Workers' World Today - Issue 18 by IQ INC.

March 2021 INSIDE

House Passes Historic Dream and Promise Act ... 19

Equity Loans and First-time Buyers ... 18

Dividing Up Your Assets During a Divorce ... 13

Issue #18

3 Ways Employers Could Help Fight Vaccine Skepticism

NYCOSH Report Reveals Alarming Trend as NYC Construction Deaths Continue to Spiral Upwards

BY RITA MEN THE CONVERSATION

nding the pandemic depends on achieving herd immunity, estimated at 70% or even 80% to 90% of a population. With some 30% of Americans telling pollsters they have no interest in getting vaccinated, that’s cutting it a bit close. The numbers are even worse in many other countries. In the fight against vaccine skepticism, employers can play a key role. This is not only because it’s an important precau-

Editorial credit: Aisyaqilumaranas / Shutterstock.com

tion for the health and safety of their employees, but also because a recent survey shows people around the world, including in the U.S., tend to

trust their employers more than governments or the media. Moreover, Republicans, who are more likely to say they won’t get the vaccine, are also generally continued on page 12

Hot Topics and News You Should Know About

he New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) released its annual construction fatality report, “Deadly Skyline: An Annual Report on Construction Fatalities in New York State.” The report, which analyzes newly available data for the 2019 calendar year, found that construction fatalities in New York City increased for the third year in a row. Construction deaths in New York City account for a much higher percentcontinued on page 9

Another Blow to Black & Latino Students ... 14

Wrongful Deaths Lead to Financial Difficulties ... 8

Will Endorsements Matter in NYC’s Mayoral Race? ... 26

Labor-Related News - Nationally & Locally

Keeping Love Alive After the Honeymoon

President Biden on the Passage of the VAWA Act of 2021 ... 20

... 23

5 Tips To Stop Fear From Blocking Your Path To Success

F NYC Labor Movement Condemns Anti-Asian Hate & Violence ... 3

Columbia Graduate Student Workers on Strike ...10

Concern About NYC’s “Open Culture” ... 16

ear has been a common emotion throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But with vaccinations bringing hope of a return to normalcy, public confidence is making a comeback. For many, however, fear was an obstacle continued on page 17

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March 2021

Our movement is of the working people, for the working people, by the working people. . . . There is not a right too long denied to which we do not aspire in order to achieve; there is not a wrong too long endured that we are not determined to abolish. —Samuel Gompers

Contents

Labor History - March 18

In Solidarity: President Biden Sends Strong Pro-Union Message.......................................................3 Civil Rights: ‘Not Safe’: Medical Advocate Urges Release of All People Held by ICE...............................4 Money Matters Third Round of Economic Impact Payments............................... ...........................5

Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

The Post Office’s first mass work stoppage in 195 years—"The strike that stunned the country"—begins in Brooklyn and Manhattan and spreads to 210,000 of the nation’s 750,000 postal employees. Mail service is virtually paralyzed in several cities, and President Nixon declares a state of emergency. A settlement comes after two weeks - 1970

Education .... 15 Chancellor Ross Porter: Why I Dare to Dream Big

Workers’ Matters Wrongful Deaths Lead to Financial Difficulties.......................................................................8

NYC Honors the 146 Workers Lost in the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire ....16 Mostly young immigrant women were killed as a direct result of abhorrent working conditions and woefully insufficient workplace safety standards. The loss of life was both tragic and avoidable, and sent shockwaves through our city and nation.

Union in Action IBEW Local 3 Honors Fallen Members and Recognizes 1st Year Apprentice for Heroic Action.........................................................10

Love, Health & Travel Diabetes is the Focus for National Kidney Month...............................................22

COLUMNS Keeping Love Alive After the Honeymoon .... 23 Here are some wonderful ways to start your marriage with the intention of living a higher love life than the Jones'. Married life needs work like any relationship. There are ups and downs in every marriage.

Family: The True Modern Relationship .... 13

Protect Our Kids — Sign the Petition! During 2018 and 2019, New York City School Safety Agents confiscated 2,701 weapons that were being brought into schools. Yet, the New York City Council is currently gambling with the safety of our children by proposing a bill to not only transfer the 5,038 School Safety Agents— 70% of whom are women of color—from the NYPD to the Department of Education, but to eliminate them from schools entirely. We cannot let that happen! Visit NYCSchoolSafetyCoalition.com to learn more and sign the petition!

No matter what your feelings surrounding the divorce are, when you're ready to start the divorce process, reach out and schedule a consultation with an attorney so you can get the assistance you need.

Do you want more? Visit www.workersworldtoday.com

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March 2021

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In Solidarity

President Biden Sends Strong Pro-Union Message to Workers Seeking to Organize

P 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

resident Biden made perhaps the strongest public statement in support of the right of workers to organize that any American President has made in memory, denouncing employer intimidation and anti-union propaganda and affirming that unions level the playing field and lift up all workers, both union and non-union. Not only that, the President pointed out what many often forget: that the National Labor Relations Act doesn't just say that unions should be allowed to

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 Linda N. Chris Tobias Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Telephone 1-866-435-3286

Editorial credit: archna nautiyal / Shutterstock.com

exist, but that unions should be encouraged. It's an important message not just for workers in Alabama who are organizing to make Amazon a better and safer place to work, but for all

workers across New York City and across the nation who are coming together to demand their right to a voice in the workplace. p

Email info@workersworldtoday.com Visit us at www.workersworldtoday.com

We Condemn Anti-Asian Pacific Harassment and Violence

he following is a statement by NYC CLC President Vincent Alvarez and and Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) NY Chapter President Steven Moy on AntiAsian Pacific Harassment and Violence: “The New York City Labor Movement is horrified and outraged by this week’s fatal attack on mostly female workers of Asian Pacific descent in Georgia. No one should have to fear for their lives at their jobs. We send our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones. Our movement again strongly condemns the continuing racist and xenophobic attacks against people of

Editorial credit: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

Asian Pacific heritage across our country. Asian Pacific American workers have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with other medical and health care workers on the front lines of the fight to save lives and provide comfort to the ill, and others doing essential work have kept New York running

so that we all had access to the goods and services we rely upon. At the same time, Asian Pacific workers, their families and communities have suffered high rates of unemployment due to the economic crisis caused by both the pandemic and discriminatory immigration policies.

The NYC Labor Movement will not stand by while members of the Asian Pacific community are targeted, harassed, and even physically attacked in our own city or anywhere in our nation—we must all take responsibility for ending these attacks and ensuring the unity of all working people.”p

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March 2021

Civil Rights

‘Not Safe’: Medical Advocate Urges Release of All People Held by ICE, Especially Amid COVID-19 BY SPLC

n this Q&A conducted by SPLC Staff Writer Liz Vinson, Dr. Amy Zeidan, an assistant professor at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and co-director of the Georgia Human Rights Clinic and the Society of Asylum Medicine, discusses the urgent need to free detained immigrants from custody, especially in light of the COVID19 pandemic. Zeidan recently signed on with 86 other physicians and health care professionals to call for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release people from the Irwin County Detention Center (ICDC) in Ocilla, Georgia, and to close the facility. SPLC: What does ICE often overlook in terms of providing medical care to people who are detained? Zeidan: What I most commonly see is unaddressed

medical problems, including mental health problems. Detained individuals with complicated psychiatric or psychological disorders very rarely receive standard of care. Most ICE detention centers simply cannot provide proper health care. There are not enough nurses, doctors or behavioral health providers who work at ICE facilities and have the appropriate resources to provide treatment. Further, detention facilities are not appropriate facilities for individuals with complicated medical and psychiatric diseases to reside. Detained individuals with serious mental health problems are often placed in solitary confinement, which, in my

