Research Shows Unions are Good for Workers—Especially in a Crisis Like COVID-19

eing covered by a collective bargaining agreement increases the chances of having medical coverage and paid sick time, benefits that are particularly important during a public health crisis. Nearly all, or 94%, of workers covered by a union contract have access to employee-sponsored health benefits, compared to 68% of nonunion workers, accontinued on page 13

The 9/11 Attack: 19 Years Later... 4

Gov’t Can End Humanitarian Protections for Workers... 17

Sept is National Child Obesity Awareness Month ... 23

Labor-Related News - Nationally & Locally

How Dangerous is Hugging During COVID-19? ... 22

Job-Hunting Tips to Restore Your Hope Despite The Pandemic

T Teachers Have “no Confidence” In Reopening Plans ... 13

NYC Municipal Unions Rally to Save 22,000 Jobs ...10

Transport Union Prevails on Masks ... 14

How to Adjust to Single Life After a Divorce ... 25

his can be an especially frustrating and worrisome time for job seekers. Massive unemployment resulting from the coronavirus pandemic reflects decline and uncertainty in many industries. With fewer companies hiring, some workers who were laid off or furloughed face a continued on page 15

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September 2020

The history of America has been largely created by the deeds of its working people and their organizations —there is scarcely an issue that is not influenced by labor’s organized efforts or lack of them.— William Cahn, Labor historian

Contents

TV Bands Announce #RespectUs Campaign

In Solidarity: Black Leaders Demand Fox Fire Carlson.......................................................................3 Workers’ Matters Heat, Fear and Stubborn Doormen: What Census Workers Face in the Final Month.........................................................................8 Education Emotionally Preparing Your Child for Back-to-School Season..................................................12 Workers’ Safety Teachers at Hunter College Have ‘No Confidence’.................................................................13

Labor History - September 17 At a New York convention of the National Labor Congress, Susan B. Anthony calls for the formation of a Working Women's Association. As a delegate to the Congress, she persuaded the committee on female labor to call for votes for women and equal pay for equal work. But male delegates deleted the reference to the vote 1868

Local 3 IBEW 9/11 Commemorations Friday, September 11, 10:30AM: On the 19th anniversary of 9/11, Local 3 IBEW had a special ceremony in honor of the 17 members who died on September 11, 2001. The ceremony took place in the courtyard of the Electrical Industry Center in Flushing, Queens

Jobs & Recession Job Hunting Tips to Restore Your Hope Despite the Pandemic.....................................................15 Love, Health & Travel How to Adjust to Single Life After a Divorce................................................................25

COLUMNS Health Special ... 20 Managing Your Diabetes at Work

The Occupy Wall Street movement is launched with an anti-Wall Street march and demonstration that ended up as a 2-month encampment in Manhattan’s Zuccotti Park. The event led to protests and movements around the world, with their focus on economic inequality, corruption, greed and the influence on government of monied interests. Their slogan: “We are the 99%.” - 2011

A dilemma typically arises whereby you wonder if it is necessary to inform your boss. It is a good idea to do so since you will have to justify your request. But your boss is mandated to keep this information confidential.

Laborers Local 79 Helps Kids Get Ready for the School Something construction sites and the classroom have in common? You can’t succeed without the proper tools and supplies! Laborers Local 79 teamed up with the Bronx Brigade, Mothers on the Move, and the Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center to make sure kids are ready to go back to school, however that may be, with bookbags packed full of supplies and haircut vouchers.

Family: The True Modern Relationship ... 11 Is Your Partner Family Obssessed? Here are some ways to tell the difference and how to handle a family obsessed partner.

Do you want more? Visit www.workersworldtoday.com Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

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September 2020

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In Solidarity

Black Leaders Demand Fox Fire Carlson

O Supports Workers’ World Today

ecently, I was in Albany fighting and seeking support of A1261/S1947, legislation that will create a clear definition of public work and level the playing field for New York’s contractors. District Council 9 Painters and Allied Trades Union (DC9), the union for painters, prides itself on being a strong advocate for workers’ rights and safety. We are excited about this new publication, Workers’ World Today, which covers the issues of relevance and concern for all workers. We are encouraged that all workers: blue and white collar will have a voice and platform. Congratulations on your inaugural issue. We wish much success to the leaders and team of Workers’ World Today and pledge our support.p Davon Lomax Political Director, DC9

n Monday, August 31, 2020, the president of the Teamsters Local 237, Gregory Floyd, NYS Assemblyman Al Taylor of Harlem, and community activist Willie Walker joined together in front of Fox News Studios to denounce the admiration shown and dangerous misinformation offered by the popular anchorman, Tucker Carlson. On Sunday August 23, 2020, Jacob Blake, a 29-yearold, father of three, was shot by Kenosha Police officers in the state of Wisconsin seven times in the back as he opened the door of his vehicle where his children awaited. He is now paralyzed. A detailed video account of the shooting emerged on social media late that Sunday, sparking angry protests that prompted the city to declare an emergency curfew. The protesters were demonstrating the killing of yet another black man at the hands of law enforcement. Some are defining this reoccurring action as a “pandemic within a pandemic.” On the controversial show that aired on Wednesday August 26, 2020, Tucker Carlson asserted: "Are we really surprised that looting and arson accelerated to murder?" Carlson said during his show on Wednesday night. "How shocked are we that 17-year-olds with rifles decided they had to maintain order when no one else would?" This statement is a string of many that shows his questionable judgment and menacing sentiments, such

NYS Assemblyman Al Taylor, Teamsters Local 237 President, Gregory Floyd and community activist Willie Walker Denounce Tucker Carlson’s Praise of Kenosha, Wisconsin Shooter and Call for the anchor's Immediate Dismissal

TEAM Publisher Workers’ World Today, Inc Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip Contributing Writers Marilyn Silverman Charles Tabasso Victoria Falk Erin Telesford Jennine Estes, MFT Travis Morales Mary Campbell Janet Howard Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Telephone 1-866-435-3286 Email info@workersworldtoday.com Visit us at www.workersworldtoday.com

Photo courtesy Local 237

as claiming Dr. Fauci is a fraud; stating that white supremacy is not a problem; and claiming House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff is mentally ill, to name a few. The latest outrage has added to the fever pitch of calls to dismiss Carlson from his influential post at Fox News Network. Gregory Floyd, President of Teamsters Local 237, City Employees Union in New York, said: “As the president of the Local 237, the largest local in the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, I speak for the 24,000 members of the Local 237, largely essential workers, who are finding it increasingly difficult and at times like these, impossible, to stomach the lies that are coming from so many corners of this country.” Floyd declared: “Tucker Carlson has been spinning racist webs of dangerous lies and deceit for too long and it’s time for it to come to an end. Justifying homeland terrorism is nothing more than reviving the violent uprisings of the past and plac-

ing them in our present. But this is a different time and we won’t stand for it. He has gone past “dog whistles” and straight to inciting violence and we demand accountability; even from a news anchor on the number one “alternative fact news network. FIRE TUCKER CARLSON!” Assemblyman Al Taylor, NYS Assemblyman for Harlem’s 71st Assembly District, said: “I echo the statement of my brother Greg Floyd. As a lawmaker, an elected official of the state, and most importantly a man of God, I call for the hearts and minds of this city, state and nation to recognize that there is a dangerous shift in the messages we are being fed.” The Assemblyman continued: “People like Tucker Carlson have plainly rejected and denounced the morality of the fourth estate and willfully uses his platform to wield lies, incite hate and justify murder. This is not acceptable and today, brother Floyd, myself and all of you stand in unity to

say it must stop here. Right here. FIRE TUCKER CARLSON!” In July, Tucker Carlson’s top writer was dismissed from his job once outed as an influential blogger that posted bigoted remarks on an online forum known for its racist, sexist, and other offensive content. After the revelation, Carlson took an abrupt one-week vacation, likely, to recover from the backlash. Noted celebrities, entertainment executives and other high-profile individuals in varying fields have denounced Carlson’s rants and have called for the removal from his anchor post and the boycott of his shows advertising sponsors; they include: Disney, Papa Johns, My Pillow USA, Fisher Investments, T-Mobile, Sandals Resorts, Postmark, Unhinge the Movie, Gabi Insurance, Relief Factor, Visiting Angels, Pure Talk USA, Grayscale, WeatherTech and Sure Payroll. p

