Workers' World Today - Issue 14 by IQ INC.

November 2020 INSIDE

Trump Wants to Deny Work Permits ... 17

NY’s Next Big Political Battle ... 26

Diabetes Health Special ... 19

Issue #14

The Work of Healing Our Country Can Now Begin BY CHRIS SHELTON PRESIDENT, CWA

Unions Wary as de Blasio Backs Push for Early-Retirement Packages

ashington, D.C.: The following is a statement from Communications Workers of America President Chris Shelton: Now that most of the votes have been counted in Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin the result is clear – voters have elected Joe Biden President of the United States. Kamala Harris will make history as the first Black woman and the first person of Indian descent to serve as Vice President. This election, held during a global pandemic and under a

RESTORED! President who has refused to commit to a peaceful transition of power, has been like no other. Yet Americans responded with resolve, voting in record numbers.

Photo: joebiden.com

CWA members mobilized to educate and turn out voters. We made phone calls, sent text messages, and spread the word on social media and through conversations with friends, family members, continued on page 6

Hot Topics and News You Should Know About

3 Lessons in Resilence from Carlos Watson ... 15

Getting Rid of Your Debts ... 9

It’s Not Just ABCs, Parents Worry About Their Kids ... 11

Labor-Related News - Nationally & Locally

A Dangerous Mix: The Holidays & Domestic Violence ... 18

Henry A. Garrido, Executive Director District Council 37 Photo: dc37.net

BY REUVEN BLAU

s part of a new cost-cutting deal with the city’s largest civilian union, the de Blasio administration has agreed to back an early-retirement incentive state bill that could apply to 75,000 municipal workers, including thousands of teachers. continued on page 8

Four Ways to Bounce Back After Your Divorce ... 25

Celebrate Postal Workers - Defend the Post Office Day of Action!

O Photo NYC Central Labor Council

AFT President Congratulates Biden & Harris ... 3

Worker Pay & Safety During the Holiday Season ...13

CWA Local 1180 Reaches Agreement to Prevent Layoffs ... 16

n Tuesday, November 17, people will come together across America to celebrate the work of our public Postal Servicecontinued on page 6

Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

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November 2020

Let the workers organize. Let the toilers assemble. Let their crystallized voice proclaim their injustices and demand their privileges. Let all thoughtful citizens sustain them, for the future of Labor is the future of America.—John L. Lewis

Contents In Solidarity: AFT President Congratulates Joe Biden & Kamala Harris on Winning 2020 Elections................3

In the News ....14

Hot Topic Climate Jobs NY Update.................................................6

NY Helmets to Hardhats Highlight Veterans for National Apprenticeship Week

Workers’ Matters Federal Call Center Contractor Maximus Sends Directives to Managers Not to Approve COVID-19 Leave Requests...............................................7

Labor History - November 14

Money Matters Getting Rid of Your Debts...............................................9

The Depression-era Public Works Administration agrees with New York City today to begin a huge slum clearance project covering 20 acres in Brooklyn, where low cost housing for 2,500 families will be completed. It was the first of many such jobs-and-housing projects across the country - 1934 The National Federation of Telephone Workers—later to become the Communications Workers of America— is founded in New Orleans - 1938

Workers’ Safety Protecting Worker Safety and Pay During Holiday Season..................................................13

Love, Health & Travel ....24 Cuomo Announces New Guidelines for Out-of-State Travelers

Jobs & Recession Lessons in Resilence.....................................................15 Love, Health & Travel Four Ways to Bounce Back After Your Divorce...................................................................25

COLUMNS Diabetes Health Special .... 21

Kate Shindle. Photo: www.actorsequity.org

Equity on CNBC: Workers Need a COBRA Subsidy The longer Broadway remains dark, actors and stage managers not only lose their salaries, but access to union health insurance. Actors' Equity Association president Kate Shindle went on CNBC to explain the plight of these workers, and to discuss how legislation that enacts a 100% COBRA subsidy could protect their health during the pandemic.

Preparing for a Low Blood Pressure Emergency People in an emergency situation or those assisting them should also seek medical care or call for medical assistance, if needed. Be sure to tell the emergency dispatcher if a person has diabetes and may be experiencing severe low blood sugar.

Workers’ Matters ....7

Family: The True Modern Relationship .... 11

Federal Call Center Contractor Maximus Sends Directives to Managers Not to Approve COVID-19 Leave Requests

It’s Not Just ABCs – Preschool Parents Worry Their Kids are Missing Out on Critical Social Skills During the Pandemic

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November 2020

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In Solidarity

AFT President Randi Weingarten Congratulates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on Winning

W 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

ASHINGTON: American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement in response to a projected 2020 presidential election victory for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris: “On behalf of the 1.7 million members of the AFT, our officers and our staff, we congratulate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on securing enough electoral votes to win the presidency and vice presidency. Joe and Kamala have vowed to repair our country’s deep pain and division and will govern tirelessly for all of us. “Today, America resumes the hard work of creating a more perfect union that helps everyone thrive, led by an effective, ethical and

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

. Editorial credit: vasilis asvestas / Shutterstock.com

empathetic administration elected by more voters than any ticket in history. Under immense pressure, our democracy worked. The American people had their voices heard and their votes counted, and their will was clear and decisive. “Joe Biden is a person of great decency, strength, knowledge and compassion. He will deliver on his promise

to make things better for those who struggle and strive, those who educate our children and care for our patients and our communities. He and Kamala will confront America’s crises and fight for the promise of a better future. “We look forward to working closely with an administration that will embrace and fight for the values we hold dear: justice and opportunity for all;

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strengthened public schools that work for all kids; economic security, starting with decent wages, good jobs and the right to a union; a belief in truth and science; and universal access to healthcare and college. We can’t wait to get started.” p

Standing up for Our Veterans and Our Democracy BY CHRIS SHELTON PRESIDENT, CWA

n Tuesday, November 5, a record number of Americans participated in the most fundamental act in our democracy - voting. We are able to go to the polls and elect our leaders thanks to our veterans who, through their service to our country, have preserved and protected this freedom.

Their service does not end with their final tour of duty. We frequently call on them to put their skills to work as volunteers in our communities. With a shortage of poll workers due to the pandemic, thousands of younger veterans answered the call and staffed voting locations, protecting the health of the seniors who typically assume that responsibility. Over the past year, through our Veterans for Social Change Program, CWA veterans worked with commu-

nity allies to raise awareness of veterans issues and to turn out the vote for candidates who support working people. As an Air Force veteran, I couldn’t be prouder of the CWA members and retirees who have kept our country safe and strong through their military service. As president of our great union, I pledge to you that we will honor you by standing up for our democracy and for the rights and freedoms that you fought to protect.p

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November 2020

Civil Rights

Senate Must Focus on COVID-19 Relief, Not Another Trump Appellate Court Nominee BY CIVILRIGHTS.ORG

n January 2016, President Obama nominated Myra Selby to a vacancy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Selby, a wellrespected former Indiana Supreme Court justice, would have been the first African American and first woman from Indiana to serve on that court, but Senator Dan Coats, R. Ind., and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R. Ky., made sure she never received a hearing or vote — and her nomination expired at the end of the 114th Congress. The seat Selby was nominated to fill was one of more than 100 vacancies kept open by McConnell, who blocked votes on Obama’s judicial nominees during his final two years in office — even when Republican senators wanted their nominees confirmed. Once Trump took office in January 2017, he wasted no time on judges. Eleven days after his inauguration, Trump

nominated Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court seat that McConnell held open for nearly a year. One month after Gorsuch’s confirmation, Trump sent a Seventh Circuit nomination to the Senate. The nominee to that Indiana seat was not Myra Selby — it was Notre Dame Law School professor Amy Coney Barrett. Barrett was one of at least 10 white judicial nominees chosen by Trump who replaced Obama nominees of color. She is representative of this president’s appalling record on judicial di-

versity. Of Trump’s 53 circuit court judges who have been confirmed, just one is Latino and zero are Black. And now that Barrett sits on the Supreme Court following a rushed, sham process, Trump has continued his shameful record of diversity by selecting Thomas Kirsch — yet another white nominee — to fill Barrett’s seat. Kirsch is the fifth nominee — all of whom are white — Trump has named to the Seventh Circuit, which is now the only all-white federal appeals court in the nation. Judge Ann Claire Williams, a Black woman, retired from the court in January 2018. Williams was the Seventh Circuit’s first judge of color and just the third woman of color to serve on a federal appeals court. Trump replaced her with a white nominee. This seat was not one Trump should have filled in the first place, and he should not have the chance to fill it twice. If Kirsch is confirmed to the Seventh Circuit, the court — which covers Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin — will remain re-segregated. Moreover, it is troubling that Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham is focused on rushing through this nomination after Trump decisively lost reelection and while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage on across the country. Let’s be clear: During the lame duck session, the Senate should only be taking up the most important priori-

ties we have — not irresponsibly prioritizing their desire to stack our courts, which has reverberations for generations. There hasn’t been a circuit court confirmation in a lame duck Senate in decades, let alone during a time when the nation needs our leaders to focus on saving lives. The Senate should be using this time to address the growing concerns of a nation confronting increasing death and illness, severely high unemployment, rampant hunger, insufficient access to health care, and long-term economic uncertainty. The Senate majority cannot be so reckless and negligent as to fail to pass COVID relief, funding the government, and addressing systemic racism and state-sanctioned violence against Black and Brown people. We do not support the Senate irresponsibly moving forward on Kirsch’s nomination and urge senators to oppose his confirmation to this all-white federal appeals court.p