opinion, constitutes torture. I have also reviewed cases in which ICE withholds medications from individuals residing in ICE facilities long-term, including life-sustaining medications like those for cancer and HIV. Frequently, people do not get routine medication that they desperately need. SPLC: Why did you decide to sign the letter urging the Department of Homeland Security to release people in ICE detention from the Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia? Zeidan: Primarily, I don’t see a rationale to detain people who are fleeing persecution and, secondly, even if that wasn’t

my position, the risk of detaining people during a pandemic is so high – the risk of becoming sick is so great – that I simply cannot justify keeping individuals at ICDC locked up. Furthermore, ICE lacks the capacity to provide proper medical care to the individuals it detains, and the agency simply cannot follow through with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended guidelines to effectively control the virus in detention facilities. Facilities are perpetually understaffed and in many states, facilities are located much too far away from proper medical facilities, like hospitals, where they could receive proper medical treatment should they become infected. People in detention have died from the virus, and these people – including detention center staff – can become ill from the virus really quickly. You can be fine one day, and

the next day you’re critically ill. These facilities are not built to be health care settings, especially for those subject to COVID-19 or other medical problems that are aggravated while in detention. SPLC: How is the pandemic affecting individuals in ICE facilities not only at ICDC but across the nation? Zeidan: What we’ve seen is [that] those who have COVID19 in detention settings are at a much higher risk than those of the general population. In terms of public health, the situation is terrible. The only way you can truly prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to test everyone residing in the facility and anyone who leaves and comes back, including staff. But this doesn’t often happen. From a community perspective, it appears that ICE is sadly not providing appropricontinued on page 5

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March 2021

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Civil Rights Not Safe/ continued from page 4 ate resources including protective equipment to their employees. And for those detained, there aren’t appropriate measures in place to treat them; they cannot socially distance, and when they are transferred – which happens frequently – they are potentially bringing the virus with them to a new detention center. With the pandemic, it’s affected our nation badly. Evidence-based data shows us that the percentage of people in detention facilities who have been diagnosed with the virus is greater than those outside of detention. SPLC: Why do you feel that, nationwide, ICE must release all of its people in detention during this pandemic? Zeidan: The medical argument is that immigrant detention is not safe for people, end of story. We don’t need a pandemic to illustrate that to us. It is not a safe environment for people to be living in. Most people who have been detained have worsening medical mental health problems, and we still have much to learn about the long-term effects of

the virus. There are ongoing side effects for those who have survived COVID-19, but we don’t know how that will impact longer-term health outcomes. In these detention facilities, there is no access to proper medical treatment for COVID-19. Only time will tell what the downstream effects are for inadequate access to treatment or medical care. But it is certainly concerning that many facilities are located so far from an appropriate medical facility, with some hospitals over two hours away. SPLC: What is your opinion regarding the release of all people in ICE detention not specific to the virus itself, but in general? Zeidan: Detained people are often fleeing persecution. So by detaining them, you’re essentially taking someone who has been victimized and retraumatizing them. Detention in and of itself is traumatizing. It leads to worsening medical and mental health conditions, and there’s certainly a link between mental health and physical health. The facilities, as I said, are understaffed, and they don’t have access to appropriate

medications or referrals to specialists. The conditions in detention are not adequate for exercise, appropriate nutrition and overall a healthy lifestyle. There’s also the moral argument – stripping people of their rights who are fleeing terror at home is simply something that I cannot understand. These facilities were first put in place for those who were true flight risks. Most individuals residing in the facilities are not. By that standard, we are violating the 1987 United Nations Convention Against Torture. We signed on to say we would be a place of refuge. What we are doing with detention violates human rights, so I believe this is not only the medical perspective but a human rights-based approach. We shouldn’t leave this type of law open to interpretation. If our law says we will open our arms to people fleeing persecution, then we should. SPLC: What type of plan do you foresee that could be rolled out nationwide to release people in ICE detention safely? Zeidan: Many detained individuals have sponsors or people who would come forth to help them integrate or reinte-

grate back into society. The challenge or barrier is that some of the policies the Trump administration put in place severely challenge those sponsors to be able to do just that. You could make the argument that, well, what if detained individuals are released and have COVID-19, and then they spread it? What we’d recommend, just like any other setting, is that they isolate for 10 to 14 days before meeting their sponsor to protect themselves and their sponsor. Detention is a new thing. Arriving to our country and fleeing persecution is not. There are strategies for relief that are safe.

But it is possible. We just need infrastructure to support those transitions, and that may mean a sort of staggered approach to reintegrating back into society. I think any release should be in direct partnership with community- or faith-based organizations. If ICE can work with those organizations, then we’ve come full circle. And I think these organizations who would like to see the end of immigrant detention would gladly work with the release of individuals if this were considered as a solution. Many could poke a hole in this and say it’s not possible, but it’s feasible if detention centers are willing to try.

SPLC: When you say a “safe” setting, what do you mean? Zeidan: There are incredible community organizations and faith-based organizations who provide refuge for people. Data shows that when you criminalize people, they become more exposed to violence and their health problems worsen. So these organizations could provide support for those in transition, and we can continue to use these resources. It’s hard to say, “release them all, and they’ll figure it out.”

SPLC: To those who disagree with your opinions, what would you say? Zeidan: At the end of the day and as a physician and expert in my field, the argument is black and white. There is no good evidence to show us that detention facilities are good for people, no matter what. I would hope that people can understand the negative health impacts and risks that detaining people have over wanting to criminalize someone for wanting a better life.p

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

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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.

March 2021

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Money Matters

Highlights of the Third Round of Economic Impact Payments

n general, most eligible people will get $1,400 for themselves (those filing joint returns will get $2,800) and $1,400 for each of their qualifying dependents claimed on their tax return. Eligible families will get a payment based on all of their qualifying dependents claimed on their return, including older relatives like college students, adults with disabilities, parents, and grandparents. Unlike the first two payments, the third stimulus payment is not restricted to children under 17. Because these payments are automatic for most eligible people, contacting either financial institutions or the IRS on payment timing will not speed up their arrival. The amount of an eligible individual's EIP3 will be based on the taxpayer's latest

processed tax return from either 2020 or 2019. This includes anyone who registered online at IRS.gov using the agency's Non-Filers tool last year or submitted a special simplified tax return to the IRS. If the IRS has received and processed a taxpayer's 2020 return, the agency will instead calculate the amount of the individual's EIP3 based on that return. If a taxpayer's payment is less than the full amount and is based on their 2019 return, they may qualify for a supple-

mental payment after they file their 2020 return. The IRS will automatically reevaluate their eligibility. If the agency determines that they are entitled to a larger payment or the full payment, it will send them a supplemental payment covering the difference between what they originally received and the larger amount. If the re-evaluated amount is smaller, they won't need to pay back the difference. Aside from filing a 2020 tax return, no action is needed on their part. In addition, the IRS will automatically send EIP3 to people who didn't file a return but receive Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Affairs benefits. This is similar to the first and sec-

ond rounds of Economic Impact Payments. Social Security and other federal beneficiaries will generally receive this third payment the same way as their regular benefits. The IRS is working directly with the Social Security Administration, the Railroad Retirement Board, and the Veterans Administration to obtain updated 2021 information for recipients to ensure it is sending automatic payments to as many people as possible. More information about when these payments will be made will be provided on IRS.gov as soon as it becomes available. While payments will be automatic for many people based on their federal benefits information, some may need to file a 2020 tax return, even if they don't usually file, to provide information the IRS

needs to send payments for any qualified dependent. People in this group should file a 2020 tax return to be considered for an additional payment for their dependent as quickly as possible. Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal benefits may qualify for these stimulus payments. This includes those experiencing homelessness and others. If you're eligible and didn't get a first or second Economic Impact Payment (that is, an EIP1 or EIP2) or got less than the full amounts, you may be eligible for the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, but you'll need to file a 2020 tax return.p —IRS.gov