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September 2020

We Remember

The 9/11 Attacks – 19 Years Later BY MARY CAMPBELL

here were you on September 11, 2001 – the day that forever changed America? At 8:46 am eastern time, a passenger plane crashed into the 110 – story North Tower of the Twin Towers of the former World Trade Center in New York City. The crash left a burning hole near the 80th floor, instantly killing hundreds of people and trapping hundreds more on the higher floors. The collision caused a massive explosion that sent burning debris showering down over surrounding buildings and the streets below. People ran to avoid getting hit by clouds of smoke and falling debris. Reporters and photographers rushed to the scene to cover what they initially believed to be a terrible accident. Onlookers watched from the street as the airplane stuck out through the sides of the building. People ran frantically down stairwells as the tower came

crashing down. Ceilings fell over them, and floors collapsed beneath them. They tried desperately to make it out of the building before it collapsed at 10:28 am eastern time. People watched in horror, from the South Tower, and

started leaving the building as the North Tower was evacuated. At 9:02 am eastern time, when a plane hit the South Tower, it became clear this was no accident. America was under a terrorist attack. People ran down the stairwells of the South Tower, hoping to escape death. Some made heartbreaking calls to family and friends to say their last goodbyes. By 9:59 am Eastern time, the South Tower collapsed. Some were fortunate to make it out of the buildings alive; however, many perished beneath rubble and debris. About 200 people jumped out of windows, falling to their death. Reporters and photographers captured those disturbing images that played on the news and shown in newspapers worldwide. According to public records and the New York City Fire Department, about 3,000 people died: including men,

women, and children ranging from 2 ½ years - old to 85years-old. Reportedly 343 firefighters and 60 police officers lost their lives on September 11, 2001. While civilians ran from the devastation, the city’s first responders rushed inside the collapsing towers to help save lives. Firefighters, police officers, medics, and other rescue workers came together to find survivors trapped under the rubble and pulled them to safety. Many rescue workers, mainly firefighters, lost their lives due to smoke inhalation, falling debris, and fighting the blaze that consumed the Twin Towers. Years after 9/11, there is evidence of lingering negative effects resulting from the events of that day. Many Americans suffered depression, stress, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and even suicidal ideation, following the 9/11 attacks. People who lived and worked in the area near the World Trade Center in New York, first responders, including rescue, cleaning, and recovery workers, developed these problems at a higher rate than others. Children and adults complained of nightmares, trouble sleeping, flashbacks, and anxiety. Toxic fumes, including lead and asbestos, remained in the air weeks after the terrorist attack, causing people to develop respiratory diseases, and other ailments. Many rescue workers who responded to the scene, mainly firefighters, have since died due to 9/11 related illnesses. Nearly 10,000 first responders and others, who

were in the World Trade Center area on that day, were diagnosed with cancer. Most recently, on July 25, 2020, longtime firefighter, Rich Kubler, 53, died from liver cancer related to the 9/11 attacks. Although he was retired at the time of the 9/11 attacks, he, like many other firefighters who have since died, volunteered his time to help save lives. He continued working, not realizing the negative impact 9/11 had on his health. Eventually, he got testing and was diagnosed with cancer. He died soon after learning his diagnosis. There is no need to delay treatment. Federally funded healthcare programs are now available to offer free and low-cost medical services to those exposed by the 9/11 disaster. We remember the victims, heroes, first responders, and the many firefighters, like Rich Kubler, who sacrificed themselves to save others. As we approach the 19th Anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety may arise. The 9/11 memorials can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder—calm feelings of anxiety before interfering with your daily functioning. Uncontrolled stress can negatively affect your health. If you experience stress brought on by the 19th Anniversary of 9/11, consult with a mental health professional.p

Sources: Public Records of the National 911 Memorial and Museum

THE NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION

WE WERE THERE, WE REMEMBER The New York City Department of Correction honors our members of service for their e昀orts during the 9/11 rescue and recovery e昀orts at Ground Zero, the temporary morgue at Bellevue Hospital and at Fresh Kills land昀ll on Staten Island.

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September 2020

Civil Rights

A Victory for Students and Parents: SPLC, Allies Win Case Blocking DeVos from Diverting COVID-19 Relief Funds Away From Public Schools BY THE SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER (SPLC)

federal court has sent a clear message to U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos: You cannot use a national crisis as an excuse to advance your education privatization agenda by siphoning desperately needed COVID-19 relief money away from public schools. Along with co-counsel, the SPLC filed suit in July on behalf of the NAACP, as well as public school parents and school districts from across the country, after DeVos and the U.S. Department of Education (USED) issued an illegal rule to divert substantial federal emergency aid intended for public schools to private

schools. And on Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ruled that DeVos and USED violated the language of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – to the detriment of underserved children in public schools, including children from low-income

families, children with disabilities, children of color and English language learners. The decision vacated the USED rule nationwide. Without the work of the SPLC and its partners, DeVos’ illegal rule may not have been overturned – and millions of public school students across the country would have felt

the impact. This ruling was a victory, but so much work remains to be done, in education and across all of the SPLC’s other issue areas. The CARES Act specifically required school districts to apportion emergency relief funds for private school services “in the same manner” as the Elementary and Secondary Edu-

cation Act, the country’s primary federal education law. But instead, DeVos’ illegal rule gave school districts two options: 1) significantly increase the amount of funding to be diverted to private schools based on a new and inequitable apportionment formula, or 2) face onerous restrictions on how districts could spend their relief money – harming the children and families who need help the most right now. In this huge victory for public school students across the country, the judge’s decision invalidated DeVos’ rule, saying it was not what Congress intended. Now, public schools will receive the full amount of federal aid to which they are entitled and the resources they continued on page 7

September 2020

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Civil Rights

Volunteers Needed for Labor Votes! Phone Banks

Victory for Students and Parents/continued from page 6

s part of a robust member-to-member phone bank for the 2020 elections, the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO is conducting twiceweekly phone bank opportunities for NYC union members to reach out to other union households both in NYC and in battleground states, every Tuesday & Thursday from 11am-8pm. Volunteers will provide voters information on labor-endorsed candidates in their communities, as well as encourage members to call their legislators to ensure COVID-related legislation is passed and signed into law immediately.p need to support their students and keep them safe, nourished, healthy and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public schools are open to all, serve the vast majority of children across the country and are accountable to our communities – yet are often severely underfunded. Our public schools are struggling during the pandemic to provide meals to students, access to technology and internet to continue remote learning, social and emotional supports, and PPE to their staff and students. They need our support, and

Labor Counts!

federal judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing the Trump administration from winding down the Census count by Sept. 30, a month before the scheduled completion date of Oct. 31. But time is still running out make sure that every New Yorker is counted! Without a complete count, our City's fair share of congressional representation is at stake, as are billions of dollars in federal funding for healthcare, education, housing, food and income security, transportation, infrastructure like bridges and tunnels, and other critical programs that working families rely on. Help us make sure NYC gets our fair share of funding and congressional representation by completing your 2020 Census at my2020Census.gov online or on your smartphone, or by calling 1-844-330-2020.p

This is your city. Do you know your zone?