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November 2020

Civil Rights

“After About 5 Minutes of Struggle, They Forced My Index Finger on the Paper”: ICE Forcing More Asylum Seekers to Sign Deportation Paperwork BY SPLCENTER.ORG

EW ORLEANS: On Thursday, November 5, immigrant rights organizations filed a new multi-individual Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) complaint with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) and DHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG), detailing Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) continued use of force and torture against Cameroonian asylum seekers to obtain signed deportation paperwork. The complaint comes as individuals in detention are reporting to advocates and attorneys that ICE is preparing for an-

other deportation flight to Cameroon, possibly scheduled for November 10. Four of the six named in the complaint were recently transferred to Prairieland Detention Center, signaling that ICE may include them on a deportation flight from Dallas. The organizations filing the complaint include Freedom for Immigrants, Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Detention Watch Network, Families for Freedom, Haitian Bridge Alliance, Louisiana Aid and Witness at the Border.

According to the complaint, ICE used coercive tactics against six Cameroonian asylum seekers detained at the privately-operated Jackson County Correctional Center in Jackson Parish, Louisiana. Tactics include threats of violence, physical abuse and forced taking of fingerprints in restraint to forcibly certify deportation and travel paperwork. The CRCL complaint comes on the heels of a previous complaint filed in October which detailed similar abuses against eight Cameroonian asylum seekers in the Adams County Correction Center in Mississippi, another privately-run immigrant prison under the jurisdiction of the New Orleans ICE Field Office. “I said that my case is under a pending motion to reopen and I wished to speak to my attorney, but they refused to honor my request,” described one individual, identified as B.N. “They told me whether I wanted or not, I was obliged to place my fingerprint...I refused and when they realized that I wasn’t going to sign, they called over ICE Supervisor Dover who lunged at me and put his hand on my neck. I slid under the table to hide. Other officers came to help them force my fingerprint. I started screaming and asking for help. There were many people there, and they pulled me from under the table, stripping off my pants and underwear. I was lying face down...They pressed my left arm until it hurt, while others tried to place my right hand finger onto the paper. It was very painful.” According to advocates, ICE officers’ pattern and practice of physical and verbal coercion is unlawful, unacceptable and tantamount to torture. The complaint details how these acts of abuse are in violation of the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, which the US has ratified, as well as ICE’s own standards. To Cameroonians and advocates, the inhumanity of the forced deportation signings and continued deportation flights is reflective of the systemic anti-Blackness and disparate outcomes that Black immigrants face in the U.S. immigration system. “The way they treat us is not what I pictured in my mind before coming to the United States,” said one of the complainants identified as G.N. “I have heard of other people who went to the United States, and they have not gone through the treatment I have gone through in

Louisiana. As far as the judges are concerned, they don’t treat us like immigrants. They treat us like prisoners.” This is the fourth CRCL complaint the organizations have filed against the New Orleans ICE Field Office this year. According to the complaints, Black immigrants – in Louisiana, Cameroonians in particular – have borne the brunt of ICE’s abuses and violent tactics. In August, FFI and SPLC filed a CRCL complaint over racist practices at the Pine Prairie Detention Center, another privately-operated prison in rural Louisiana. “The New Orleans ICE Field Office has demonstrated a disturbing pattern and practice of unconscionable human rights abuses and outright racist treatment,” said Luz Lopez, a Senior Supervising Attorney with the SPLC’s Immigrant Justice Project. “Instead of costly ICE detention and more deportations, we can honor the human dignity of Black immigrants while welcoming them into communities where they will find safety and opportunity.” "Anti-Blackness and white supremacy are at the core of how our immigration system operates,” said Sofia Casini, Director of Visitation Advocacy Strategies at Freedom for Immigrants. “We are seeing this acutely play out now as Black immigrants are routinely subjected to acts of violence and coercion. The alarming reports of ongoing abuse in ICE prisons underscores the urgent need to free all people from detention, reunite families and communities, and abolish detention." Advocates continue to call on ICE to follow public health guidance of medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and place an immediate moratorium on deportations and transfers during the COVID-19 pandemic and for the agency to use discretionary powers to release those in its custody, including release on parole, recognizance, and via community based alternatives to detention programming. p

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November 2020

Hot Topic Work of Healing/ continued from page 1 and coworkers. We fought for every vote as if our lives depended on it, because they did. The work of healing our country can now begin and we can move forward together. Our priorities are clear. Congress must reconvene and immediately pass pandemic relief legislation that restores and expands payroll support programs, enhances unemployment insurance, and provides critical support for state and local governments. This cannot wait. Each day that passes puts more working people at risk for losing their jobs, their health insurance, and their homes. The Biden Administration won't lie to the American public about the COVID-19 pandemic. Joe Biden will listen to experts and act quickly to enact a plan to defeat the virus and prevent thousands of American deaths. He will respect the freedom of the press and end White House attacks on the media and on the truth. The Biden Administration will restore regulations that protect and empower working

people. Working people need a pro-worker National Labor Relations Board and National Mediation Board that support collective bargaining and the freedom of workers to join together in a union to improve their working conditions. We need a Secretary of Labor who will safeguard workers during and after the pandemic, prosecute wage theft, and secure retirees' pensions and retirement funds. We need the White House to ensure that government contracts support good jobs. We need banking regulators that rein in predatory practices and keep Wall Street in check. We need an economic agenda that raises incomes and restores the middle class. We need trade policy that is conducted through negotiation, and that puts the interests of working people first, not one that is based on favoritism and midnight Tweets. We need a Federal Communications Commission that recognizes that good telecommunications jobs are in the public interest and that a diverse media landscape is essential to our democracy. As the great Frederick Douglass said, "Power concedes nothing without a demand," and corporate power has become entrenched in our country. The results of this election make it possible for us to win the justice we seek. I am confident that through our collective effort, we will prevail.p

About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, and manufacturing.

Your Success in Real Estate Starts Today

Climate Jobs NY Update

limate Jobs New York (CJNY) is a growing coalition of labor unions, including the NYC CLC, representing 2.6 million working men and women at the center of New York’s economy. We are united around a shared goal of combating climate change while reversing income inequality. CJNY’s mission is to advocate for a clean energy economy at the scale climate science demands, create good union jobs, and support more equitable communities and a more resilient New York. We empower New Yorkers, especially workers, in the civic engagement process to advance a low-carbon, equitable economy through training, workshops, and education exchanges. We engage all sectors—elected officials, policymakers, businesses, and community—around proclimate, pro-worker policies. Unlike most other labor-climate coalitions, CJNY includes building trades and energy sector unions that represent members who currently work in the fossil fuel

Postal Workers/continued from page 4 - a pillar of our democracy and our communities. We’ve defended our democratic rights, now we must defend the post office. It's time to pass $25B relief and stop DeJoy’s delays. Join us in recognizing the role of postal workers in defending our democratic rights and call for action to defend the Postal Service. In

sector, operating and maintaining coal, oil, gas, and nuclear plants that will be phased out as the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy accelerates. A key priority of CJNY is protecting and supporting impacted workers through the clean energy transition. As New York State moves toward its renewable energy goals, there is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure that the path to low-carbon future results in good jobs that provide family-sustaining wages and benefits for communities across the state.p

NYC, a Defend the Post Office Press Conference and Rally with the New York Metro Area Postal Union will take place at the James A. Farley Post Office at 421 8th Avenue at 31 Street, New York, NY at noon on Tuesday 11/17. p

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

November 2020

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Workers’ Matters

As COVID-19 Cases Surge, Federal Call Center Contractor Maximus Sends Directive to Managers Not to Approve COVID-19 Leave Requests

espite the national surge in COVID-19 cases, the giant federal healthcare contractor Maximus has now directed managers and supervisors to not approve any COVID-19 leave requests, and to not refer employees to human resources for COVID leave, between now and the end of the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for Medicare (Dec. 7) and the ACA Federally Facilitated Marketplace (Dec. 15). This “COVID-19 leave blackout” applies to the thousands of Maximus employees who respond to Medicare and ACA calls. While some employees are now working remotely, many are also still working out

of Maximus’ 11 call centers that handle Medicare and ACA calls. “I feel like I’m putting myself back at risk, and they don’t care,” said Sylvia Walker, who works at the Maximus call center in Bogalusa, La. “COVID is very much alive in this city and in this state where I live.