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March 2021

Workers’ Safety

Wrongful Deaths Lead to Financial Difficulties BY MARY CAMPBELL

he sudden and unexpected death of a of a spouse is certain to cause family members anguish, especially if that person's death was a result of an accident. Couple that with the resulting financial distress that the family suffers, and the loss seems insurmountable. Regardless of whether the decedent's family members continue to grieve, their household needs to carry on. After the funeral and burial costs, there are still the monthly mortgage and utilities, and food needs to be put on the table too. Figuring out how a family will survive without the decedent's income only compounds the feeling of helplessness. Here are a few examples of the types of cases that a wrongful death lawsuit might be filed in: •Auto accidents •Truck crashes •Pedestrian accidents •Falls •Motorcycle crashes

•Dangerously defective products •Falls Steps You Must Take Early On When you come to grips with the fact that you and your family must keep moving forward, your focus will be placed on your family's financial affairs. Here is how you can begin doing that: •Inquire with your spouse's employer as to whether any

life insurance, pension plan or other benefits might be available. If one or both exist, inquire into who the designated beneficiary is. •If there was a will or revocable living trust, take possession of it, and keep it in a safe place for the time being. •Obtain any and all financial documents and keep those in a safe place too. •Contact a respected and effective wrongful death lawyer to arrange for a consultation and case review. It's highly unlikely that you'll be charged for this. Given the circumstances, you'll want to meet with that individual in person. Wrongful Death Laws Every state has its own wrongful death statute. Such statutes are civil in nature and don't carry criminal penalties. They're intended to compensate surviving family members for the death of a loved one

who died as a result of the wrongful act or failure to act of somebody else. The Burden of Proof The major factor that distinguishes a criminal reckless homicide case from a wrongful death case is the burden of proof. In a criminal case, there is a prosecutor's office that must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. In the civil wrongful death case, the surviving family must retain its own private attorney to prove its case by a preponderance of the evidence. That's a lower burden of proof. It means that the surviving family's version of events is more likely considered true than not true. Regardless of the fact that there is a lower burden of proof, there are many defenses that are available to an insurance company. Even if liability isn't at issue, damages can be hotly contested. The Timing of the Two Cases If a person is charged criminally for the death of another

person, the criminal case and the civil case won't be heard in the same courtroom. The two separate cases will be held in different courtrooms with different judges and jurors. Note that any civil wrongful death case can be brought at the same time as the criminal case is pending. Given the lower burden of proof in the civil wrongful death case, a defendant might be found not guilty in in a criminal prosecution but guilty in the wrongful death lawsuit spinning off the same set of facts. An insurance company faces big financial exposure in any wrongful death case. It will defend such a lawsuit vigorously. Family members of a decedent who are interested in seeking compensation for damages should seek qualified, aggressive, experienced and compassionate legal advice and representation as soon as possible. The longer that they wait to retain a wrongful death lawyer, the greater the financial distress they're likely to suffer. p

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March 2021

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Workers’ Safety Construction Deaths/ continued from page 1 age of overall worker deaths than the rest of the country. In 2019, construction deaths accounted for 26 percent of all worker deaths in New York City, compared to 19 percent nationwide. Construction fatalities in New York State decreased for the third year in a row in 2019. Despite this decrease, the percentage of construction fatalities among all worker deaths were still slightly higher for the entire state than the nationwide average. In general, working conditions across industries are much more dangerous for Latinx workers. While an estimated 10% of New York State’s workers are Latinx, in 2019, 20.5% of workers who died on the job were Latinx. “Construction workers put their lives on the line every day to build our homes, hospitals, schools and offices. Seeing a trend of rising fatalities in New York City is particularly alarming, and it’s time lawmakers commit to defending and expanding safety rules and regulations to ensure that bad

actors are held accountable and workers can return home to their families at the end of the shift,” said Charlene Obernauer, NYCOSH Executive Director. Other key findings include: •New York State’s construction industry remained highly dangerous for workers in 2019, but fatality numbers decreased slightly since 2016. The number of construction workers who died in New York State decreased 5% between 2018 and 2019, with 58 deaths in 2018 and 55 deaths in 2019.

•In contrast, New York City’s construction fatality numbers increased in 2019, for the third year in a row. Twenty-four

construction workers died in 2019, compared to 22 in 2018— a 10% increase. •Non-union job sites are especially dangerous for workers. NYCOSH analyzed OSHA’s 32 construction fatality investigations in 2019 and found that in New York State, 78% of workers who died on private worksites were non-union. In the 19 OSHA-investigated sites in New York City, 68% of the construction workers who died were non-union.

•OSHA’s small budget resulted in low inspection numbers. An analysis of OSHA inspections in New York State shows a continued decrease over the past several years. OSHA also issued fewer press

releases over the past few years, and studies have shown that publicity on OSHA enforcement can lead to fewer violations.

tractors

•Contractors’ OSHA violations coincide with construction worker fatalities, but violations do not prevent contractors from receiving government subsidies. All OSHA-inspected sites that experienced construction fatality cases in New York State in 2019 were always found to have OSHA violations once an investigation occurred. Yet even in these instances, employers are not legally prevented from receiving subsidy dollars. To address rising construction fatalities in New York City and to continue to work collaboratively to lower fatalities across New York State, NYCOSH recommends the following measures in the report: •Require construction training and certification for New York State’s construction workers

•Use existing city power to suspend or revoke licenses and construction permits for criminal contractors

•Preserve New York’s Scaffold Safety Law •Pass Carlos’ Law to increase penalties against criminal con-

•Expand criminal prosecutions of negligent contractors statewide

•Double OSHA’s budget to allow for more proactive inspections before tragedies can occur •Continue to increase funding to the New York City Department of Buildings •Protect Latinx and immigrant workers who are disproportionally hurt on the job •Analyze and compile additional data on rising construction fatalities trends in New York Cityp About NYCOSH The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) is a membership organization of workers, unions, community-based organizations, workers’ rights activists, and health and safety professionals.

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March 2021

Union In Action

Columbia Graduate Student Workers on Strike

Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

ith masks on and drums beating, student-workers formed a picket line on Monday at 116th Street and Broadway and along College Walk to mark the first day of their strike. The in-person demonstration was only a fraction of the strike, as the over 3,000 members of Graduate Workers of Columbia-United Auto Workers—some of whom are dispersed because of the pandemic—also sent communication blasts and shut down Zoom classes worldwide. This moment is the culmination of two years of unsuccessful negotiations with

Columbia for the union’s first labor contract. The strike will continue indefinitely until the University and GWC-UAW bargaining committee reach an agreement on the seven open articles still remaining. “For the things that arguably don’t cost the University money, when they deny us those demands, they deny us dignity, and for the economic asks, they deny us literally the material conditions we need to live a livable life in New York City,” GWCUAW bargaining committee member Steven Lazickas said. “They pay us starvation wages, so they’re denying us a healthy life and they’re denying us dignity. And that’s why we’re going on strike.” p

IBEW Local 3 Honors Fallen Members and Recognizes 1st Year Apprentice for Heroic Action

n recognition of the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, IBEW Local 3 has added a Memorial page to their website with the names and photos of Local 3 members who have been lost so far. The photos were also the centerfold of Local 3's February 2021 Union World newspaper. Family members who would like to submit a photo of a member currently missing from the memorial can do so by emailing dhinton@local3ibew.org. At the union's General Membership meeting last week, 1st-year apprentice Devon Brummell received the Life Saving Award—the highest honor bestowed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers—in recognition of his heroic actions on the job. While working for Allan Briteway Electrical Contractors at the Turkish embassy in Manhattan on November 2, 2020, Devon saved a Local 3 brother who started choking during their midday lunch break. Devon intervened immediately and, standing behind his co-worker, he applied pressure on his chest. The incident occurred on the

26 Court Street, Suite 701, Downtown Brooklyn

same day Devon received his union card. “I would've done it for any brother or sister,” Devon said.p

Your work is essential! Protect yourself & others from flu and COVID-19 this fall and winter:

MASK UP

LATHER UP

SLEEVE UP

Wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth. And keep your distance (at least 6 feet) from others when you can.

Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season.

A flu vaccine can protect you, your loved ones, and your co-workers from flu. You can also protect those around you by staying home if you are sick.

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March 2021

Workers’ Matters Vaccine Skeptism/ continued from page 1 much more trusting of business, suggesting employers may be able to have more influence on them than journalists or health experts. As someone who studies how companies communicate with their employees, I have three research-based tips that can make their efforts more effective. 1. Building trust with transparency Although many workers say they trust their employers more than some other institutions, trust erosion has been a prominent global issue. Just 61% of participants in the survey referenced above, conducted by public relations consultancy Edelman, said they trust businesses to do the right thing. That’s why it’s essential for companies to communicate with employees in a way that builds more trust. And research has shown that transparency has been consistently linked to employee relationship with their employer. By that I mean focus on giving

get the vaccine, whether it will cost anything and what that means for a return to the office. It also can help address unique concerns and issues of different groups, especially those who surveys show have more hesitancy about taking a vaccine. employees the facts – while dispelling some of the myths – and being clear about where it all comes from. There are many ways to disseminate the information, such as through email, flyers, corporate newsletters and social media, but inviting in local health experts is another good way to transparently lay out the facts while also helping skeptical employees get their questions and concerns addressed. The 2021 Trust Barometer survey showed that people trust scientists and people in their local community more than national leaders. Scientists scored even higher than employees’ own CEOs. 2. It’s a two-way street That brings me to another important point: Employers will be more effective if they treat employees as partners in the

internal vaccination program. And that means listening as much as talking. Research has found that companies that are pursuing a major change – such as a merger, layoff or rebranding – are more likely to win high employee acceptance if they engage in two-way communication that emphasizes listening, feedback, reciprocity, openness and trust. When employees feel their voices are being heard and taken seriously by their organization, they feel empowered and more involved, making them more likely to buy in to the organization’s decisions. Besides inviting health experts for Q&A’s, employers could also host staff listening sessions such as virtual town halls to gather feedback and address even basic questions, like when people are eligible to

3. Empathy works Businesses that emphasize empathy, compassion and genuine care for employees’ well-being have won applause from employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. My own recent study – which is currently under review – examined leaders’ use of motivating language during the pandemic. I found that supervisors who gave clear directions, showed empathy for how the pandemic affected workers’ personal lives and communicated support were most effective in fostering employee trust in leadership and the organization. While understandably trust that isn’t there can’t be built overnight, it’s never too late to do more. I found similar results in past research: CEOs perceived as exhibiting genuine care for their employees engender

more support for companywide initiatives. Beyond the language being used, companies can show they care in other ways – actions speak louder than words, after all. For example, some companies, such as Dollar General, Instacart and Publix, have offered paid leave time or cash incentive bonuses to encourage their employees to get vaccinated. The U.S. and the world face one of the greatest health crises in history. Ultimately, I believe, it’s a collective responsibility of everyone – governments, individuals, companies – to help turn the tide against the pandemic. And if companies needed one more reason, surveys and reporting show younger generations increasingly expect companies to be socially responsible. And recent research found that companies who engage in social advocacy tend to enjoy stronger brand loyalty. In other words, it’s good not only for society but for companies’ bottom lines, too.p Rita Men is an Associate Professor of Public Relations, University of Florida

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March 2021

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Family: The True Modern Relationship

Dividing Your Assets During a Divorce: What Every Couple Needs to Know BY JANET HOWARD 311DIVORCE.COM

ne of the most challenging aspects of divorce is the division of assets. When you and your partner choose to separate, you'll need to physically divide the things you own. If you purchased a lot of items together, including things like furniture or vehicles, you may find that it's a bit time-consuming to separate your assets. Unfortunately, this is something that needs to be done. Whether you were together for one year or several years, chances are you've accumulated some shared items that should be divided. When you and your partner are ready to start the process of dividing your assets, there are a few things you should know. Be Honest First off, make sure you're

honest about marital assets. This means you can't try to hide or steal things from your shared marriage. If there are items you acquired together, you need to make sure you give your partner a fair shot at claiming the item as something they want. When you cannot agree on who gets a specific item, it will typically be sold and the funds will be

divided. While separating your belongings can be difficult, it's important to focus on dividing things as fairly and evenly as possible. If neither one of you wants a particular item, such as a dresser or a set of dishes, consider selling or donating the item. Document Everything If your partner says you can

have an item, make sure you document this. You should also be clear when a particular item is something that only belongs to one of you. For example, if your husband inherited a piece of property from his grandmother, that would typically belong to him and not be considered marital property. Similarly, if you owned a business before you got married, this might not be considered marital property. Make sure you have documentation for items you do not plan to share and speak with your lawyer about the laws in your state regarding marital assets. Stay Focused When you and your partner are ready to start separating your belongings, you may feel anxious, stressed, or upset. You may feel tempted to continue an argument or say something mean. Avoid this. Try to stay focused on the job

at hand, which is dividing your belongings. You don't need to talk about the separation or the divorce at all. Your only task is to separate your things. Staying focused will help you complete the process as quickly as possible. Getting Help No matter what your feelings surrounding the divorce are, you may find that hiring a mediation specialist is beneficial. In some cases, your attorney may act as a mediator who can help you and your partner divide your belongings in a way that is fair and agreeable. When you're ready to start the divorce process, reach out and schedule a consultation so you can get the assistance you need. For a FREE case evaluation, call 855-768-8845 or visit www.askthelawyer.us to schedule an appointment.p

March 2021

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Education

Ending Testing for New York City’s Gifted Program May be Another Blow to Black and Latino Students BYJONI LAKIN THE CONVERSATION

fter years of relying on a single controversial test at age 4 for admission to their gifted programs, New York City schools are about to embark upon a new way to identify gifted students. The city’s Department of Education announced in February that it would stop testing students for its gifted program, which places top students in schools with curriculum designed for high academic achievement. Instead, preschool teachers will refer students for consideration. The city’s new schools chancellor, Meisha Porter, who was named to that post March 15, has said that overhauling the gifted and talented system is one of her top priorities. That

means the new system likely won’t be longterm, though there’s still reason to be concerned. Research has shown that teacher referrals tend to lead to fewer Black and Hispanic students’ qualifying for gifted programs, though Black teachers refer Black students more equitably. As an education researcher who studies how test data can help teachers tailor their lessons to students’ needs, I believe gifted education is a vital service to help students with exceptional academic ability realize their full potential.

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A fraught program to begin with NYC’s old system was rife with inequities and is due for an overhaul. But I worry the new system will be another blow to children and families of color – a group that has already suffered disproportionately during the pandemic. That’s not because the system was an exemplar of best practices, but because the system’s practices were so consistently criticized by gifted education experts. Its visible failures in equity could sway public opinion against gifted programs more broadly. Here are the key criticisms equity advocates had of New York City’s gifted and talented identification process: 1. It tested young children for high-stakes decisions For years, advocates for students in NYC have argued that using high-stakes tests on 4-yearolds to determine their school placement for the entire K-12 experience is unfair. It disadvantages students who didn’t attend academic-style pre-K or early enrichment programs. Researchers have also demonstrated how access to information added to the advantage some parents had in New York City. These parents knew about the testing process, signed up for the testing at higher rates, and could pay for test prep programs to optimize their children’s chances of selection. 2. It used ‘one and done’ identification The standards from the National Association for Gifted Children, a leading organization promoting gifted education, emphasize that students should have opportunities throughout their K-12 education to demonstrate the need for advanced or accelerated instruction – usually provided through gifted education services. Any test administered at age 4 will quickly cease to provide useful information, as students develop at different rates. Some accelerate during the elementary or high school years, while others who initially looked precocious settle into average achievement. A 2006 study showed that of the students who scored in the top 5% on a test in one year, about half will score in the top 5% the next year. In other words, if they were tested again the following year, up to half of “gifted” students wouldn’t make the cut.