Visit NYC.gov/knowyourzone or call 311 to find out what to do to prepare for hurricanes in NYC. #knowyourzone

KYZ2020_4.875x6.75_revised.indd 5 KYZ2020_4.875x6.75_revised.indd

5/29/2020 3:03:05 PM 5/29/2020

the support of all levels of our government, now more than ever. That’s why the SPLC filed this suit – in collaboration with its national Public Funds Public Schools campaign partners Munger, Tolles & Olson, LLP, and Education Law Center – and that’s why this ruling is such a consequential one. Public schools need more, not fewer, resources – period. With your support, the SPLC is holding DeVos and USED accountable and keeping public funds where they belong – in public schools.p

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September 2020

Workers’ Matters

Heat, Fear and Stubborn Doormen: What Census Workers Face in the Final Month BY RACHEL HOLLIDAY SMITH, THE CITY

he first responders to the non-responders have only a month left. After a historically fraught census season marked by budget woes, political tussling over a citizenship question, a lastminute timeline cut and a pandemic, New York’s best hope to avoid a U.S. Census undercount is walking around your neighborhood right now. Census enumerators are pounding the pavement across the five boroughs in an effort to confirm how many people live in the city — at a time when pandemic-scarred New Yorkers may be less likely than ever to answer a door-knock. The enumerators have until Sept. 30 — a month earlier than originally expected — to get it all done. Derek, an enumerator on the Upper West Side, applied for the job before the COVID-19 crisis hit. By the summer, he wasn’t sure he could go through with it. “I did tell myself that I was going to try it for a week and see exactly how it worked out,” he said. “And if I genuinely did not feel safe, I would have most likely have just quit.” Now, he says he’s committed to the job “until this thing is over.” He is one of a handful of city enumerators who spoke with THE CITY on the condition of anonymity: U.S. Census Bureau employees are not cleared to speak with the media. Local Count Lags They have their work cut out for them. In New York, the city’s self-response rate rose 10.7 percentage points between May and August according to a recent analysis. But that still means only 57.4% of households have responded as of Aug. 28 — 6.6 percentage points lower than in 2010. And some hard-tocount neighborhoods are lagging by double digits. The stakes of getting an accurate count are high for the city. Everything from Congressional seats to federal funding depends on the final numbers. Andrea, an enumerator in Brooklyn, said she never “ex-

NEW YORK, NY – JULY 29, 2020: Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Census 2020 Director Julie Menin go door-knocking to encourage New Yorkers to complete the census in South Richmond Hill, Queens. Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

pected to be so personally invested in getting it done.” At first, she took the job mostly because it paid well — at just under 30 bucks an hour — and allowed for a flexible schedule. Now, she finds herself educating, cajoling and sometimes nearly begging for basic information when faced with a reluctant subject. “It’s really like, ‘You can turn me away, you can slam the door on me, but just tell me how many people live here,’” she said, describing her approach. “If you can just give me that, someone probably won’t bother you again.” In Flushing, Queens, enumerator Katelyn finds that most people will answer the census questionnaire “once they’re at the door with me.” But on the whole, “most people just straight up won’t open their doors,” she said. “Some people are very obviously home, but won’t come to the door, which is fine. I’m not offended. I don’t take it personally because I mean, A) I don’t like opening my door to strangers either. But, B) there’s a global pandemic happening,” she said. All surveys are completed via tablet by the enumerator, so the respondent doesn’t need to touch anything. The questionnaire takes about 10 minutes to complete. But because of policies put in place due to COVID-19, physically getting to the door can be a challenge. “A lot of doormen as well as building management just don’t want you in the building,” Derek said. “It does make it extremely hard, especially

when I have 15 or 17 apartments that I have to do in this certain building, and I’m not able to.… And I’m not supposed to argue.” Fighting Scams and Suspicions The enumerators get their assignments for the day sometime between midnight and 7 a.m., they said. Then they suit up. Each has cloth Bureau-issued two masks, hand sanitizer and gloves. A Census-branded bag and lanyard complete the uniform, which New Yorkers should look for when they get a visit. Census-related scams are all too common: Just last week, fraudsters posing as census workers set up a table on 125th Street in Harlem, asking people for their Social Security numbers in exchange for $10 Subway gift cards, according to an alert sent out by a Bronx community board. All enumerators who spoke with THE CITY said they don’t believe their health is at risk on the street and won’t let fears of contracting coronavirus stop them. Ron, who has been enumerating in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, feels “mostly safe” from the virus, especially since the workers rarely enter anyone’s home and can usually keep a fair distance. Only once did COVID-19 get in the way of the job. “There was one respondent that answered the door and was like, ‘Oh, I can’t open the door. I think I’m sick.’ And I said, ‘You know, I can actually do this interview through a

closed door,’” Ron said. But there was no further answer. “They just didn’t want to do it,” Ron recalled. Enumerators say they’re learning more tips and tricks on the job. Derek makes all of his Census-branded gear “as visible as possible,” to convince skeptical New Yorkers to talk with him. After getting a “really bad sunburn” her first day, Katelyn schedules her hours in the afternoon and evening to avoid the heat — and said she carries “a huge-a— water bottle.” The Kindness of Strangers Andrea has discovered when she can’t find an address, talking to longtime locals about what the area used to look like elicits a ton of help. “It’s distinctly hard in New York and in neighborhoods in Brooklyn, especially rapidly gentrifying ones, because the building may not exist,” she said. “If we strike up a conversation about how much has changed … those are people who want to help.” Still, enumerators say they regularly deal with insults and even threats on their routes. Ron, who is gender non-conforming, has been verbally harassed and spat at because of their appearance. Separately, they were escorted by a group of men off of a property after knocking on the door of a basement apartment. “Nobody said anything directly verbally threatening or violent. But it was very understood,” Ron said. Andrea has been called a “b--h,” she said, but has never marked a case as “hostile” —

an option the workers have if a visit gets out of hand. Katelyn in Flushing counts herself lucky to not have been yelled at or threatened. She frequently reads through a Reddit group for census workers and sees a constant stream of enumerators posting about being harassed, or having the police called on them. Still, the workers in New York are committed to the job and, on the whole, focus on the good. Ron said the people who are “really courteous and sweet” make a big difference. “I just kind of try to hang on to that,” Ron said. Tea and Talk Andrea has enjoyed cataloging the area around her own home — most census workers are assigned to canvass their own neighborhoods — and getting to know her neighbors. One of the best visits so far, she said, was visiting a large family about to have dinner. “They offered me mint tea,” she said, noting that she declined because census workers can’t accept gifts. “They were sitting down … ready to eat delicious-looking food,” she said. “I had a couple other cases in the building and I was like, ‘Finish eating.’ And then I came back and they brought a seat to me out in the hallway.” With the family sitting inside the apartment and the door open between them, she completed the questionnaire and got them counted. l This story was published on August 31, 2020 by THE CITY.

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September 2020

Union In Action

NYC Municipal Unions Support A New Rally to Save 22,000 Jobs Deal for CUNY!

ith the clock ticking for 22,000 municipal workers whose jobs are hanging by a thread, some of New York City‘s top labor leaders and their members gathered for a rally Thursday in Foley Square to send a message to city and state leaders that essential workers are not expendable workers. The COVID-19 pandemic has apparently left city coffers more than $9 billion in the red. Without a federal bailout from the HEROES Act or help from Albany by allowing long-term borrowing, the Mayor has turned to layoffs — the typical fallback plan when no one wants to think outside the box, according to union leaders. “Now that the mayor needs to cut expenses and find a way to balance his budget, the same municipal workers that he once deemed ‘essential’ will now be deemed ‘expendable’

Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

and are about to find their jobs on the chopping block,” said Joe Puleo, President of Local 983 and organizer of the rally. “This is unacceptable. We are talking about up to 22,000 workers, some of whom earn barely earn enough to support their families as it is.” “DC 37 members stayed the course on the frontlines of our city‘s response in the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unconscionable for the City to propose laying off 22,000 city employees, disrupting the lives of thousands of essential workers and their

families while cutting services to the public,“ said Henry Garrido, Executive Director of DC 37, the city‘s largest public employee union. “The proposed layoffs are morally reprehensible to the everyday heroes who have put it all on the line. Our essential workers are not expendable!“ Dozens of unions, hundreds of members, and pro-labor politicians all gathered for the rally as the city postponed sending out layoff notices while speaking with union leaders. p

CUNY Rising, an alliance of workers, students and communities fighting for free and quality college education, has launched a campaign to win a New Deal for CUNY. CUNY is often the best chance for a college education for poor and working-class New Yorkers, for New York City’s communities of color, for successive waves of new immigrants, for the urban middle class. Yet years of underfunding have led to annual tuition hikes, reduced student services, faculty and staff shortages—and now in the COVID Recession, layoffs of

almost 3000 adjunct instructors. The New Deal for CUNY reimagines public investment in the colleges that educate the workers of New York City and their children. It calls for the return of free tuition at CUNY and a fully funded university with adequate staffing, robust student counseling and advisement, and safe, modern facilities. Add your name in support of the New Deal for CUNY. And look for CUNY Rising programing and materials during the Labor Week of Action! p