The people you encounter on the phones are already stressed. They’re feeling lonely, they call, they cry, they are distraught and we have to deal with that. The company shouldn’t be adding additional stress on us and putting policies in place that could put us, our families, and our commu-

nities at risk of contracting a deadly virus when we are working hard to serve the public.” Maximus also recently informed workers of devastating changes to their individual health coverage that will go into effect next year. The company announced that deductibles will increase to $4,500 next year from the current rate of $2,500, and their maximum out-of-pocket expenses will increase by 20%, to $6,000, in 2021. Under the newly announced plan, workers’ coinsurance will increase from 20% to 30%. This year, employees have a new option to enroll in a “buy-up plan” with a lower deductible and

coinsurance, but requires workers to pay nearly $2,000 in premiums per year. Such premium expenses are unaffordable for a workforce that mostly earns between $10 and $15 an hour. “With these changes, almost everything I need currently for my health care is subject to a $4,500 deductible,” said Christopher Thomas, who works at the Maximus call center in Lawrence, Kan. “Now seeing my neurologist will cost me about $500 per visit and my meds that they prescribe are now basically unaffordable to me with this new plan. What kind of employer guts medical coverage in the middle of a global pandemic? p

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November 2020

Know Your Rights Unions Wary/ continued from page 1 The measure pending in Albany would offer up to three years’ added pension credit to workers who are at least 55 years old and have logged 25 years of service. Government officials privately predict the move would save the cash-strapped city an estimated $900 million over the next four years, including $250 million the first year, according to a union source familiar with the proposal. The savings are expected to be generated by replacing veteran workers with junior staffers who make less money or by leaving the positions vacant until the city’s pandemicwracked finances improve. City officials expect only about 10% — or 7,500 — of the eligible employees to file for early retirement if the legislation is passed in Albany, said the union official, who asked to remain anonymous. Health workers and some employees whose jobs produce revenue could be shut out. “Early retirement incentives have the potential to save hundreds of millions in revenue and in doing so prevent public worker layoffs and our city’s financial health,” said State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (DBrooklyn), who introduced the measure in his chamber — and is being challenged by Republican Vito Bruno in Tuesday’s election. Mayor’s Letter of Support The de Blasio administration has submitted a letter to top state lawmakers supporting the measure, according to Henry Garrido, executive director of District Council 37,

Mayor Bill de Blasio shakes hands with District Council 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido after announcing a contract agreement in 2019. Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

which represents about 150,000 city workers. The legislation, carried in the Assembly by Peter Abbate (DBrooklyn), would include city workers who are enrolled in the New York City Employees’ Retirement System, the city’s Teachers’ Retirement System and the Board of Education Retirement System. Nurses and EMTs could be excluded from the early-retirement opportunity if their position is “deemed critical to the maintenance of public health and safety,” according to the bill. “This is a concern,” Garrido said. “I understand why, but it is not fair. Many are completely burned out by COVID19.” The bill could also permit city officials to make exceptions for jobs that generate revenue, like traffic enforcement agents, building inspectors and tax assessors. “We’re supporting an [early retirement bill],” city Labor Commissioner Renee Campion told The Chief-Leader last week, declining to elaborate. She did not respond to re-

quests for comment by THE CITY. Garrido said the city could avoid staffing shortages by “backfilling” some critical positions. That would entail hiring younger workers at lower pay to replace veteran employees who earn more money and are entitled to better pensions under state law. But that may present a challenge for difficult-to-staff positions like teachers and ventilator specialists, which are in high demand. The city Department of Education has repeatedly refused to publicly disclose how many teachers it is still trying to hire to fill gaps created by the hybrid online and in-person instruction system. The legislation lays out some projections: The average participant is expected to be 60.8 years old, with 26.3 years of experience and a $91,000 salary. Layoffs Delayed DC 37 officials last week agreed to defer city payments to its health-and-welfare and education funds until late next

year. In return, the city has promised no layoffs for a year, and possibly until July 2022 if more federal aid is forthcoming. The city is facing an estimated $9 billion tax shortfall this year and another, possibly larger, hole next year, according to the Independent Budget Office. On Aug. 31, de Blasio told reporters that early retirement “is something we have to put into play.” Later that same day, he told NY1’s Errol Louis on “Inside City Hall” that “early retirement won’t be enough” to fix the budget. “Not by a long shot.” Several major city unions seeking to avoid layoffs have agreed to defer either future

wage increases or money earmarked for their health benefit funds to generate savings. The proposed legislation doesn’t apply to city firefighters and cops, who are already allowed to retire after only 20 years on the job, with no age restrictions. The city has used early retirement before to generate savings, most recently in 2010, when a statewide incentive cut $681 million over two years. “In times of fiscal stress, measures like this have helped local governments maintain services even as they reduced spending,” Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers, said in a statement.p This story was published on

November 2020

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Money Matters

Getting Rid of Your Debts BY MARY CAMPBELL

f you are starting to dread checking your email or picking up your mail, it might be that you simply have too much debt. After all, it is easy to overspend, particularly if you have more than one credit card. If you are searching for ways to get rid of your debts sooner rather than later, take a few moments to learn how. Set a Budget If you don't have a budget, it is easy to see how you might have overspent. Likewise, if your budget doesn't include funds for discretionary spending, it is easy to get into financial trouble. Discretionary spending includes any unnecessary purchases from impulse buys at the gro-

cery store to expensive dinners to gambling at the casino. It is important to evaluate your monthly income before you set an amount for this category. Keep the amount reasonable so that you don't spend more money than you make in a single month.

Avoid Late Fees A single late fee is often all it takes to set your finances into a tailspin. Extra interest charges often appear in addition to the late fee. As a result, you need more money to meet the minimum balance on the bill the next time that it comes due. If you manage to avoid

accruing late fees in the first place, you won't increase your debt level unnecessarily. Prioritize Your Bill Payments You probably already know that you should always pay your bills on time to avoid late fees, but what should you do when paying after the due

date is unavoidable? While this type of situation isn't one that most people want to find themselves in, it does happen. If you find yourself struggling financially and you need to pay at least one of your bills late, you should figure out which one is going to lead to the highest financial cost. For example, if one of your credit cards carries a late fee of only $25 and another account requires a $35 late fee, you might want to pay the bill on the first account late in order to have a smaller penalty. Debt relief doesn't happen on its own. However, paying off your debts is possible, especially if you make the effort to do so. Just take the time to come up with a plan and follow through with it to pare down your debt to manageable amounts.p

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November 2020

Union In Action

Laundry Workers Hold 2-Day Strike Demanding Fair Contract and Protesting Illegal Termination Threats

nionized workers at one of New York's largest hospital-laundry and medical-uniform companies launched a two-day strike on Wednesday, November 18 to demand a fair contract and protest illegal threats of termination that are being investigated by the National Labor Relations Board. The employees, overwhelmingly Latinx immigrants who have worked throughout the pandemic, clean and process medical linens for many city-based hospitals affiliated with New York Presbyterian, including Columbia University Medical Center, the Allen Hospital, David H. Koch Center, Weill Cornell Medical Center and Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. They are represented by the Laundry, Distribution, and Food Service Joint Board, Workers United/SEIU.