3. It limited which students fully realize their potential Selecting students for a fulltime gifted program means that students who excel in one or more academic areas, such as English and verbal expression, but not in others, such as math or science, will be overlooked. Among highly able students, research suggests at least 15% have at least one academic area that is markedly weaker than their others. Impact on lower-income families As news reports have drawn national attention to New York City’s decisions, activists have called for dismantling these types of programs across the country. They argue that gifted programs are unnecessary, and that regular classroom teachers can serve all students at once. But research shows that many students start the school year performing well above grade level and are left to become bored and not reach their full potential. And when public schools don’t offer services to highachieving students, it’s natural that many parents in high-income families will seek out private services and additional opportunities for their children. Kids from low-income families, however, have fewer options to supplement their school experience. By failing students with advanced academic needs who come from underrepresented groups, New York City’s Department of Education risks losing the entire gifted program. I believe new solutions must be systemic and targeted – like those taking place outside Chicago that have expanded the number of students served by these programs and give all students full consideration to identify their academic talents. An overhaul is possible, but it has to start with evidence-based practices, not quick fixes. p Joni Lakin is an Associate Professor of Educational Studies, University of Alabama

March 2021

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Education

Chancellor: Why I Dare to Dream Big BY MEISHA ROSS PORTER NYC SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR

his week, I began leading the nation’s largest public school system. A school system that serves more than 1 million students—including, many years ago, me! I am both excited and honored to take on this role. Not only because I am a New Yorker born and bred, but because education is in my blood. Both my mom and auntie were teachers and between them have 40 years of changing young people’s lives. I became a New York City public school educator because of them, and the amazing teachers I had as a student myself— like Ms. Pearlman, my first grade teacher at P.S. 215, and Mrs. Hulak, Mr. Garrison, and Mr. McCarthy, and my great instructors at Queens Vocational and Technical High School where I studied plumbing. Over the course of 20 incredible years, I worked as an English teacher, an assistant

Chancellor Ross Porter Photo: NYC Dept of Ed

principal, and then principal. More recently, I served our school communities as a superintendent and Bronx executive superintendent. But I have to admit, never did I imagine that a youth activist from the Highbridge section of the Bronx would rise to become the first Black woman to serve as Schools Chancellor. This is a milestone, not just for me, but for every child who feels “different” but dares to dream big. I don’t come into this role wearing rose-colored glasses. I know how challenging the last year has been for all of us. I know just how much our students, families, teachers, school staff, and principals, have sacrificed and suffered. But I also see signs of re-

newal as more vaccines become available and more sectors of our great city reopen. I have that same sense of optimism about our schools. As I prepare to welcome our high school students back next week, I want to share my top three priorities for this school year and beyond: First and foremost, I want to give every student the option to go back into school buildings five days a week starting this fall. I want New Yorkers to know that our buildings are safe and that our schools are ready. We've put all the recommended safety and health measures in place, and our schools are one of the safest places in the city to be. I hope to see everyone back full-time come September. Second, I want to make sure that what we teach reflects students’ lived experiences, including any trauma related to this past year. We are coming back from the hardest year of our lives. We want all our students to see themselves in their curriculum, their classrooms, and their schools. We will have social-emotional supports in place as well, not only for our students but also for our staff. We are aware

that many people will be returning to schools where they've lost somebody. They may walk past an office that was once occupied by someone else. They may think about a paraprofessional who supported them or a kitchen worker who gave them an extra lunch every day. So, we will have a dual-pronged approach, addressing both academics and social-emotional learning. Third, I want to take the lessons we learned during the pandemic into the next school year. As an example, the pandemic forced us to harness technology to create a 21st-century learning experience and we’ve delivered nearly half a million devices into students’ hands. At the same time, it showed us that human interaction is critical; nothing replaces the experience between a kid and a teacher in a classroom. So, I want to bring these two worlds together, using technology to address students’ individual needs—both for those learning full-time in classrooms and those who may wish to continue learning remotely. To our families, I want to assure you that this will be a collaborative effort, with many opportunities for us to meet and talk. I promise to include your voices and expertise as we finish out this school year and plan for the next. To our students, as your Chancellor I will continue to dream big on your behalf, and I invite you to dream and achieve alongside me. Lean into your education, dream beyond your wildest imagination—and know that there are no limits, only endless possibilities.p

March 2021

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In the News

Actors' Equity Association Expresses Concern Over "Open Culture"

ctors' Equity Association has asked its members to talk to the union before agreeing to work for New York City's new "Open Culture" program. This program issues permits for outdoor performances, but does not guarantee workers a living wage or proof of workers' compensation. Safety is a concern as well; the program does not require social distancing, a COVID safety officer or COVID-testing for workers. The mayor's office has said that "one-size-fits-all regulations don’t really make sense for this program," when there are few regulations to speak of at all. By contrast, the state's

Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

new arts initiative, NY PopsUp, has incorporated fair pay and safety standards into its program. Theatre workers have now overwhelmingly been out of work for a year, and whether they are in a union or not, they deserve to return to a workplace that compensates them fairly and has clear, science-based safety standards.p

NYC Honors the 146 Workers Lost in the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

Union Booksellers Protest at NYC's Strand

orking people across our city, state and nation remembered and honored the victims of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, a catastrophic event in which 146 workers, mostly young immigrant women, were killed as a direct result of abhorrent working conditions and woefully insufficient workplace safety standards. The loss of life was both tragic and avoidable, and sent shockwaves through our city and nation. Outraged Americans demanded that

these workers’ deaths not be in vain, and the public outcry that followed brought a renewed sense of urgency to the labor movement and to the fight for stronger workplace protections and fire safety laws. For the second time since the start of the pandemic, we were unable to gather together as we usually do at the site of the fire on the corner of Washington and Greene Street. Instead, members of the Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition including Workers United, SEIU and the NYC CLC organized a commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the event throughout the day on virtual platforms. Hundreds posted remembrances using the hashtags #WeRemember and #TriangleFire, emphasizing the continuing need to "pray for the dead, and fight like hell for the living" to ensure strong and meaningful health and safety standards for all working people, especially as we continue to deal with the COVID crisis and begin the process of recovering and returning to work.p

nion booksellers held a rally outside the Strand’s flagship location in New York City, protesting the store’s labor practices after a year of worsening relations between employees and owner Nancy Bass Wyden. In preparation for the holiday rush last year, 38 union workers were rehired by the store, but 31 were subsequently laid off again, according to Melissa Guzy, a Strand bookseller who also serves in leadership of UAW Local 2179, which represents the workers. For some booksellers, this was the third time they were laid off since the Covid-19 pandemic upended the store’s business, which was

highly dependent on tourism and foot traffic. “People are struggling. People are struggling right now,” Guzy said. “They're suffering.” The protest drew more than two dozen booksellers including book workers from nearby Bluestockings Bookstore, Cafe, and Activist Center. Union members allege labor and contract violations by the Strand, including reassignment of union jobs to non-union managers and the outsourcing of web design and e-commerce functions to non-union vendors. p

Approval of the South Fork Wind Cable Landing!