September 2020

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Family: The True Modern Relationship

Is Your Partner Family Obsessed? BY JENNINE ESTES, MFT

haring a close bond with your family can be one of the greatest parts of your life. And seeing your partner have closeness with their family is often a good indicator about how your future family might operate. Still, can someone be too close with their family… even obsessed? It is one thing to be family oriented, but if your partner is family obsessed it can actually turn into a wedge in your relationship. Here are some ways to tell the difference and how to handle a family obsessed partner. What is the difference between family oriented and family obsessed Being family oriented means the family spends quality time together, celebrates with one another, and supports each other during difficult times. On the other hand, a family obsessed partner will make you feel like you are always competing with their family – and can never win. It can be hard to

feel like a priority when you are dating someone who is enmeshed with their family. Your partner’s mom may feel threatened by your relationship and throw a tantrum for attention. Your partner may be too worried about upsetting their parents so they always “takes their side” to make them happy. It can feel like your family obsessed partner is always on stand-by for their parents and siblings, not completely present with you. Or that relationship decisions aren’t between you and your partner, but between you and your partner’s family. Family obsessed partners won’t take a stand for the relationship. They may even ask to bend or violate your boundaries in an effort to “keep the peace.” Should you consider your partner’s relationship with their family? When you date someone, a relationship with their family is often included. You have to make sure that the family dynamic is something you can

work through. Don’t let the family be the only factor when you decide if you should continue dating, but take it into consideration. If you don’t get along with the family, examine how you and your partner can work through these issues. Does your partner seem like they can hear you out? You’ve got to make sure that the relationship is solid and can handle their family feeling threatened. If you and your partner are trying to overcome one of you being family obsessed, it’s important to build a strong, se-

cure attachment. Your partner needs to know that even if you love your family, you will still stand up for the relationship and not always take your family’s side. Communication and boundaries are key in making this work. You can learn to say “no” to your family to make more time for your relationship. It’s not all or nothing. The family obsessed (hopefully soon family oriented) partner can still call and spend time with their family. Just within the boundaries of your relationship. For example, if you are going on a vacation with

your partner, wait until you get back to give your family the updates instead of a constant play-by-play. Figure out, together with your partner (not their family), what your relationship boundaries are when it comes to family. p Jennine Estes, MFC#47653 is a Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego, CA. She is certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, a supervisor and creator of #BeingLOVEDIs campaign. Article is reprinted with the kind permission of Estes Therapy.

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September 2020

Education

Emotionally Preparing Your Children for Back-to-School Season

etween sheltering-inplace, online learning and time away from friends, many children will need a little extra support as they head back to school this fall. Consider these tips from the experts to help you emotionally prepare your children to return to school with confidence, optimism and excitement. Address your feelings (and theirs) Children often take cues about how to react from their parents. Think about what it takes for you to feel calm and prepared (or even excited) for the start of a new school year. That could mean talking with your child’s teacher or school about the safety precautions they’re taking so you can feel more at ease, taking a few minutes to establish a morn-

ing routine or stepping away from news that makes you anxious. Focus instead on the positive aspects of school, like the opportunity your child will have to learn, make friends, interact with others and grow into his or her own person. “Children need a sense of belonging, and school provides an important connection point for them,” said Dr. Elanna Yalow, chief academic officer for KinderCare Learning Centers. “Nothing builds a sense of community like personal contact with friends and teachers. That connection is essential in supporting a child’s growth and development.” Set expectations about what to expect before the first day Some children may feel ready to go and eager to explore, while others can be more reserved or even fearful of new places, faces and routines. When your child knows what to expect, it can go a long way in soothing any worries he or she may have about leaving home and going to school. It’s also important to respect your child’s growing independence and empower him or her to help others. As you explain safety precautions like covering the mouth when sneez-

ing or coughing, or proper hand washing, emphasize how your child’s actions can help keep family, friends and teachers safe. “Children may already be apprehensive about returning to school, let alone trying to cope with new safety practices,” said Dr. Joelle Simpson, a pediatric emergency medicine physician and medical director for emergency preparedness at Children’s National Hospital. “Explaining these precautions ahead of time can help your children see them as part of the school day routine instead of something to fear. For parents, remember that while children can get sick from this virus, it occurs less frequently than in adults and at lower rates than the flu.”

Celebrate the start of a new school year Try to plan a special activity or some extra family time the week before school starts and encourage your child to participate in the planning. “Remember, children didn’t have time for a clean break and celebration at the end of the last school year, and this can help your child mentally adjust to a new routine and schedule,” Yalow said. Let your child know how proud you are to see him or her growing up, learning how to be a good friend and exploring and learning about the world. Be sure to talk with your chil1d each school day – what was learned, funny things friends said, the things that seem little but are important to your child.p (Family Features).

September 2020

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Workers’ Safety

Union Mourns CTA Billy Wright; Passed at 239th Street

Unions Are Good for Workers/continued from page 1

he Local 100 workforce at the 239th Street train yard in the Bronx is in mourning the tragic death of CED Cleaner Billy Wright. He was only 40 years old and was found unresponsive on the tracks at the yard by a coworker. He appeared to have fallen and hit his head on the running rail, but the cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner. The accident happened at about 5:00 a.m. Brother Wright worked the midnight shift at the yard. He had nearly four years on the job. Co-worker and fellow Cleaner, Marjorie Stewart, worked with Brother Wright for the past three years and said that everyone at the shop "is in shock." "Billy was such a nice person, hard-working, respectful and quiet. He was well-liked by everyone. I cried when I found out what happened. This is devastating for everyone at the shop." Local 100 President Tony Utano said of Brother Wright's death: "This is another gut

Billy Wright. Photo courtesy Local 100

punch for every transit worker. We are working closely with the authorities to determine what happened today." CED Vice President Shirley Martin said: "This is a very sad day for the entire workforce at 239th Street. We are reaching out to Brother Wright's family and will assure them that the union will help them through this difficult time. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and co-workers. This has been a very difficult time for all transit workers. To lose another Brother member in this manner is truly heartbreaking." p —TWU Local 100

Teachers at Hunter College Campus Schools Have ‘No Confidence’ in Administrators or their COVID-19 Reopening Plan

eachers at Hunter College Campus Schools have voted resoundingly! Ninety-six percent have ‘No Confidence’ in Hunter College President Raab and 73% have ‘No Confidence’ in Hunter Schools Director Lisa Siegmann because they have refused smaller classroom pods, proper air filtration and other protections afforded to students and staff at other NYC public schools. Raab and Siegmann have refused to allow an independent HVAC inspector access to the Upper East Side building on 94th Street.

cording to recent research published by the Economic Policy Institute. Nine of 10 union workers are able to take paid time off when sick, compared to 73% of nonunion workers. And workers represented by organized labor are also more likely to have a financial cushion in weathering economic downturn, as they make 11.2% more on average than non-union workers in the same occupations with similar experience and education. In reporting on the findings, CBS Moneywatch spoke with social worker Ilana Engleberg, one of the workers who has been fighting for Housing Works here in NYC to recognize their decision to be represented by RWDSU. "We're hoping for a lot of things, but having

a say in our workplace, that feels especially important during COVID," said Engelberg. A labor agreement would make legally binding what are now merely unenforced guidelines to wear face masks and practice social distancing in the office, she added. Housing Works as an organization applauds its employees as essential workers, but that appreciation doesn't translate into increased wages, said Engelberg.p

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Hold Hunter College President Raab & Director Siegmann accountable to their legal and moral obligation to provide a safe workplace and learning environment at the Hunter College Campus Schools.p —NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO

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September 2020

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In the News

Take Action: NYU Shame on You... Round Two

The Loss of the Arts Hurts All of New York

undreds of 1199ers at NYU Winthrop and their sisters and brothers across the NYU Langone system took to the streets on Wednesday so management could see for themselves that with no contract at NYU Winthrop, there will be No Peace! NYU is legally obligated under the existing master contract, known as the League Agreement, to bring any 1199 members at new or additional institutions acquired by NYU into the same contract. Despite an overwhelming vote by members at NYU Winthrop to join the union a year ago, NYU management has consistently refused to honor this legal mandate. Talks have broken down and the dispute has gone to binding arbitration. This is just a few years after NYU tried to leave the League altogether and was forced back

Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

in by the strength and unity demonstrated by 1199 members across the system. NYU has been calling 1199 members #HealthcareHeroes as they have been making huge personal sacrifices in order to save the lives of New Yorkers throughout the pandemic. And yet there are still members across the system awaiting Crisis Pay, as well as NYU Winthrop members working without a contract. Gratitude is great….but a fair contract is better!p

Groceries, Care Packages and Hot Meals at Hope for Harlem Event

new piece in The New York Times explores how the closure of Broadway, off-Broadway and other New York arts institutions is hurting workers, the economy at large and the very spirit of the city. Before the pandemic, the piece reports, New York's arts and cultural sector contributed $120 billion to New York’s economy and employed nearly half a million people, to say nothing of the other businesses tied to the in-

Transport Unions Prevail on Mask Requirements

I Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

istrict Council 9 along with First Corinthian Baptist Church and New York State Senator Brian Benjamin donated grocery packages to 2,000 families in addition to care packages, hot meals and essential items at its Hope for Harlem Event. The proceeds at the event provided thousands of Harlem families with essential items and services including mental health resources and job recruitment

information. The organizations also registered individuals to vote and complete the census. “District Council 9 is grateful to have the opportunity to give back to Harlem as our communities continue to struggle with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Joseph Azzopardi, BM/ST of District Council 9. “Harlem is home to a number of essential workers who themselves provide crucial services for their neighborhood. The Hope for Harlem event, in partnership with First Corinthian Baptist Church and NYS Senator Brian Benjamin, has allowed us to show our appreciation for their hard work and help them as much as possible during these unprecedented times.”p

dustry, from hotels to taxis. “There is only so long that people can live without income," the article quotes Mary McColl, the executive director of Actors’ Equity Association. "I think it’s possible that the industry will lose really talented people out of necessity because they need to support their families."p

n a big win for the unions that represent city subway and bus workers and those employed by the commuter rail lines, transit riders who fail to comply with the state's mask requirement are now subject to a $50 fine as of Sept. 14. The penalty for noncompliance covers the city bus and subways systems as well as Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road. The mask mandate was instituted by Mr. Cuomo back in April; enforcement will be the responsibility of the NYPD, the MTA Police Department, and MTA Bridge and Tunnel officers. "Labor Day has come and gone. The volume is up," Mr. Cuomo told reporters. "And I've asked the MTA to come up with an enforcement regimen so people know that not only are

the cars clean and the stations clean, but riders will be acting appropriately." "This is an important step towards making the bus and subway system safer, and we are grateful that the Governor heard us on this issue," Local 100 President Tony Utano said in a statement. "This is good news for both transit workers and riders. Anyone who doesn't wear a mask, or some other face-covering, puts everyone at risk. We recognize that a fine could be a hardship for some. You know what's harder? Going to a funeral because someone didn't wear a mask on a bus or train." p

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September 2020

Jobs & Recession Job Hunting Tips/ continued from page 1 more competitive job search. But while it’s easy to get discouraged, employment numbers are creeping back, and retooling the job search method can help them stand out in the crowd and find desirable employers, says Jack Whatley, a recruiting strategist who specializes in creating employer-branding campaigns. “Many companies still are actively recruiting and looking for people with the right skill set and mindset to fit these changing times,” Whatley says. “People seeking employment not only to pay the bills but also to find work that is meaningful to them can leverage this time to be strategic and nimble. “While there are factors job seekers can’t control, they can choose to equip themselves with more information, skill, and overall preparation, and in the process conduct a successful job search.” Whatley offers five tips to help job seekers navigate their job search during the pandemic: Gather intel. Whatley says the pandemic can reveal the essence of a company’s culture, which is

a priority for many job candidates today. In the process of searching companies, pay attention to their social media sites and websites, reviews by former employees, and how they are handling things now, Whatley says. “How are they treating employees during this continuing emergency? How have they adapted? Are they working from home? Did they lay off people, and if so, how quickly? Is there a communitymindedness to the business?” Expand your skill set. With fewer positions or expanded roles in different positions, versatility is key. “This is an ideal time to take online courses to expand your professional toolkit,” Whatley says. “Acquiring new certifi-

cations will be helpful when applying for new roles. Use online learning modules for platforms such as Zoom and Skype, which help practice interview skills and remote work. Hiring managers want to know you have the capabilities to navigate the tools and platforms for remote work.” Expand your network. Data shows that networking remains a frequent factor in getting hired. Whatley says this is the time to make new connections and re-establish existing ones. “First, paint a complete, updated picture with your profile on the job search site,” Whatley says. “Does your headline create a strong brand, and does your profile highlight your accomplishments and capa-

bilities? Include keywords that might appear in job descriptions. Post content on your social media sites to show you’re engaged in meaningful conversation. And challenge yourself to reach out to new people by sending customized invitations.” Be flexible in career paths. The kind of work one has been accustomed to may not be feasible given the current economic climate and the changes some industries are undergoing. “Research what industries are hiring, those in which you could apply your skills, and consider taking something that may not be on your Plan A list, but rather might be Plan B or C,” Whatley says. “Consider temporary opportunities. Search for

opportunities in which you can leverage your transferable skills in a different capacity.” Be prepared for the virtual interview. Virtual interviewing is the new normal. “Dress appropriately, as though you’re in the company’s office,” Whatley says. “Make your environment clean, appealing, and well-lit. Treat the video interview as though it were in-person. Be aware of making eye contact through the monitor, your tone, and your mannerisms.” “Be proactive and persistent, but also be patient,” Whatley says. “Hiring processes may go slower for some companies, but there is a lot a job seeker can do to be ready when they call.”p About Jack Whatley Jack Whatley is a recruiting strategist who specializes in creating employer branding campaigns that position companies as the employer of choice in their market. He is the author of the upcoming book Human Code of Hiring: DNA of Recruitment Marketing. Whatley is known for creating successful recruiting and employer-branding campaigns and delivering highly qualified applicants. recruitment in the

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September 2020

Old & New Immigrants: Their Rights

Farmworkers Need Better Support to Survive COVID-19 BY MELISSA CRUZ

he dangers to America’s farmworkers—primarily immigrant men from Mexico with temporary H-2A visas—have long persisted under a system that is ripe for abuse. But those risks have only grown since the coronavirus pandemic erupted in the United States this March. A lack of workplace protections, crowded housing, and no social safety net put farmworkers at heightened risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. The Trump administration nevertheless deemed farmworkers “essential” early in the pandemic, expanding the H-2A visa program while slashing others. This has come at a high cost. New research shows that transmission of the virus is two and a half times more likely in a farmworker household than in the average U.S.

household. Communities with a high share of farmworkers may be four to five times more likely to experience greater rates of infection, faster spread, and recurring hotspots. A variety of factors contribute to farmworkers’ increased risk. Farmers Rely on Third-Party Contractors to Hire Farmworkers H-2A farmworkers often get recruited to work in the United States by labor contractors. It’s become common for farmers to outsource much of the recruiting, hiring, transporting, and housing to these contractors. This system can reduce a farmer’s liability in the event the farm faces any legal troubles. Fifthteen percent of all farmworkers get hired to work in the United States through these intermediaries. Federal data shows that contractors

are twice as likely to get barred from the H-2A program for labor violations than other employers hiring for the program. One of the major issues is a lack of oversight. Farms run primarily through contractors tend to have fewer on-site state or federal inspections. Consequently, the farms’ COVID-specific workplace safety plans may not get assessed or even have a baseline for criteria. Farmworkers Often Live in Large, Crowded Households Due to limited affordable housing and low pay, the average farmworker household has at least five people living in it. That is 90% higher than the average U.S. home. Naturally, this increases the risk for spreading COVID-19 among all members of the household. The conditions in which farmworkers are often forced to live don’t help the situation.