Photo courtesy: NYC Central Labor Council

"Along with the commitment to protections against COVID19, these laundry workers are fighting for small wage increases, and continuation of a modest pension benefit that

costs around 30 cents per hour — a tiny expense that Unitex can easily afford," the union said in a statement. "Unitex is a wealthy company, reportedly earning $150 million in

annual revenue as of 2014, yet its owners are demanding unreasonable concessions that may force employees to strike." At a November 11 rally in front of the New York-Presby-

terian Lower Manhattan Hospital, dozens of union members turned out to raise public awareness of the contract battle. "I have dedicated years of my life to this job," said Brigida Vidal, a Unitex employee. "It's very hard work cleaning and processing gowns, sheets, and other linens for hospitals and nursing homes in New York City. But I am proud to help keep these health-care facilities clean and safe every day, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. We deserve to be treated fairly. We hope Unitex does not force us to strike and prevent hospitals from receiving the clean medical linens they need, especially as COVID-19 infections are increasing." p

—NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO

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November 2020

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Family: The True Modern Relationship

It’s Not Just ABCs – Preschool Parents Worry Their Kids are Missing Out on Critical Social Skills During the Pandemic BY MICHELE L. STITES, SUSAN SONNENSCHEIN & SAMANTHA H. GALCZYK THE CONVERSATION

s COVID-19 cases once again spike across the country, parents in school districts like New York City and Detroit face another weeks long stretch of remote learning. This often includes preschool parents, whose children range in age from 3 to 6 and are often too young to manage virtual learning on their own. Many of these parents worry their children are missing out on important parts of the preschool experience – particularly opportunities to develop social, emotional and behavioral skills through interactions with teachers and other children.

As researchers who study children’s educational development, we know that preschool helps children develop important academic and social skills they will need for later school success. In April, we surveyed 166 parents of preschool children to examine what they felt was working – and not working – with distance learning. While the data haven’t been published yet, they give us important insights into virtual preschool. Of the 166 parents who responded to our online survey, 73% said their preschool children were provided virtual learning opportunities during the COVID-19 crisis. The children were expected to devote 30 to 60 minutes a day to virtual classes. Two-thirds of parents said they supplemented the school lessons with in-

home learning activities, although these primarily focused on reading, not math. Thirty-seven percent of the parents felt children this age were too young to engage in online instruction without significant support from their caregivers. And 38% of parents reported not having the time to dedicate to distance learning while juggling the demands of

work and other child care. The parents we surveyed recognize that teachers and administrators are doing the best they can in this ever-changing and extraordinary situation. Their frustration and anxiety result from the virtual learning environment itself and the lack of resources to develop children’s social, emotional and behavioral learning along with

early academic skills. Preschool classrooms provide opportunities to build social skills like taking turns, waiting until others finish speaking and displaying empathy. These skills enable children to develop friendships, cope with challenges and have conversations with other children and adults. continued on page 12

November 2020

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Family: The True Modern Relationship did reading activities on a regular basis, but only 33% said they worked on math skills – which often predict later school success. By supplying the resources and materials, teachers can take out the guesswork for parents.

Not Just ABCs/ continued from page 11 Suggestions for parents Based on the results of our survey, here are some ways parents can help make up for the shortcomings of virtual learning. Play games. Games often teach reading and math skills, but more importantly, they allow for social development. Model turn-taking for the child and how to handle losing. Take nature walks. Identifying objects and thinking about sounds, shapes and colors helps with early academics. But also take the time to have conversations. Talking about feelings is important, especially right now. Read. It’s widely accepted that reading helps children, well, learn to read. But it also gives them world knowledge and makes for enjoyable interactions with others. And, it can be used as time to work on math skills like counting and shapes. From a social aspect,

it’s a good time to talk about a character’s feelings and ask the child questions like, “How would you feel?” and “What would you do if you were this character?” Make video calls. Set up virtual play dates allowing your child to talk to friends or relatives. Ask a grandparent to read a book with the child on FaceTime. Have the child play a game with a friend over Zoom. Talk about your own feelings. Model coping and dealing with challenges with your child. Don’t be afraid to tell

your child when you are sad or worried. Ask the child what they would do if they were feeling sad. Suggestions for teachers And here are some ways that preschool teachers can support parents in their children’s learning and development during COVID-19. Help develop social skills. The parents we surveyed wanted short exercises to build social skills while students learn remotely. These activities would help students develop friendships, social norms and emo-

tional awareness. For example, reading a book together as a class over Zoom and sharing personal experiences prompts natural conversation. Another idea is to send home stories in which a specific social dilemma like anger is discussed. Children can read and discuss the stories with a caregiver. Offer supplementary materials. Parents said they are supplementing school lessons with in-home learning activities. However, these activities typically focused on reading, with less attention devoted to math. Over half of parents said they

Combine reading, math and social growth in short activities. For example, when sending home suggestions for books, point out where math opportunities – like counting certain items – and social dilemmas occur in the story. Combining lessons also makes it more efficient for parents to cover all three areas, which is important when they are balancing so many additional responsibilities. p

Michele L. Stites is an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Susan Sonnenschein is a Professor, Applied Developmental Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Samantha H. Galczyk is a Graduate Assistant, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

November 2020

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Workers’ Safety

U.S. Department of Labor Emphasizes Protecting Worker Safety and Pay During Holiday Season

ASHINGTON, DC: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and its Wage and Hour Division (WHD) remind employers of their responsibility to protect worker safety and pay during the holiday season. As the nation enters a unique holiday shopping season, employers must ensure that they train all workers to recognize and prevent job hazards, and incorporate safe work practices to prevent exposure to the coronavirus. At the same time, employers must also familiarize themselves and comply with federal rules governing the payment of wages for temporary or seasonal workers. “Throughout the holiday season, all employees, including seasonal workers, should be trained not only on how to perform their jobs safely, but also on how to stay safe from the coronavirus,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “Every worker deserves a safe and healthful workplace, whether they are packing boxes, stocking shelves, delivering products or selling merchandise.” OSHA offers resources on holiday workplace safety for warehousing, delivery and retail workers. Guidance is also available for protecting workers from exposure to the coronavirus in retail and high customer-volume environments, stockrooms and loading docks, and package delivery. Additional information is available on workers’ rights, the protection of temporary and seasonal workers, as well as safety for young workers. Temporary or seasonal employees hired to provide additional help have the right to a safe and healthful workplace, and to be paid for the work performed. With added seasonal hiring, employees unfamiliar with working in seasonal positions and employers unaccustomed to hiring part-time and/or seasonal employees may not be fully aware of the rules that regulate

such work. “While retail employees work hard during the holiday season to serve shoppers and help the economy thrive, they have bills to pay. We need to ensure workers are paid their rightful wages,” said Wage and Hour Division Administrator Cheryl Stanton. “With more temporary and part-time workers employed during the

holidays, it’s important that we inform these workers and their employers about rules concerning work hours, wages and employment conditions, including their rights to paid sick leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.” WHD enforces federal minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping and child labor

Are you looking to get into the health & wellness business?

requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Common holiday season labor violations include failing to pay salespeople and cashiers for time spent prepping or closing out a register; requiring stock room and warehouse personnel to work through breaks without compensation; and not providing overtime pay to employees working more than

40 hours in a workweek. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.p

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November 2020

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In the News

NY Helmets to Hardhats Highlights Veterans for National Apprenticeship Week Apprenticeship Week with a series of posts featuring veteran members/alumni of the program, including members from IBEW Local 3, Glaziers Local 1087, IUEC Local One, Local 638 Steamfitters, and Heat & Insulators Local 12. Here's what Local 3 member Ken Jacobsen had to say: "My transition out of the military started with a good friend of mine, John Grogan, who introduced me to the Helmets to Hardhats program. He looked into it for me while I was still in servPhoto courtesy NYC Central Labor Council ice. I created my H2H profile and was able to communiew York Helmets to cate with Anne Trenkle who helped start my career with Hardhats helps veter- Local 3 Electricians. This was one of the greatest opporans pursue a career in tunities that had happened and every day I could not be a union construction trade of more thankful to Helmets to Hardhats for helping with their choice. This week, this transition." NYH2H commemorated both Read the full series of profiles on the NY Helmets to Veterans Day and National Hardhats Facebook page!p

NYC Care Available Citywide

YC Care is a health care access program that guarantees lowcost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. All NYC Care services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals . With NYC Care, you can get a unique membership card to access health services, choose your own doctor, and get affordable medications. NYC Care Services include: Primary and Preventive Care,

ith the critical Georgia Senate races heading into runoff elections on January 5th, The New York City Central Labor Council, in conjunction with the national AFL-CIO, is hosting daily phone bank opportunities for NYC union members to reach out to union households in Georgia. With the control of the US Senate in the balance, we need your help. We ask that you sign-up today to help support the AFL-CIO Endorsed Candidates, Reverend Warnock and John Ossoff. You can pick a day & sign-up here: Labor Votes Phone Bank Sign Up. Every call you make will help us get one step closer to ensuring working people win this runoff.