limate Jobs New York and allies issued the following statement on the PSC’s approval of the South Fork Wind Project’s cable landing: “As groups representing local civic, environmental advocacy, labor and the business community, we collectively believe that the advancement of offshore wind projects, such as South Fork Wind, are among the most powerful tools to help New York transition to a cleaner, greener and more resilient clean energy economy. The Public Service Commission’s (PSC) approval of the project’s cable landing is another milestone along the path to South Fork Wind becoming New York's first offshore wind farm, and we applaud their thorough review and approval of this

historic project. When complete, South Fork Wind will provide enough clean energy to power more than 70,000 homes – reducing carbon emissions, creating green jobs, and helping the state meet its commitment to clean energy. We have stood side-by-side and championed this project because its success is directly tied to the ability of New York to achieve its goals of combating climate change with 100% clean energy, including at least 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind, and because it will create good union jobs in our communities."p

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March 2021

Jobs & Recession Stop Fear.../ continued from page 1 well before the virus. And as new opportunities emerge in a changing economy, fear can prevent people from pursuing opportunities that could help them prosper, says Tim Mercer ForbesBooks author of Bootstrapped Millionaire: Defying the Odds of Business. “Fear, more than anything else, is what keeps most of us from succeeding,” Mercer says. “It stops us from going after opportunities we’re prepared for, and it keeps us from even preparing ourselves for opportunities. We can fear failure and success all at the same time, for a variety of different reasons. “But if you know how to prevent fear from overpowering you, especially in these changing times, you’ll be prepared to seize new opportunities that can avail you as businesses continue to pivot.” Mercer offers five points about understanding and overcoming fear in order to pursue opportunities such as starting a business, buying one, or making a bold career move:

Accept that a little fear is useful. “The proverbial thorns in your flesh – fear and anxiety – keep you humble,” Mercer says. “That fear and anxiety some experience will likely never go away completely. And if it does, it may not be such a good thing. Fear means that you still care. It keeps you sharp and engaged.” Don’t run from the bully. Mercer says fear needs to be tackled head-on from the time it enters one’s mind. “Otherwise, it will become a debilitating problem that distracts from your work and ability to focus

on solving problems,” he says. “Fear is like a bully in school. You can’t run from that bully forever, because he’s going to keep harassing you. It’s the same thing with fear. The harder you try to run away from it, the worse it gets. You have to attack it directly.” Know what F.E.A.R. stands for. Mercer says there’s a great acronym for fear: false evidence appearing real. “The fear of the unknown really boils down to not knowing enough about the situation,” he says. “That’s why so many of us often find ourselves feel-

ing anxious about our future, because it’s ultimately a complete unknown. When false evidence about what may happen appears real to us, it’s virtually impossible to come up with a viable solution to the dilemma. Fear stalls our progress by clouding our judgment and leading us off our path to greatness.” Fight fear with knowledge. The most effective weapon against fear is knowledge, Mercer says. “Whether it be related to an individual or company, my finances, a business concept that’s foreign to me, legal issues, or something else,

I try to do as much homework as I can until I feel more comfortable with the situation,” he says. “Knowledge is confidence, and while confidence may not be the complete absence of fear, it certainly helps you control it.” Don’t be consumed by material success. “When you achieve great success, you obviously don’t want to lose what you have worked so hard to gain,” Mercer says. “And that desire to hold on to what you have built can become a crippling source of fear – a fear of loss – if you are not careful and begin to value the material things in your life too much.” “You will sometimes have fears of one kind or another,” Mercer says, “but you will get better at managing fear on each occasion that you face it down.” p Tim Mercer is the founder of Intelibox, a company that provides technology services and solutions to government agencies and Fortune 500 corporations. He also is the ForbesBooks author of Bootstrapped Millionaire: Defying the Odds of Business.

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March 2021

Home Ownership

Equity Loans and First-time Buyers BY CHRIS TOBIAS

quity is attached to your home; thus, the home equity loans are loans that utilize the home as a ticket to security when offering loans. The lender will force the homebuyer or homeowner to put up his home as collateral when applying for an equity loan. Thus, if you are considering taking a loan to payoff bills, or to roll bills into one or payoff high interest on credit cards, then you will need to consider the risks. Few lenders online claim to offer home equity loans with no upfront fees, which includes negative closing, appraisal, valuation, and so forth. However, the lenders often do not illustrate the restrictions, stipulations or exclusions when presenting these loans upfront. Thus, reading the fine print and terms can spare you when you are considering loans. For example, a lender may offer you a “30-year” fixed rate loan and tell you that you will get one point for applying for x amount, meaning that you will

receive a couple thousand off the closing costs by utilizing the point. Furthermore, if you have a zero-point equity loan, you could use points to refinance your mortgage to receive cheaper interest rates. Thus, the “zero-point, zero-fee loan” is one of the loans that often have higher interest rates and repayments toward mortgage. Some loans have clauses and penalties; and apparently few of the “zero-point, zero-fee” loans do not, which is worth paying higher costs, including interest rates, since you can use the points to reduce the interest rates over time without suffering penalty. If a loan comes with

penalties, you may be paying out more than you bargain for when refinancing your home. Finally, when searching for loans be sure to read, listen and consider carefully before signing a contract that could put you in bankruptcy or foreclosure. First-time Buyer and Equity Loans First-time buyer loans are rather straightforward—they are for persons who are buying a home for the first time. Equity loans, on the other hand, are loans that are issued to borrowers who already own a home. The equity of the home is put up as collateral against

the loan, meaning that if the buyer fails to meet expected payments, then he is at risk of losing his home. Thus, first-time buyer loans are different, since the borrower may not have collateral, such as a home to put on the burner, which is why the lender will consider the value of the home for purchase and use it in the equation to determine if the borrower is qualified for the loan. In other words, if the home purchased has equal equity to the mortgage loan, then the lender most likely will offer the loan. If the equity on the home for purchase is below the loan amount, then the lender may require a steeper upfront payment in addition to higher interest rates. The lender may also include guarantees in the contract, meaning that the buyer will agree to certain stipulations, including paying off penalties. Thus, first-time buyer loans are loans offered against potential equity. The house for purchase is the collateral against the loan. The lender will often

repossess the home if the buyer fails to make payments. Therefore, before agreeing to any contract involving large sums of cash, borrowers are wise to read all details involved in the transition. Few other loans are available for first-time buyers. Finding the Right Combination of Factors in an Equity Loan Some of the questions to consider is why do you need the loan? Are your first mortgage payments higher than you can afford? Is your goal to reduce interest and mortgage repayments? If you are searching for revenue to avoid high costs, then the equity loans are choice. When searching for an equity loan, read the fine print, since some lenders claim to offer loans with no upfront fees, and once you sign the agreement, they start asking for cash up front. Finally, read the terms and conditions as well to make sure you are not getting into a web of problems by borrowing money to save cash. p

March 2021

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Old & New Immigrants: Their Rights

The House Passes Historic Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act BY MELISSA CRUZ

he U.S. House of Representatives passed two immigration bills on March 18, signaling that Congress might finally enact major immigration reform for the first time in over three decades. These bills—the Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act—both offer pathways to U.S. citizenship for many immigrants with longstanding ties to the United States. Who Benefits from the Dream and Promise Act? Millions of immigrants living in the United States may soon be eligible for permanent status, thanks to the passage of the Dream and Promise Act of 2021. The bill passed by a 228-

197 vote in the House. If the legislation also passes in the Senate, it will provide an estimated 4 million Dreamers—young immigrants who came to the U.S. as children— a pathway to American citizenship. This would go further than the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative, which only provided temporary protections from deportation and the ability to work lawfully. Another 400,000 people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) would also receive a pathway to citizenship. Countries are designated for TPS or DED due to ongoing armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions. Most recipients have lived in the U.S. for

Editorial credit: Diego G Diaz / Shutterstock.com

decades. What Does the Dream and Promise Act Provide? The legislation—introduced on March 3 by Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard—would give current, former, and future undocumented high school graduates and GED recipients a pathway to citizenship.