An investigation by NBC News found deplorable conditions in over a dozen H-2A sites throughout North Carolina and Georgia in November 2019. Reporters found “government-approved farmworker housing overrun with insects and spiders’ nests, as well as cardboard covering broken windows. A dilapidated trailer in Georgia had gaping holes in the walls; feral cats had crawled into the kitchen cabinet …”

These conditions, combined with limited to no access to healthcare services, increase the risk of both contracting and spreading the virus. Exclusion from the CARES Act The Trump administration excluded mixed-status families and undocumented people from receiving benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. continued on page 17

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September 2020

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Old & New Immigrants: Their Rights

Court Rules Government Can End Humanitarian Protections For Thousands of Workers

federal appeals court panel ruled that the Trump administration can end humanitarian protections for some 300,000 immigrants living in the United States, clearing the way for their potential deportation starting next year. The 9th Circuit Appeals Court's decision affects citizens from El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua and Sudan, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for decades, have U.S.-born children and have been considered essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement issued in response, NYC CLC President Vincent Alvarez said “NYC Labor stands in solidarity with TPS recipients, many of whom have been in the U.S. with legal immigration status for an

average of fifteen years. TPS recipients are contributing members of our communities; critical members of our frontline workforce; parents of U.S. citizens; union members; business and property owners. This decision will actively harm working families, communities, and our economy at a time when it is already experiencing heightened uncertainty. We call on Congress to immediately move forward to pass legislation providing a path to citizenship for both TPS holders and DACA recipients.” p

Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

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Farmworkers/ continued from page 16

The stimulus package failed to expand the eligibility criteria for Medicaid. Millions of immigrants who could have benefited from an expanded version of the Medicaid program continue to be disqualified. This puts COVID-19 testing and treatment out of reach for many people. This includes vulnerable farmworkers, their families, and communities. American employers must take the lead in providing safe housing and protections for farmworkers. The United States has a duty to protect all its residents from the virus— including those we depend on for our food supply.p

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September 2020

Hot Topic Union-free Workplaces/ continued from page 20 the services of Ogletree when their employees tried to form unions. I’ve been studying these firms for two decades and have chronicled the key roles they have played in undermining an American worker’s federally protected right to organize. Their tactics, abetted by weak labor laws, have turned what should be a worker-driven process into essentially a choice being made by companies. Avoiding unions 101 A lack of effective federal reporting requirements means there isn’t a lot of data on this union-busting industry. We do know that a lot of companies are using it. According to a Cornell labor expert, about 75% of all U.S. employers have engaged the services of a consultant or law firm to stymie efforts by workers to organize – and are spending an estimated US$340 million a year to do so. Three of the biggest law firms

that do this work are Littler Mendelson, Ogletree and Jackson Lewis, which have grown from regional operations into global union avoidance behemoths. Consultants such as IRI and the Labor Relations Institute have also developed a reputation for union avoidance expertise in recent decades. IRI even used to offer a “money-back guarantee” if its efforts weren’t succesful. Here’s a closer look at the main services they offer clients, which occupy the gray areas of labor law.

Monitoring unrest in the workplace One major reason companies hire these firms is to conduct union vulnerability audits, intended to analyze a workforce to see which departments, locations or demographic groups are most likely to organize. The tactic has been around since at least the mid-20th century. Management professor Sanford Jacoby documented how Sears Roebuck used vulnerability audits to beat back unionization as early as the

1940s, while labor historian Nelson Lichtenstein showed how Walmart has used similar tactics to remain union-free since the 1960s. Today’s audits, however, are more sophisticated and datadriven. Anti-union monitoring software can help management squash organizing before it starts, while heat maps that collect data from a wide variety of sources reveal granular detail about where the biggest risks are. Amazon recently used heat maps to show which of its Whole Foods grocery stories and distribution warehouses were most at risk of unionization. Union inoculation The anti-union firms advise companies to treat unions like a “virus” and to “inoculate” employees with messaging about the purported consequences of organizing early and often. And to that end, another important service these firms provide is supplying companies with anti-union materials, which can be anything from managerial training and web-

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sites targeting employees to “vote no” buttons and antiunion billboards – strategically located on the way to work. For example, Nissan, Volkswagen and other carmakers have used billboards as part of their campaigns to prevent unionizing at plants in the U.S. And last year, Delta Airlines put up posters advising employees that buying a video game console would be a better way to spend money than on union dues. Rite Aid, as part of an effort to stop workers at a warehouse in Lancaster, California, from organizing beginning in 2006, hired Oliver J. Bell & Associates to provide its managers with training resources, according to a report by labor rights organization Jobs with Justice. Captivating workers A third technique is what union avoidance consultants call direct explainer activity, such as conducting mandatory anti-union staff meetings. Workers who experience them describe these “captive” meetings as a form of legalized intimidation, which is one reason many other democratic countries, such as Germany and Japan, restrict them. Law firms generally avoid engaging in activities that involve direct contact with employees because, technically, it must be disclosed under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959. This has created an opening for other types of consultants to specialize in this kind of persuasion. Weak enforcement means that reporting is patchy, even among consultants who talk to employees. As the pandemic and concerns of benefits and safety has prompted more workers to try to organize, firms have continued to conduct these meetings. HCA Healthcare reportedly hired consultants to run meetings at a hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, as part of its recent campaign to prevent 1,600 nurses from forming a union. Using these and other tactics, consultants claim overwhelming success rates in preventing unionization, often 95% or higher. While it’s impossible to empirically verify these claims, most labor relations researchers believe they are highly effective. p John Logan is a Professor and Director of Labor and Employment Studies, San Francisco State University

Health Special September 2020

More Older Americans Will Suffer from Low Vision, Here’s How to Make Life Easier and Safer

he number of older Americans with low vision is expected to double in the coming years, as more people live longer. Low vision describes poor vision that can't be fixed or improved with glasses, contacts or surgery. People with low vision have blind spots that can make it difficult or impossible to drive, read or see faces. But the tragedy isn’t that people have lost vision, it’s that most believe nothing can be done to improve their quality of life. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and Workers’ World Today are taking the opportunity of September’s Healthy Aging Month to let people know they can retain their independence and stay safe, despite declining vision. Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of low vision. Other common contributors include diabetic eye disease, glaucoma and inherited retinal diseases. Whatever the cause, vision rehabilitation helps people make the most of the vision they have left so they can live as independently as possible. The field of vision rehabilitation has advanced significantly over the years, offering more effective technologies and

strategies. Today, ophthalmologists can offer solutions that range from a simple, portable video magnifier that can enlarge text and objects to hightech glasses with cameras that allow people to read text and see faces. But there are many simple changes people can make on their own to help them live better: •Improve contrast. Put dark place mats under white place settings, buy rugs that are a contrasting color with the floor, and kitchen towels and cutting boards that contrast with the countertop. Use con-

trasting colored tape along the edges of rugs, stairsteps and lamp shades. •Improve lighting. Every year, about 3 million older Americans are treated for injuries from falls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of these falls are caused by low vision. Add lighting to staircases and dark hallways. Remove rugs from hallways to prevent tripping. Task lighting in the kitchen can also make food preparation safer and easier. •Reduce clutter and organize.

A cluttered house is more difficult to navigate and can contribute to falls and frustration. When each item has a specific place and is identified with a high-contrast label, it’s easier to locate items needed for everyday living. •Embrace technology. Books on tape and personal voice-activated assistants, like Google Home or Amazon's Alexa, can be enormously helpful for people who can no longer see well enough to read, dial a phone or set a thermostat. Most importantly, see an ophthalmologist and a low vision

specialist. An ophthalmologist can determine the full extent of vision loss and exact location of blind spots. Either the ophthalmologist or a low vision specialist can then determine the best techniques and devices that can help patients get around their individual challenges. Unfortunately, many patients are referred for vision rehabilitation as a last resort, once their disease has advanced to a late stage. But it's most effective when introduced early in a patient's visual loss, so they can involve themselves in the process as they learn how to move around in their new world. “The prospect of being unable to drive, read or see loved one’s faces is frightening and can lead some people to withdraw from life,” said John D. Shepherd, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “While there isn’t one strategy or tool that works for every person, vision rehabilitation offers hope. It can help people stay in their homes and keep doing the things they love to do.”p

