September 2020
www.workersworldtoday.com
13
Workers’ Safety
Union Mourns CTA Billy Wright; Passed at 239th Street
Unions Are Good for Workers/continued from page 1
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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
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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
NY WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Are you working? Have you been injured on the job? Was it a serious injury as defined under NY Workers’ Compensation Law? If yes, then call Figeroux & Associates for a FREE Consultation at 718-222-3155.
Why Should I Hire A Lawyer? In addition to being eligible for workers' compensation, you may also have a claim against a party other than your employer. That is why it is so important to seek assistance from our experienced team.
Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council
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
Workers who know their rights and speak to a lawyer put themselves in a better position to obtain a recovery.
Find Out What Our Firm Can Do For You The Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates. Call us at 718-222-3155.