Virtusl Phone Banks are open from 11 am to 8:30 pm. You will provide voters information on casting their Early Votes through December 31st, voting by mail, or casting their ballot on Election Day, January 5th, 2021. We ask that you join us and sign-up as a Labor Votes! Phone Bank Volunteer today! After signing up you will receive a username and password to get started making calls. With just a few hours of your time between now and January 5th, you can help us stand in solidarity with Georgia! Sign-up today! p

Local 802 Fights for Justice at New School, Gets Featured on NBC Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health, Medications 24/7, Eye Care and Glasses, Specialty Care, Mental Health and more!p

Union Plus Holiday Giveback Campaign nion Plus, a nonprofit organization founded by the AFL-CIO in 1986 to provide consumer benefit programs exclusively to union members (current and

Volunteers Needed for Phone Banking to Georgia Union Households

Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

J retired) and their families, is giving $1,000 to 100 extraordinary union members this holiday season with the Union Plus Holiday Giveback! Tell Union Plus all about an extraordinary union member you know and they'll be entered to win!p

azz faculty represented by American Federation of Musicians Local 802 are fighting for justice and a voice at the table at the New School. Local 802 musicians of the Metropolitan Opera were also recently featured on NBC news, including a clip of their recent on-the-street performances. Musicians give an update on their current contract situation and how they're helping scientists figure out the safest

way for musicians to return to performing. And finally, Local 802 is continuing to solicit testimony from musicians and other artists about how they've been affected by the pandemic. Your responses could help New York State lawmakers with much-needed legislation.p

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November 2020

Jobs & Recession

3 Lessons in Resilience to Help You Get Through 2020

illionaire Mark Cuban was fired from his first job in software. Actress Jameela Jamil endured three life-changing medical diagnoses before breaking big in Hollywood. Musician John Legend was receiving unemployment checks while waiting for his big break. Life is rarely linear or straightforward — even for some of the most successful people in the world. From minor speed bumps to cavernous potholes that force an abrupt U-turn, everyone experiences significant disruption to what they had imagined their life might look like. For many of us, 2020 has been one of those years. "From the pandemic to the recession to racial injustice to the election, the big, crazy stories of this year have affected everyone's lives in very real and often very distressing ways," says Carlos Watson, a

journalist, entrepreneur and CEO of cutting-edge media company OZY, tapped as the next HBO. "It's a very trying time for people across the country and the globe - and it might well continue for quite some time," continues Watson, who is also the host of Defining Moments With OZY on Hulu, one of the best interview shows currently available to stream, featuring in-depth interviews with culture-defining celebrities who have battled adversity on the road to success. Watson and OZY's relentless focus on highlighting unique, fresh stories has again paid off, with impactful and candid reflections on failure, loss, struggle and resilience making Defining Moments With OZY perhaps the most important show of 2020. While no two paths are the same, there's a lot we can learn from figures like Amy Purdy, who was given a 2 percent chance

to live before fighting back to win Olympic gold, and Jason Collins, who had to hide his sexuality for decades for fear of rejection. As everyone across the globe faces their own Defining Moment this year, there are several lessons we can all take away to help us find hope for a way out of difficulty. Here are just a few: 1. The power of being broke The importance of perseverance - the determination to keep trying, keep learning and keep perfecting your craft, even when things aren't going your way - is something most hugely successful people emphasize. From selling garbage bags door to door as a teenager to moving to Dallas without a job or a place to live, Mark Cuban has always been hustling, as he reveals on Defining Moments With OZY. "I was always healthily afraid,"

Carlos Watson

says Cuban. And before he became John Legend, John Stephens felt he was on the cusp of breaking through - six years before he was anywhere close. 2. Difficult personal circumstances may have silver linings Sometimes an unplanned change in life circumstances can precipitate a positive reevaluation of personal goals

— whether that unexpected event comes in the form of a medical emergency, mental health issue, job loss or freak accident. For Jameela Jamil, it was all four. While her life has been shaped by a cancer scare, which caused her to move to the U.S., where she ultimately found fame; a battle with body dysmorphia; and cursing during her first live TV appearcontinued on page 16

Paralegal Certificate Program for Shop Stewards & Union Members We believe an educated worker is an empowered worker. We want to help all workers to understand and advocate for their rights effectively. Our Legal Training Certificate Program provides the knowledge, tools and resources to do just that! Mandatory Topics Introduction to Legal Research and Writing Introduction to Immigration Law Introduction to Personal Injury Law Introduction to Social Security Disability Law Introduction to Labor Law: Your Rights in the Workplace Introduction to Article 78 Litigation Introduction to Civil Rights Introduction to Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Introduction to Workers’ Compensation Introduction to Employment Discrimination & Sexual Harassment Introduction to Labor Unions & Racism Introduction to Audio & Video Podcast Production

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November 2020

Jobs & Recession

CWA Local 1180 Reaches Agreement with City to Prevent Layoffs

ommunications Workers of America Local 1180 announced yesterday that it has negotiated an agreement with the City of New York that will prevent the layoffs of members through at least June 2021. The agreement will save the City $15.9 million by deferring payments to both the union’s active and retiree welfare funds in exchange for no layoffs of Local 1180 members in Mayoral agencies, the Department of Education, or New York City H+H through June 2021. “As President of Local 1180, I have a responsibility to protect the jobs of my members and to make sure that their benefits remain intact,” said Local 1180 President Gloria Middleton. “However, I also understand that a pandemic is a once-ina-lifetime event that has brought with it economic destruction the likes of which no one could have predicted. I’m glad we were able to work in partnership with the City to come to terms on an agreement

that helps them financially and keeps our members employed.” The agreement also stipulates that should the City of New York receive $5 billion in budget relief from federal and state sources, the no-layoff agreement would be extended through June 30, 2022. New York City has been anxiously waiting on federal funding from the HEROES Act or other means, and for New York State to pass Early Retirement Incentive legislation and grant New York City borrowing power that would ease the financial noose around its neck. Middleton stressed the need for both the federal and state governments to do their jobs and stop the political battles that up until this point have left municipal workers wondering if they would receive pink slips for the holiday. p

3 Lessons in Resilience/continued from page 15

ance, it was a life-threatening car accident at age 17 that was the biggest turning point in her life. "Getting hit by the car was the best thing that ever happened to me. I'd do it all over again," says Jamil. Similarly, Olympian Amy Purdy tells Watson how her bacterial meningitis diagnosis, which led to the amputation of both her legs, instilled in her a new sense of drive that has shaped her life for the better. 3. The battle to fit in can make you stronger In many cases, personal struggle comes from external forces such as discrimination, prejudice and exclusion. For Dominique Jackson, the trans star of Pose, and Jason Collins, the first active NBA athlete to come out as gay, the struggle with their identity included being rejected by family. Both Jackson and Collins found external support networks that helped them thrive — and ultimately repair their family relationships. Sophia Chang, an Asian

American hip-hop mogul, has struggled against being marginalized for her race, gender and immigrant status her entire life. "Fine-tuning that anger and owning it" is the key to turning vulnerability into strength, Chang reveals in her Defining Moments With OZY interview. For more inspiring insights to help you make sense of this challenging year, binge the entire first season of Defining Moments With OZY - now streaming on Hulu.(BPT)p

Get more resources to help your professional career and boost your confidence at www.freeparalegal.org

November 2020

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Old & New Immigrants: Their Rights

Trump Administration Wants to Deny Work Permits to Some People Released From ICE Detention BY EMMA WINGER

he Trump administration announced on November 17 that it plans to start denying work permits to people who have been ordered deported, but who have been released from immigration custody because they cannot—or should not—be deported. A stated purpose of this new rule, published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is to encourage people to self-deport. Rather than keep a person with a deportation order locked in immigration detention indefinitely, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) must release the person on an Order of Supervision (OSUP). An OSUP allows ICE to monitor individuals with deportation

orders without holding them in jail, resulting in cost savings for taxpayers. There are many reasons why a person with a removal order isn’t deported. Sometimes foreign countries refuse to issue a travel document or permit its citizens to return. The government cannot detain someone for an unlimited period of

time in such circumstances. Once a person’s removal is not “reasonably foreseeable,” ICE must release him. In the past, ICE has also released individuals for humanitarian reasons. For instance, ICE has chosen not to detain or deport people with complicated medical issues that can only be treated in the United

States. The agency has done the same for single parents with U.S. citizen children. Right now, people released on an OSUP can apply for permission to work. This makes sense. People released into the community need to be able to support themselves and their families for as long as they live in the United States.