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September 2020

Health Special

Managing Your Diabetes in the Workplace: It Can Be Done and the Law Is on Your Side BY MARILYN SILVERMAN

iercing rays of sunshine seep through your closed Venetian blinds. Time to get ready for work. You grab this. You grab that. However, if you are a diabetic there are a few more things you have to grab. It’s easy to manage your diabetes at home. There is your refrigerator and your medicine cabinet and your family who knows all about your medical condition. But managing your diabetes in the workplace is just as manageable. As per the American Diabetic Association, it is estimated that an astronomical 18 million men and women residing in the U.S. today live their lives every day with diabetes. What is diabetes? Diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose or sugar levels that ensue from defects in the body’s ability to

produce or use insulin. Fortunately for its sufferers it is designated as a disability due to its detrimental impact on the body’s endocrine functioning. Why fortunately? Just a few short years ago in 1990, to be precise, the Americans with Disability Act, a federal antidiscrimination act became law. Why? To protect people with diabetes from unfair treatment. This was a milestone since it

enabled diabetics to work without fear lest their condition jeopardized their jobs. Gina Gavla RN, indicates that once upon a time in the not too distant past, workers faced discrimination, e.g., they weren’t permitted to take breaks to check their blood sugar, eat or take insulin—the only way they could perform their jobs responsibly. Outrageous? Yes. But now you as a diabetic pos-

sess certain delineated legal rights—you have the right to ask your employer for reasonable accommodations. Reasonable is the key word in this sentence. Some representative examples of reasonable accommodations within the business infrastructure be it a retail establishment, a factory, an office or whatever: •Breaks to check blood sugar, eat and take medication. •To maintain diabetes supplies in close proximity to your workstation. •Ability to inject insulin; if preferable a private space should be provided away from the prying eyes of colleagues. According to WebMD, insulin can be stored in an insulated lunchbox if a refrigerator is not available on the premises. The conveniences of home are not always duplicated at work. •For those afflicted with a vision disorder a sizable com-

puter monitor. •Don’t stay glued to a chair all day since physical activity is beneficial. •It is recommended that a letter authored by your doctor should accompany your request. Diatribe Learn indicates that you should have a comprehension of your legal rights due to your official designation as an individual with diabetes. A dilemma typically arises whereby you wonder if it is necessary to inform your boss. It is a good idea to do so since you will have to justify your request. But your boss is mandated to keep this information confidential. Your health is a private matter and should not be broadcast for all to hear. You should schedule a meeting with your boss and emphasize that your condition will not negatively impact continued on page 22

September 2020

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Health Special

Tips for Caregivers Facing a Pandemic

hether your role as a caregiver has you looking out for an elderly relative, children or both, chances are good that you’ve worried about how the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to affect your ability to provide necessary care. Following the most up to date guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the first step for caregivers who are looking after loved ones. As caregivers continue to adjust during the pandemic, keep these considerations in mind: •Contact health care providers to obtain extra necessary medications and stock up on overthe-counter drugs. •Monitor needed medical supplies related to a loved one’s condition or treatments (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care, etc.) and common supplies such as tissues and cough syrup. •Those with a loved one in a long-term care facility should inquire about any positive

COVID-19 cases in the facility, testing procedures for the residents and staff members and be aware of the facility’s protocol if there is an outbreak or positive tests among residents and staff. These additional tips can help caregivers reduce the pandemic’s impact: Make backup plans. Most caregivers have plans in place for temporary assistance when things go awry, but COVID-19 is putting many of those shortterm solutions to the test. It’s a good time to pull in additional resources so you have extra help waiting if someone you’re counting on falls ill or can’t fill in as planned. A meal delivery service may be a good option if grocery shopping and meal preparation continue to be affected. Reduce exposure. Those who take care of loved ones in their homes or are regular care providers to family members and friends have concerns about exposing this vulnerable group to the virus. Many long-

term care facilities have changed their visitation policies. You might be able to visit a loved one through a window, via a balcony or through video chat. It’s also important to minimize time spent out in the community where you could unknowingly contract the virus and pass it to a vulnerable loved one. Shop smart. Because supermarkets and stores with goods identified as “essential” are still bustling with people, it’s important to minimize extra trips and wear a mask when in public. If possible, drop groceries and essentials at the door or arrange for delivery. In addition, some major pharmacies, where AARP members get special benefits on health, wellness and beauty purchases, have introduced special shopping hours for seniors and drive-thru shopping options to minimize person-toperson contact. Reschedule wellness appointments. Not only are doctor’s

offices short on resources, a waiting room can be filled with germs that may cause illness. Try to arrange for telephone or video-based appointments when possible and cancel any appointments that aren’t urgently necessary. Keep germs away. Thorough handwashing with soap and water is critical. In addition to washing hands after eating and using the restroom, anyone entering and leaving the house should wash his or her hands. Also wipe down hightouch surfaces like doorknobs, remotes and phone keypads.

Combat boredom. Despite the good intentions of staying away, social isolation can be a real concern for seniors. Practicing social distancing is important for their health, but you can help keep them engaged by increasing phone, video and online interaction, and encouraging family and friends to do the same. If your loved one doesn’t already have a cell phone, contract-free plans are available with free activation and special rates for senior users. Many long-term care facilities also offer social distancing activities for residents. p (Family Features)

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Septemmber 2020

Health Special

'How Dangerous Is Hugging During COVID?'

Diabetes in the Workplace/continued from page 20

BY ELIZABETH HANES, BSN, RN, WEBMD

t this point in the epidemic, some of us could really use a hug. A good, old-fashioned bear hug – the kind that makes us feel like everything’s going to be all right. So, how dangerous is a hug during COVID-19, anyway? Some experts say that hugging is not very risky if you do it right. But before we discuss safe hugging technique, understand that you need to consider in advance who you’re planning to hug – and where the hug will take place. The more people you hug, the greater your risk; so, limit your hugging to those closest to you (and only if they are following the COVID safety guidelines). You should avoid hugging people in high-risk groups due to age (over 60) or medical conditions (lung disease, cancer, and so on). Like many activities, hugging outdoors probably is less risky than embracing within a closed space.

Once you’ve planned the who and where, you need to follow good hugging technique to keep the situation as low-risk as possible: •Get consent to hug someone before you actually go in for the clinch •Wear a mask •Hold your breath as you approach the other person for the hug •Turn your head away as you embrace for a few seconds •Keep holding your breath (don’t talk or even whisper) •Exit the embrace and immediately back at least six feet away •Turn your head away from the other person and exhale

Using this technique reduces the risk of either person inhaling the other’s breath – which could include coronavirus particles, even if neither of you has symptoms of COVID-19. Remember, it’s possible to spread the virus when you’re asymptomatic (infected but don’t have symptoms) or presymptomatic (infected but now showing symptoms yet). If you take care to plan your hugs in advance and avoid inhaling the other person’s breath during the embrace, then hugging probably is a relatively low-risk activity, even during COVID-19. And who couldn’t use a hug right now?p

your work. Everything you need to do is done at intervals. You won’t be injecting insulin every minute of the day. Your boss should understand that these reasonable accommodations will not constitute a costly expenditure in the daily management of their business and furthermore will not cause much disruption in the workplace environment. Everyday Health recommends that you confide in one or two co-workers, since at work we develop a sense of camaraderie with our colleagues. Explain your condition in simplistic terms; you don’t have to quote from medical texts. Paint a picture of what a low blood sugar episode might resemble and discuss emergency plans. If you are an hourly worker in a neighborhood fast

food franchise or a corporate employee in an ivory tower and you are a diabetic, you can contribute as a productive and valued employee. You just have to remember to do certain things throughout the day and remember that you have the legal right to do so. Here are some types of discrimination you might experience: you might not be asked to make a presentation at an out of town conference because of the general concern that traveling with your condition will be difficult. You may not be allowed to be on the office volleyball team. If you feel you are discriminated against ASAP consult with an attorney who is experienced in workplace discrimination. Contact the Law Offices of Figeroux & Associates; they have exten-

September 2020

www.workersworldtoday.com

Health Special

September Is National Child Obesity Awareness Month

beverages •lack of access to affordable, healthier foods

•Children with obesity are more likely to have obesity as adults. This can lead to lifelong physical and mental health problems. Adult obesity is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and many types of cancers.

ccording to the Office of Disease and Health Promotion One in 3 children in the United States is overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The good news? Childhood obesity can be prevented. The CDC states that Childhood Obesity Is a Major Public Health Problem •Children with obesity are at

higher risk for having other chronic health conditions and diseases, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, and type 2 diabetes. They also have more risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure and high cholesterol than their normal weight peers. •Children with obesity can be bullied and teased more than their normal weight peers. They are also more likely to suffer from social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem.