Those who are eligible would need to follow a three-step process to obtain citizenship through college, work, or the armed forces. Upon meeting certain eligibility requirements, a person could apply for conditional permanent residence status. After maintaining that status, they can apply for lawful permanent residence (LPR)—also known as a green card—after

completing two years of college, two years in the armed services, or three years of employment. Individuals can apply for a “hardship waiver” if they don’t meet any of these requirements but have a disability or work as a full-time caregiver. The applicant may also receive a waiver if an LPR or U.S. citizen-spouse, parent, or child would face extreme hardship if they were deported. Once a person has held a green card for five years, they will be able to apply for U.S. citizenship through the normal naturalization process. Who Benefits from the Farm Workforce Modernization Act? Undocumented farmworkers, spouses, and their children continued on page 20

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March 2021

Old & New Immigrants: Their Rights House Passes Historic Dream and Promise Act/ continued from page 20 would be given a pathway to citizenship through the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. It passed the House by a 247174 vote. Farmworkers—many of whom are Mexican men on H2A visas—often toil under dangerous conditions providing Americans’ food supply. They have little workplace protections and no social safety net. The situation for undocumented farmworkers has only grown worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. What Does the Farm Workforce Modernization Act Provide? The bill seeks to correct some of the longstanding injustices undocumented farmworkers have faced for decades. It would create a process for farmworkers to earn a temporary status as a Certified Agricultural Worker. Individuals could earn this new status if they can show they’ve worked at least 180 days in agriculture over the last two years.

Spouses and children of undocumented farmworkers could also apply for temporary status under the act. Individuals could then get a green card after paying a $1,000 fine and completing additional agriculture work. The length of additional work would depend on how they have already worked in the farming industry in the U.S. The bill also seeks to streamline the H-2A visa process for employers and applicants by cutting the amount of required paperwork. It would also reduce the number of petitions employers must file for each worker. What Is Next for the Bills? The bills will now go to the U.S. Senate. Though the bills have received a level of bipartisan support, there are no guarantees on their passage. However, House leaders are cautiously optimistic that the bills can pass the Senate and become law. Despite their uncertain future, these two pieces of legislation represent a historic chance at much-needed immigration reform.p

President Biden on the Passage of VAWA 2021

applaud the House of Representatives for passing the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) with bipartisan support — and I urge the Senate to follow their lead to renew and strengthen this landmark law. Writing and passing VAWA is one of the legislative accomplishments of which I’m most proud. VAWA has transformed the way our country responds to violence against women. And, with each reauthorization, the Congress has expanded VAWA’s provisions on a bipartisan basis to improve protections, including for Native American women and survivors from underserved communities, and improve efforts to prevent intimate partner violence. While we have made significant progress, there is

President Joe Biden Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

still much work to do. As many as 1 in 3 women are subjected to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking at some point in their lives, and the rate is even higher for women of color, Native American women, and members of the LGBTQ community. Growing evidence shows that COVID19 has only exacerbated the threat of intimate partner violence, creating a pandemic within a pandemic for countless women at risk for abuse. In short, this is an urgent cri-

sis. This should not be a Democratic or Republican issue — it’s about standing up against the abuse of power and preventing violence. I am grateful to the House of Representatives for their leadership and dedication to ending genderbased violence. Now, I urge the Senate to follow past precedent and bring a strong bipartisan coalition together to ensure the passage of VAWA so that I can sign this legislation as soon as possible.p

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March 2021

Love, Health & Travel

Are We Looking at the Fourth Covid-19 Surge, Already?

he US is at a pivotal juncture in its fight against Covid-19. Though nearly 2.5 million Americans are being vaccinated every day, infection levels have now come to a plateau across the nation. And while some states have simply been unable to reduce the infection numbers, 21 states have once again begun reporting a rise in daily cases. These recent trends in Covid numbers — the plateauing, the increase, and the simple failure to bring down cases — despite accelerating vaccinations, are a cause of concern for public health officials. Now add to that mix, other progress-thwarting variables such as vaccine hesitancy, leniency in restrictions, and removal of mask mandates, and we are all facing a very real threat. Not to mention, all of this is happening in the pres-

ence of the quick-spreading, more contagious, and potentially dangerous new variants. Anything can happen. Our nation’s progress — that still has a long way to go — can be reversed anytime. This defining moment in the pandemic’s history is now coinciding with the superspreader event of spring break. Florida’s bars and beaches are packed with college students partying away and that too without masks.

Crowded beaches, booked theme parks, and worse of all, abandonment of masks, is the current norm among Florida spring breakers. The state’s residents are sitting tight, fearing another surge while health authorities stand alert. On top of all this, only last week, air travel in the US recorded the highest numbers since the start of the pandemic. More than 1.4 million passengers were screened at TSA security checkpoints on

Thursday and Friday alone last week. Last week’s average of daily new cases plateaued at 54,666, after declining for several weeks. Health experts including CDC Director, Rochelle Walensky are now “pleading for the sake of the nation's health". She said, “These should be warning signs for all of us. Cases climbed last spring. They climbed again in the summer. They will climb now if we stop

taking precautions." As per data collected by Johns Hopkins, the US has recorded over 535,000 Covid19 deaths and over 29 million cases. The nation’s leading infectious-disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, expressed much concern about the current situation in the following words. “It’s really quite risky to declare victory before you have the level of infection in the community to a much, much lower level than 53,000 cases per day. So it is unfortunate, but not surprising, to me that you are seeing increases in the number of cases per day in areas — cities, states, or regions — even though vaccines are being distributed at a pretty good clip of 2 to 3 million per day.”l —SpaceMask.com

Celebrate Easter at Home to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 • Keep your gathering small and celebrate with household members only. • If you choose to celebrate in person, wear a snug ﬁtting face covering to protect the elderly and vulnerable. • Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, including which groups are currently eligible to receive one.

For more information, visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus. If you are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, book your appointment by calling 877-829-4692 (877-VAX-4NYC) or visiting nyc.gov/vaccineﬁnder.

Bill de Blasio Mayor Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc Commissioner

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March 2021

Love, Health & Travel

Diabetes is the Focus for National Kidney Month

ew York, NY: In honor of National Kidney Month which starts today, the National Kidney Foundation's (NKF) national public awareness campaign, "Are You the 33%?” enters a new phase focusing on the connection between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD). NKF urges everyone to find out if they’re the 1 in 3 at risk for developing kidney disease by taking a oneminute quiz at MinuteForYourKidneys.org. Diabetes is a leading risk factor for developing kidney disease. Over time, having high blood sugar from diabetes can cause damage inside your kidneys. But it doesn’t have to end up this way; because with careful control of glucose (sugar) levels, there is evidence that you can prevent kidney disease in people with diabetes. Award-winning actress, Debbie Allen joined the campaign as the T2D Campaign

Celebrity Spokesperson in February, Black History Month, to help promote awareness of diabetes as a leading cause for developing chronic kidney disease. Allen has a family history of diabetes and was recently diagnosed with pre-diabetes. On March 11th, World Kidney Day, people with T2D will have a unique opportunity to attend a virtual fireside chat to hear Debbie Allen’s personal story first-hand. Allen will be joined by NKF’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joseph Vassalotti and a patient advocate with T2D and chronic kidney disease. Participants will have the opportunity to ask the speakers their own questions via a chat function. See registration details. Note this event is not open to media. “Millions of adults in the U.S. are walking around with kidney disease and don’t even know it. And if you have type 2 diabetes you