But DHS wants to change that. DHS has proposed a rule that would prohibit work permits for individuals released from detention on an OSUP unless they fall into an extremely narrow exception. The new restrictions would not apply to individuals with final deportation orders granted protection in the United States. If the rule goes into effect, work permits will be available only to people who show that they cannot be removed because all the countries DHS has contacted have affirmatively declined to issue the necessary travel documents for the individual. This gives deportation officers power to deny people work authorization simply by requesting travel documents continued on page 18

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November 2020

Old & New Immigrants: Their Rights

A Dangerous Mix: The Holidays & Domestic Violence BY JANET HOWARD

omestic abuse always seems to increase during the holiday season, the week of Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, as families and couples spend more time together at home. Coupled with Coronavirus lockdown measures, too, have led to increased incidences of abuse as couples and families are further isolated from the outside world. Now, advocates are concerned that a combination of the two will have dire consequences. Also, social distancing measures have also made it more difficult for victims of abuse to seek help and remove themselves from abusive relationships. Thus, counseling, shelters for battered women and other outreach programs are more crucial than ever. While nearly everyone will busy with family, for some

other people, the holidays are just another reason to remain in isolation. They're not hiding by choice though. They live in isolation out of fear for their safety. That's because unlike friends and families, domestic abuse doesn't stop and take a break during the holidays. Unless a victim does something about it, domestic abuse can continue from Thanksgiving until far beyond New Year's Day. Defining Domestic Abuse While each state has its own definition of domestic abuse, they're in general agreement that it can consist of a single isolated incident or a pattern of harassing, threatening, intimidating, or violent behavior toward intimate or former intimate partners, household members or family members. Gender and sexual preference are irrelevant. Some typical examples of domestic abuse would be emotional, psychological, physical, and sexual aggression along with financial exploitation. Domestic Violence Orders A court order commonly known as an order of protection, a domestic violence or restraining order can be sought and entered when a person has been a victim of domestic abuse. A court

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might even enter an order if an individual has a reasonable fear of domestic violence. Along with other protections, the rules operate to prevent an abuser from contacting a protected person either directly or indirectly by phone, email, or through a third party. The orders can also prohibit the abuser from coming near the home, place of employment or school of any protected person. Any violation of an active domestic violence order can be prosecutable in the criminal courts. Conviction comes with the possibility of a jail sentence. Victims of physical or sexual abuse need only dial 911. When the abuser is under arrest, arrangements can be made for an appropriate order and then leaving. By moving, the risk of further domestic violence is reduced drastically. It's not going to be easy, but it's likely to provide a victim and his or her children an opportunity to heal both physically and emotionally. Resources are out there for victims of domestic violence. A trusted friend, relative, police officer, or attorney can get you pointed in the right direction. They all want to see you and your children healthy and happy again. Immigrants and Domestic Violence Immigrants in the US. have the right to live life free of abuse. Due to the victim’s immigration status, abusive partners have additional ways to exert power and control over their victims. If you are an immigrant or refugee in an abusive relationship, you may face unique issues that make it hard to reach out for help. A specialized immigration attorney should always be your first point of contact when it comes to immigration questions and concerns. You can also listen to Ask the Lawyer Radio Program on WVIP 93.5FM on Thursdays, 10pm-11pm and Sundays, 11pm to 12am. The program provides great information and also an opportunity for a FREE, no obligation legal consultation. The number to call is 855-768- 8845. You can also visit www.askthelawyer.us Domestic violence is against the law regardless of one’s immigration status. Be a loving family member, good friend, and caring neighbor: please share this information. p

Deny Work Permits/ continued from page 17

from as many countries as possible, even where the person has no connection to that country. This requirement is designed to be near-impossible. Historically, countries have been unwilling to issue such affirmative statements in writing. Even people who fit into this narrow exception would also have to show an “economic necessity” for work authorization. Applicants for work authorization do not typically have to demonstrate economic necessity. And even those who are eligible for employment authorization will not be able to renew their work permits unless they are employed by a business that uses E-Verify. E-Verify is an online government program where employers can verify their employee’s work eligibility. But the program suffers from errors. Most importantly, the overwhelming majority of U.S. employers do not use E-Verify, and so the proposed rule would put nearly impossible employment restrictions on the few people still eligible to work while on an OSUP. If this new rule goes into effect, this already vulnerable population—stateless people and those released for humanitarian reasons—will be forced to live life on the margins, without legal permission to work. The government’s goal— make life so difficult for people that they deport themselves— is despicable. Many people with families to support, including those with young children, depend on the ability to work. The unbearable hardships DHS would be imposing through this regulation will have widespread ramifications.p

Emma Winger is a Staff Attorney with the American Immigration Council, where she works to protect the rights of noncitizens through affirmative litigation, amicus briefs, and practice advisories for immigration attorneys.

Diabetes Health Special November 2020

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. We Stand Greater Than Diabetes.

earing that your child or loved one has diabetes can be a shock. But after that shock wears off, know that there are plenty of things you can do to help manage this illness. With planning and preparation, you can get back to normal life and resume your daily activities. You can make physical activity part of every day. You can create a balanced diet for your child—one that everyone can live with and thrive on. Throughout it all, know that diabetes can’t keep your child from doing whatever they want and achieve their highest goals. There are Olympic athletes with diabetes, as well as professional football players, politicians, actors, rock stars and CEOs. So, take a deep breath. You can do so much to make sure the people you love are thriving as they manage their diabetes. Whether you’ve been newly diagnosed, have been fighting against type 1 or type 2 diabetes for a while or are helping a loved one, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the right place to start. This is the start of gaining a deeper understanding of how you can live a healthier life—with all the tools, health tips and food ideas you need. Wherever you’re at with this disease, know that you have options and that you don’t have to be held back. You can still live your best life. All you have to do is take action and stick with it. United by a common purpose Right now, things are difficult for people living with diabetes—and for

those who love them. Between the constant bad news and the bleak forecast, it's easy to feel powerless, afraid and small. Enough is enough. It's time to embrace a message of hope and empowerment. Because hope is greater than fear. Actions are greater than words. And unity is greater than division. November is American Diabetes Month—a time to take action together, as a community. Because together, we can conquer this disease. Together, we stand greater than diabetes.

For your information:

Speaking > Silence If not now, then when? If not you, then who? There's no better time than American Diabetes Month to reach out to your representatives and make your voice heard. Join the community in advocating for expanded testing, zero-dollar co-pay caps and continuous health care coverage. Thriving > Surviving Making healthy choices and taking steps to manage your diabetes can ensure you don't just live but thrive with diabetes. But it's important to take steps now-your health can't wait. It's time to thrive by finding a balance of nutrition, physical activity and mental health management. Equity > Prejudice No matter one's race, income, zip code, age, education or gender, good health and health care are human rights. This American Diabetes Month, know your rights and share our Bill of Rights with your loved ones.

Visit www.diabetes.org Advancement > Acceptance More than 34 million Americans are living with diabetes. Among those who have dies from COVID-19, 40% were living with diabetes. It’s time to make sure tomorrow is greater than today. We Stand Greater Than Diabetes It’s our chance to show the world what life with diabetes is really like. Every year, our community comes to-

gether to ring the alarm on the diabetes epidemic. For the millions of us who are at risk for it, it’s a time to get educated, find resources and make sure all those around us are aware of their risk, too. And for the millions of us living with diabetes, it’s a chance to tell our stories and awaken the world. Until we find a cure, we will find each other and lift each other up. Will you join us? Visit www.diabetes.org p

MANAGING DIABETES

How to Help a Loved One

With Diabetes When You Live Far Apart Offer your support.

Learn about diabetes.

Managing diabetes is not easy, whether a person has just been diagnosed or has been living with diabetes for many years. Family support can help a person with diabetes manage everyday tasks and deal with changes in care over time.