Childhood Obesity Is Influenced by Many Factors Many factors can have an impact on childhood obesity, including eating and physical activity behaviors, genetics, metabolism, family and home environment, and community and social factors. For some children and families, obesity may be influenced by the following: •too much time spent being inactivelack of sleep •lack of places to go in the community to get physical activity •easy access to inexpensive, high calorie foods and sugary

There Are Ways Parents Can Help Prevent Obesity and Support Healthy Growth in Children To help ensure that children have a healthy weight, energy balance is important. There are many things parents can do to help their children achieve a healthy weight and maintain it. •Be aware of your child’s growth. Learn how obesity is measured in children and use CDC’s Child and Teen BMI •Calculator to screen your child for potential weight issues. •Provide nutritious, lowercalorie foods such as fruits and vegetables in place of foods high in added sugars and solid fats. •Try serving more fruit and vegetables at meals and as snacks. •Make sure drinking water is always available as a no-calorie alternative to sugary beverages and limit juice intake. •Help children get the recommended amount of physical

activity each day. •Be a role model! Eat healthy meals and snacks, and get the right amount of physical activity every day. •Learn what you can do to help shape a healthy school environment How can National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month make a difference? We can all use this month to raise awareness about the obesity epidemic and show people how they can take steps toward a solution. Here are just a few ideas: •Encourage families to make small changes, like keeping fresh fruit within reach or going on a family walk after dinner. •Motivate teachers and administrators to make schools healthier. Help them provide healthy food options and daily physical activities for students. •Ask doctors and nurses to be leaders in their communities by supporting programs to prevent childhood obesity.p —dhd10.org

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September 2020

Love, Health & Travel

How to Adjust to Single Life After a Divorce BY JANET HOWARD

ivorce can be difficult for anyone, regardless of the situation. Less finances and new circumstances can make life more challenging, especially when it comes to the change of marital status. Even those who file have to get used to the single life again. Whether the divorce is pending or final, the following tips can make it easier to adjust to this new reality. People change throughout their lives, especially during and after big life events. You’re not the same anymore, even if the union was short-lived. When a marriage ends after several decades, you might even forget how to get on without a partner. Regardless of how long the matrimony lasted and whether the divorce was amicable or not, use this time to get to know the new you.

In this context, being single doesn’t necessarily translate to availability. Resist the temptation to hunt for a potential new partner. It takes time to process all the circumstances and sentiments brought on by the end of a marriage. That’s why you should not rush into the dating scene. In order to move on more quickly, try to part with items that remind you of your expartner. This doesn’t mean getting rid of major items, such as a car or furniture. However, you should at least part with personal items, especially photos and greeting cards. If this process seems difficult, place these items in storage. If you still have the same real estate, make it your own. Take this opportunity to add personal style to the living space. You could apply new paint colors and even alter the functions of rooms. If you don’t feel ready, it’s okay to start with

small changes. Now is also your chance to get the things that your previous partner didn’t want around. When you have to move, remember that feelings of resentment won’t make the situation better. Instead, use this opportunity as a fresh start. Even if the union produced children, you can decide how to personalize the new living space. Even in the best of marriages, partners often make adjustments, even sacrifices, when it

comes to hobbies and activities. That’s why a divorce gives the opportunity to try out new interests. This is the time to take up hobbies, join groups, or enroll in classes. Most importantly, follow through when you want to try a new pastime. If you’re not ready for a new level of socializing, do something different at home. Listen to music, read books, eat in bed, watch TV shows, or try new recipes. The type of activ-

ity doesn’t matter that much, as long as it doesn’t involve trying to find a new partner. At first glance, divorce might bring a certain level of loneliness or isolation. However, all of these suggestions show how to healthily adjust to a single lifestyle. They can also help you become a better-adjusted individual. This transition is important so that you won’t attract the wrong kind of partner in the future.p

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September 2020

Elections 2020

Winning the Presidency Won’t Be Enough: Biden Needs the Senate Too BY DENNIS ALTMAN THE CONVERSATION

n November 3, Americans will vote not only for president, but for all members of the House of Representatives, a third of the Senate and a long list of state and local positions. While the names of Donald Trump, Joe Biden and presumably others appear on the ballot paper, voters actually vote for a list of electors in each state, known as the Electoral College. Their composition is based on the total number of members of Congress from each state: so, California has 55 votes, and seven states plus the District of Columbia have three. Hillary Clinton’s problem in 2016 was that she won huge majorities in several large states but lost most of the smaller states, which the system slightly favors. The electors meet in each state capital and their votes are tallied and reported to a

Editorial credit: Alex Gakos / Shutterstock.com

joint sitting of Congress. Members of the college are expected to vote for the candidate on whose list they appear. The Supreme Court has recently ruled to make this mandatory. Australia borrowed the names of our two parliamentary chambers from the United States. But the crucial difference is that government here is determined by control of the House of Representatives. In the United States, with a separately elected president, Congress is less powerful, and within Congress the Senate is the more significant.

While the representatives are apportioned according to population, each state has two senators who serve for six years. With the power to block legislation and senior executive and judicial appointments, a hostile Senate can make a president impotent in many areas of domestic policy. In the 1994 mid-term elections, two years into the presidency of Bill Clinton, the Republicans captured both houses of Congress for the first time in 40 years. In the past three decades, there have only been eight years in which the same party has held the presidency, the Senate and the House of Representatives. This is not an usual pattern in American politics and, as long as the two parties straddled a wide range of positions, it did not prevent effective government. Members of Congress were expected to vote according to the demands of their constituency, not the party. On crucial is-

sues, such as civil rights legislation or the impeachment of Richard Nixon, they were willing to cross the floor. However, over the past 30 years, party allegiances have hardened as the centre of gravity in the two parties has polarised. The once-solid Democratic South has become Republican heartland, strengthening an ever-growing right-wing base. Meanwhile, a reaction against the centrist policies of Clinton and Obama has led to a shift to the left by Democrats, causing problems for Democrats from conservative states, such as Senator Doug Jones from Alabama. Jones is likely to lose a seat he won in a special election because his opponent was an alleged serial sex offender, so the Democrats need to gain five Senate seats to reverse the Republican majority. If the two parties tie, the vice president has a casting vote, which was the case when George W. Bush was elected in 2000. That

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election marked the start of the “red” versus “blue” state terminology, which in American fashion reversed the usual assumption that blue was the colour of conservatives, red of radicals. No other Democrat up for reelection looks vulnerable, but there are a number of states where the Republican candidate could lose. The tightest contests are in states that are not solidly red nor blue: Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Maine and North Carolina. The stakes are high: in North Carolina almost US$50 million (A$70 million) has been raised so far for the two candidates from the main parties. North Carolina is also a key state for the presidency, which is why the truncated Republican Convention was based there. Like Arizona, it has largely voted Republican over the past 30 years, but rapid population growth is changing party allegiances. It might join Virginia as a former Confederate state now moving back to the Democrats. The Republicans would need to win 18 seats in the house to regain a majority, which seems unlikely. Individual candidates matter a great deal, but few observers expect more than a handful of seats to change after the Democrats’ mid-term success in 2018. The greatest problem facing Democrats in November is the systematic way in which Republican state governments have made it more difficult for their opponents to vote. Republican state legislatures have limited the availability of polling stations, made registration more difficult and tightened ID restrictions: in Texas a gun licence is acceptable, but student ID is not. The president is constantly casting doubt over the election, aiming at postal votes in particular. Few democratic societies have as low a turnout to vote as the United States. The Republicans believe this works in their favour and will do all it takes to keep the figures low.p

Dennis Altman Dennis Altman is the Professorial Fellow in Human Security, La Trobe University

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Workers' World Today - Issue 12

Articles inside

In Solidarity

Workers’ Matters

Love, Health & Travel

Education

Workers’ Safety