Learning about diabetes can help you understand what your family member is going through and ﬁnd ways to help them prevent emergencies and manage their health care. It can also make talking with your family member’s doctor easier. Here are some tips:

But if you live far away from your loved one with diabetes, you may worry about how you can help. Being prepared with the right information can help you provide support, even from a distance. This short guide offers tips that can help.

Learn as much as you can about your loved one’s diabetes medicines, supplies, and equipment, including their blood sugar monitor and test strips. Go to CDC’s Living with Diabetes website to learn more about managing diabetes. See the Resources for Everyone section on page 4 of this guide for other ideas. Ask your loved one to teach you about how they are managing their diabetes and what kinds of support they may need. For example: f Do they just need someone to check on them now and then? f Do they need someone to take them to appointments or help make medical and ﬁnancial decisions? f Remember—it’s their health, so it’s up to them how much they want to share with you. Let them know that you’re there to support them if they need you.

November 2020

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Diabetes Health Special

Preparing for a Low Blood Sugar Emergency

hen Alejandra Marquez was 12 years old, she suddenly started to scream during an otherwise typical Sunday church service. There was a loud buzzing that only she could hear, and she soon began to have trouble standing. "It sounded like a mosquito loudly humming in my ear," Marquez said. "It was a terrifying first episode, and I'll never forget it." Her parents called a local doctor, who told them that Marquez immediately needed sugar. She drank a soda as her father drove her to the emergency room. A week prior to this incident, Marquez had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, but she and her parents were unprepared for the potential dangers of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. What is hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a potentially dangerous condition that occurs when a person's blood sugar (glucose) levels fall low enough that they

need to take immediate action. For people with diabetes, low blood sugar usually happens when blood sugar levels fall below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), though some people have symptoms of low blood sugar at higher levels. "Low blood sugar is most common for people with diabetes, especially those who take medications that increase insulin levels or otherwise lower blood sugar levels," said Javier Morales, M.D., an endocrinologist and spokesperson for the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). "Everyone with diabetes, as well as their friends and families, should be familiar with this condition and be prepared." Low blood sugar causes approximately 100,000 emergency room visits per year in the U.S. The potential risk of a low blood sugar emergency can take an emotional toll on people living with diabetes, disrupting dayto-day tasks. A third of adults with diabetes worry about driving safely because of possible low blood sugar episodes.

Get the lowdown on low blood sugar Marquez has lived with Type 1 diabetes for over two decades and has experienced several low blood sugar emergencies since her first episode as a child. As an adult, she regularly volunteers with DiabetesSisters, a U.S. nonprofit that aims to improve the quality of life for women with diabetes and for those at risk. "On that Sunday when I experienced low blood sugar for the first time, I remember that I'd skipped breakfast," Marquez said. "I had also just begun diabetes treatment. Part of being prepared for a low blood sugar episode is knowing these types of risks, as well as possible signals that your blood sugar is low, so you can act quickly." Risk factors for low blood sugar include taking certain diabetes medications, eating less than usual, age, excessive alcohol consumption and increased exercise without enough nutrition. Symptoms can be mild, such as dizziness or unusual irritability, or more severe and life-threatening, such as

seizures. Some people with milder symptoms may have episodes that go unnoticed, while others might have more serious symptoms and need family members or their support circles to be prepared to help. Be prepared for a low blood sugar emergency People with diabetes should speak to an endocrinologist (a physician who specializes in hormones and metabolism) about blood glucose targets, treatment options and how to prepare for a potential blood sugar emergency, and then share this plan with those close to them. "It's vital for people at risk to prepare for an emergency, but it's also important that friends and family know how to act if needed," Morales said. "It's possible for someone with severe low blood sugar to become confused or unconscious, so people who are often around you also need to know the steps to take." For milder emergencies, Morales advises people to follow the Rule of 15, which in-

volves eating 15 grams of carbohydrates or simple sugars and then rechecking blood sugar levels after 15 minutes. If blood sugar is still low, the person should have another serving. Once blood sugar levels are back to normal, they can eat a meal or snack to make sure it doesn't lower again. For severe emergencies, a person may need to administer emergency hypoglycemia rescue therapy, which contains an up-to-date prescription of glucagon in any delivery format (e.g., injection or nasal spray). Insulin should not be injected, as it will lower a person's blood sugar even more. People in an emergency situation or those assisting them should also seek medical care or call for medical assistance, if needed. Be sure to tell the emergency dispatcher if a person has diabetes and may be experiencing severe low blood sugar. Learn more about hypoglycemia and preparing for an emergency at bloodsugarlows.com. p(BPT)

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November 2020

Diabetes Health Special

Conquer High Blood Pressure

early 1 in 3 American adults has high blood pressure, and 2 of 3 people with diabetes report having high blood pressure or take prescription medications to lower their blood pressure. When your blood pressure is high, your heart has to work harder and your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other problems goes up. The thing you may not know is that high blood pressure won’t go away without treatment. That could include lifestyle and dietary changes and, if your doctor prescribes it, medication. What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force of blood flow inside your blood vessels. Your doctor records your blood pressure as two numbers, such as 120/80, which you may hear them say as "120 over 80." Both numbers are important. The first number is the pressure as your heart beats and pushes blood through the

blood vessels. Healthcare providers call this the "systolic" pressure. The second number is the pressure when the vessels relax between heartbeats. It's called the "diastolic" pressure. Here's what the numbers mean: •Healthy blood pressure: below 120/80 •Early high blood pressure: between 120/80 and 140/90 •High blood pressure: 140/90 or higher The lower your blood pressure, the better your chances of

delaying or preventing a heart attack or a stroke. When your blood moves through your vessels with too much force, you have high blood pressure or hypertension. When your heart has to work harder, your risk for heart disease and diabetes goes up. High blood pressure raises your risk for heart attack, stroke, eye problems and kidney disease. You should always have an idea of what your blood pressure is, just as you know your

height and weight. How will I know if I have high blood pressure? High blood pressure is a silent problem — you won't know you have it unless your healthcare provider checks your blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked at each regular doctor visit, or at least once every two years (for people without diabetes or other risk factors for heart disease). What can I do about high blood pressure? Here are some easy tips to help

reduce your blood pressure: •Work with your healthcare provider to find a treatment plan that's right for you. •Eat wholegrain breads and cereals. •Try herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods. •Check food labels and choose foods with less than 400 mg of sodium per serving. •Lose weight or take steps to prevent weight gain. •Limit alcohol consumption and consult your healthcare provider about whether it is safe to drink alcohol at all. •If you smoke, get help to quit. Ask your healthcare provider about medications to help reduce high blood pressure. Samples of these types of medications include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics. To learn more about the link between high blood pressure and diabetes, visit KnowDiabetesbyHeart.org.p

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High blood pressure, diabetes & your heart Type 2 diabetes puts you at higher risk for heart disease, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk. Managing your blood pressure is one way to lower your risk of heart disease.

High blood pressure is anything above 120/80 mmHg.

What can you do? Start simple

What’s the connection?

Ask your doctor to check your kidney function and blood pressure.

Adults with diabetes are

Know your numbers

MORE LIKELY TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK OR STROKE THAN PEOPLE WITHOUT DIABETES.

The combination of high blood pressure and diabetes drastically increases your risks. That’s why it’s vital to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. If you have diabetes, there is a lot you can do to manage your high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about your next steps.

Keeping your blood pressure and blood glucose in your target ranges is vital for your overall health.

Keep it up Take care of yourself with exercise, healthy diet and taking your medications as prescribed.

You’re not in this alone. Find answers to your questions and join the initiative at: https://KnowDiabetesbyHeart.org/join © 2020 American Heart Association, Inc. and American Diabetes Association, 501(c)(3) not-for-profits. All rights reserved. Know Diabetes by Heart is a trademark of the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association. Unauthorized use prohibited. Citations available upon request.

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November 2020

Love, Health & Travel

Governor Cuomo Announces New Guidelines Allowing Out-of-State Travelers to "Test Out" of Mandatory 14-Day Quarantine

overnor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on OCtober 31, new guidelines allowing out-ofstate travelers to New York to "test out" of the mandatory 14day quarantine. Travelers from states that are contiguous with New York will continue to be exempt from the travel advisory; however, covered travelers must continue to fill out the Traveler Health Form. Essential workers will continue to be exempt as well. The new protocol is effective Wednesday, November 4. "The ship of State is sailing well: New York is the third lowest positivity rate in the nation and New Yorkers should be very proud of what they're doing. However, travel has become an issue - the rest of the states pose a threat. We're going to a new plan given the changing facts, and the experts suggest we shift to a testing

policy," Governor Cuomo said. "So there will be no quarantine list; there will be one rule that applies across the country. We bent the curve of this virus by following the data and the science, and we are continuing that approach with these new guidelines." For any traveler to New York State from out of state, exempting the contiguous

states, the new guidelines for travelers to test-out of the mandatory 14-day quarantine are below: For travelers who were in another state for more than 24 hours: •Travelers must obtain a test within three days of departure from that state. •The traveler must, upon ar-

rival in New York, quarantine for three days. •On day 4 of their quarantine, the traveler must obtain seek another COVID test. If both tests come back negative, the traveler may exit quarantine early upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test. For travelers who were in another state for less than 24

hours: •The traveler does not need a test prior to their departure from the other state, and does not need to quarantine upon arrival in New York State. •However, the traveler must fill out the traveler information form upon entry into New York State, and take a COVID diagnostic test 4 days after their arrival in New York. Local health departments will validate tests, if necessary, and if a test comes back positive, will issue isolation orders and initiate contact tracing. The local health department must make contact with the state the traveler came from, to ensure contact tracing proceeds there as well. All travelers must continue to fill out the traveler information form upon arrival into New York State to contribute to New York State's robust contact tracing program.p

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November 2020

Love, Health & Travel

Four Ways to Bounce Back After Your Divorce BY JANET HOWARD

divorce can leave you feeling lonely, alienated, and wondering whether you will ever find love again. However, many people stay in their mourning period for too long and then find it challenging to start dating again. Wallowing in selfpity can wreak havoc on your self-esteem and make it seem as though you do not deserve a second chance at love. The following are a few tips to help you avoid this and ensure you bounce back after your divorce: Know That You Are Not Alone Statistics show that almost 50% of all marriages in the United States will end in divorce. While this is a dismal statistic, it is by no means an indicator that most people do not try to make their marriages work. The average married couple

stays together for at least 11 years before calling it quits. These statistics should show you that you are not alone when it comes to divorce and that you have a community that you can reach out to, should loneliness and other negative feelings threaten to overwhelm you. Concentrate on Building Relationships with Friends and Family Your friends and family members will make up your support system during the months after your divorce. It is, therefore, significant to ensure that you cultivate these relationships during and after your divorce. You can have people to call on whenever you start to feel like you can never move on. Take up a Hobby Unless you get custody of the kids, chances are that you will have a lot more free time after

your divorce. You may find yourself struggling with what to do. Consider taking up a hobby. Some activities include learning how to knit or crochet, taking cooking classes, joining a gym, or making use of your backyard to develop your green thumb.

Ease Back into Dating Slowly Once you feel that you are ready, start going out on a few dates so you can meet new people and develop other relationships. The end goal of these dates is to get yourself out there and have fun without necessarily aiming for longterm relationships or marriage.

In Conclusion Getting divorced can leave you feeling lonely. Many people take time to heal and rediscover themselves after a divorce but may end up spending too much time alone in the process. Bouncing back after a divorce requires that you put yourself out there to promote your happiness. p

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November 2020

Elections 2020

New York’s Next Big Political Battle: Erasing Partisanship in Drawing District Lines BY JOSEFA VELASQUEZ THE CITY

omen will gain at least 14 seats in the 117th Congress, setting a new record for female representation. The winners of Tuesday’s New York races for the state Legislature are likely to find themselves campaigning for reelection in 2022 for a district that’s different than the one they just ran to represent. That’s because 2020 is not just an election year, but a once-a-decade Census year. Across the nation, state lawmakers will use the results of the Census count to redraw district lines for elected office. The coming redistricting, expected to finish in early 2022, will be unlike any other New York has experienced. A bargain struck by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders during redistricting nearly a decade ago amended the state constitution to move from ruling-party control of map-making to a commission that could have

Governor Andrew Cuomo sits with Senate Majority Leader Andrea-StewartCousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie before delivering his State of the State address in Albany, Jan. 8, 2020. Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

greater independence. The 10-member commission — two appointed by each party in each house of the state Legislature and another two by the members collectively — will hold public hearings before deciding on the new borders to present to the state Senate and Assembly for approval. In contrast, the current lines were drawn in 2012 in a largely political process where members of the ruling party in each chamber of the Legisla-

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ture determined what the districts look like. In the state Senate, then-ruling Republicans added a district to the roster — cramming as many seats as they could into sparsely populated upstate areas prone to electing GOP members. In the city, they zig-zagged district lines block by block to help protect the Republican Party’s few five-borough senators and their allies. Party hands drew one district, currently held by Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn), to concentrate Orthodox Jewish voters in sufficient numbers to elect a senator on their own. In the state Assembly, where Democrats’ majority control has long been secure, leaders used their line-drawing power to reward or punish politicians — in the case of now U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (DBrooklyn), redrawing his Assembly district line to exclude his home in 2002. Now, the hope is, a fairer, less fraught and more transparent process could prevail for the state Senate and Assembly as well as the lines the Legislature draws for congressional seats. New rules discourage drawing districts to favor incumbents, require that districts have a relatively equal number of inhabitants and aim to keep ethnic and racial communities intact to guarantee political representation. “It’s untested in that it hasn’t been used before. So part of it is a learning process for everyone,” said Steven Romalewski, director of the mapping service at the Center for Urban Research at the CUNY Graduate Center.

Shortchanged Representation A less starkly partisan process could tamp down redistricting practices that are legal but baked in lopsided partisan advantages for the ruling party — while also shortchanging New York City residents on their representation. When Republicans drew the Senate lines in 2012, retaining party control of the chamber even though most New Yorkers are registered Democrats, the lines crammed an excess of voters into districts in New York City and Long Island. Meanwhile, they created underpopulated districts upstate, said Jeffrey Wice, an adjunct professor at the New York Law School who has served on several state and federal redistricting councils. “That enabled Republicans to get more districts upstate to elect Republicans and fewer districts downstate to limit Democratic gains,” he told THE CITY. The Senate saw a sea-change shift to Democratic control in 2018, with some of those gains now hanging in the balance as the 2020 results continue to be counted. Yet the redistricting reforms — approved by voters in a 2014 referendum — don’t completely eradicate partisan advantages in the process. A proviso in the commission granting the minority party some say gives Republicans influence regardless of which party controls the chamber. The intricate voting structure of the commission changes depending on the composition of the Legislature, making it difficult to reach agreement without ensuring minority-party support. That is, unless a party has a “super-majority” of 42 seats in a 63-seat chamber, which would allow them to approve district lines without any support at all from Republicans in the minority. “With the voting structure as it is right now, there needs to be a certain level of minorityparty buy in,” said Jennifer Wilson, the deputy director of the League of Women Voters of New York State. Role Reversal This intricate setup will be put to the test in the coming round

of redistricting: Democrats are poised to keep control of the 63-seat chamber for a second cycle following Tuesday’s election, but are likely to fall short of retaining a supermajority needed to thwart Republican influence. That is, unless Democrats in the Senate and Assembly prevail with another constitutional amendment, rentrenching from the original reform deal nearly a decade ago. This new measure, expected to embolden singleparty rule in the process, will likely be approved by state lawmakers when they reconvene next year, according to spokespeople for Senate Majority Leader Andrea StewartCousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. The new constitutional amendment proposal passed both houses in July but needs to be approved again next year before it can go to voters for approval in November 2021, when New York City will be voting for a new mayor. The proposal says that if seven of the commission’s members okay a redistricting plan, state lawmakers can approve it with a simple majority. If no proposal gets the support of seven commissioners, then the plan with the most approval is sent to the Legislature, where it must pass with 60% of the votes. That means that Democrats in the Senate would have an easier time carving up districts in their favor to ensure control of the chamber for years to come — a practice they decried when they were in the minority. Despite the possible pitfalls, the new system for drawing districts is much more equitable than its predecessor because of the guidelines the commission has to consider, Wilson said. “Whereas before the rules around drawing the map were like, ‘Do anything you want., Whatever you want to do, do it.’ Now there’s actual rules in place,” Wilson said. p

This story was published on November 4, 2020 by THE CITY.

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Workers' World Today - Issue 14

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