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are at increased risk for developing kidney disease,” said Kevin Longino, CEO of National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant patient. “Having kidney disease also puts you at greater risk of developing lifethreatening complications from COVID-19, so it’s really important that people go to our one minute quiz and find out about their kidney health.” People of certain racial and ethnic groups are more likely to develop kidney disease than others. Blacks or African Americans are 13 percent of the U.S. population, but represent 35 percent of those with kidney failure. Hispanics or Latinos are 1.3 times as likely as non-Hispanics/Latinos to develop kidney failure. A leading cause of kidney disease is diabetes which is more prevalent in these communities. Everyone needs to know about kidney disease, but especially if you have any one of these additional risk factors: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history of kidney disease. “With 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. at risk for developing kidney disease, we must urgently transform understanding risk into taking actions to protect kidney health,” said Joseph Vassa-

lotti, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at the NKF. “We want to help millions of Americans who have type 2 diabetes – those at highest risk for developing kidney disease – by encouraging them to talk to their doctors to learn if testing and other treatments are right for them.” The “Are You the 33%?” campaign urges T2D patients and everyone with a risk factor to learn more by taking a simple, one-minute online quiz at MinuteForYourKidneys.org. The campaign microsite is available in both English and Spanish at MinuteForYourKidneys.org. Patients should also ask their doctors about two simple tests to diagnose kidney disease: a specific urine test, called uACR, and a calculated blood test, called eGFR. In addition, Healthy.io, the creator of smartphone urinalysis, is partnering with the NKF to offer its home urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) test kit, free of charge, to people with type 2 diabetes who are at increased risk for developing kidney disease. Take the one-minute quiz at MinuteForYourKidneys.org. Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #MinuteForYourKidneys.p

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March 2021

Love, Health & Travel

Keeping Love Alive After the Honeymoon is Over BY MARY CAMPBELL

eing married is difficult at the beginning, middle and end. The end is divorce or death. The middle is when the kids have left home and retirement is the next earth-shattering event on the calendar. The beginning is the place where you have so many paths to take that can lead to the dog box, beautiful bliss or some kind of blah in the middle of those two places. Here are some wonderful ways to start your marriage with the intention of living a higher love life than the Jones'. Be Kind and Thoughtful You would think this would be automatic, but after a few years of married life it's easy to be the one complaining about the garbage not being put out, rather than the one putting it out. Be kind in many ways. You can offer to help with the

housework, laundry and gardening. You can give flattering comments. You can remember important anniversaries. You can bring home a favorite snack or give a hug. When you think about it, the ways to show kindness and thoughtfulness are never-ending. Be Romantic, Even if You are Not Naturally It's easy to use the excuse that you are not the romantic type. True romantics are not as common as you think. But just because you don't love being romantic or ideas to show it don't come easily, it's not a good reason to give up. Love letters, flowers, new clothes, massages, kisses - the list goes on. It's easy to execute the romantic ideas after you think of them. Remember the way to any man's heart is through food. It's an old cliche, but also it's true.

Make Plans Take a weekend away as often as you can afford it. Building memories together brings people closer. When you travel and see new places you will strengthen your love bond, even if you stay holed up inside a resort room getting room service and watching old movies. Holidays abroad are the big plans to look forward to. Even the process of planning the holiday can be bonding.

Give Space to Yourself and Your Partner Everyone needs some time alone. No matter how loved up you are, you will need some personal space to reflect, recharge and think. The same for your partner. Make sure you pencil in time for this important alone time often. Always Be Mindful Relationship mindfulness sounds like a term Gwyneth Paltrow would share if she

was your best friend meeting up for coffee. They say it's the little things that count. And it's true that a small loving gesture can brighten your partner's day (including making a coffee). But it's the consistency that counts too. When you stop doing the little things you are in the danger zone of taking your partner for granted and from then it can be downhill to resentment and arguments. Be mindful to express your love. Married life needs work like any relationship. There are ups and downs in every marriage. Start your marriage by following these love rules that will help you stay in the honeymoon stage as long as possible, then move into a deeper stage of love, respect and romantic. Before you know it you will be that really old twosome walking on the beach holding hands who everyone thinks is just the cutest couple ever. p

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March 2021

Love, Health & Travel

Why Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is Really Something to Celebrate this Year Once the new guidelines are in place, young adults age 4549, who are increasingly vulnerable to colorectal cancer, will become eligible for insurance that fully covers screening.

BY FRANKLIN G. BERGER THE CONVERSATION

arch is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I recognize that you’re not likely to throw a party to celebrate, since most of us are not comfortable talking about our butts and our bowel habits. However, there really is reason to talk about this disease, which kills over 50,000 people each year in the U.S. As a research scientist and colorectal cancer advocate, I am particularly excited over two significant developments that have occurred recently. These could save lives. First, in an effort to stem the growing numbers of younger adults who are diagnosed with the disease, a national panel has recommended lowering the age when screening should start to 45. Second, federal law has changed the Medicare reimbursement to make sure that the cost of a screening colonoscopy is fully covered. A deadly disease Colorectal cancer remains a major source of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. The American Cancer Society recently estimated that

Chadwick Boseman, who died from colon cancer at age 43. Boseman’s death underscores colorectal cancer increase in younger adults and health gaps for African Americans. Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

in 2021, there will be 149,500 new cases of colorectal cancer and 52,980 deaths in the U.S. alone. This places the disease fourth highest in terms of cancer incidence and second highest in mortality in the country. Only lung cancer claims more lives from cancer in the U.S. In addition, African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease and to die from it. And yet, colorectal cancer is among the most preventable of cancers. Over the past three decades, timely screening and removal of precancerous lesions, called polyps, before they progress to cancer have

contributed to sustained decreases in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. So, progress is being made, but we have a ways to go. In 2000, President Bill Clinton dedicated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, indicating that “our most effective weapon in defeating colorectal cancer is early detection and treatment.” Each year, survivors, patients, medical providers, researchers and advocates collectively disseminate knowledge of colorectal cancer and its prevention to the general population, promoting awareness and action

that will reduce the toll of this highly preventable disease. Alarming trend in young adults For quite some time, national guidelines have recommended that colorectal cancer screening begin at the age of 50, when risk of the disease starts to climb markedly. However, in recent years, researchers and physicians have observed that colorectal cancer is increasing in people under age 50. Screening has generally not been recommended for those under 50 unless major symptoms occur. Those of us who study the disease do not fully understand the reasons behind this increase, but there is growing concern among doctors, researchers and, of course, patients and their families. This concern has led to reconsideration of screening guidelines by the federal panel that recommends them. In October 2020, that panel – the United States Preventive Services Task Force – conducted a comprehensive and in-depth evaluation. It recommended that adults age 45-49 be screened for colorectal cancer. This brings the Task Force in line with what the American Cancer Society recommended in 2018. The revised recommendations are formally in draft form now, but they should be finalized within the next several months. The Affordable Care Act mandates that colorectal cancer screening follow these guidelines, and that private insurers and Medicare cover approved screening tests with no co-payments.

Getting rid of surprise payments The second development concerns Medicare coverage of screening colonoscopies. While Medicare must cover colorectal cancer screening with no copayments, a co-payment is charged if a polyp or other tissue is found and removed during a colonoscopy. The rationale for this has been that removal of tissue is considered a diagnostic, rather than a screening, procedure. This distinction has led to patients being surprised with a co-payment they weren’t expecting. Thus, Medicare patients undergoing colonoscopy think that they are fully covered, only to be confused by being billed for a co-payment after the procedure had been carried out. This has been deemed unacceptable by medical providers and public health advocates, who view removal of precancerous lesions to be an integral part of the screening process. In all, this situation, known as the Medicare loophole, has become a barrier to preventive colonoscopy in an older population that is at high risk of colorectal cancer. After many years of advocacy and lobbying around this issue by organizations such as Fight Colorectal Cancer and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the loophole was finally closed in December 2020, when Congress passed, and President Trump signed, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2020. This act, part of the COVID-19 Economic Relief Bill, requires the waiving of coinsurance charges associated with colorectal cancer screening tests, regardless of whether tissue is removed during the test. It will be phased in during an eightyear period beginning in 2022.p Franklin G. Berger is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina

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March 2021

Generations

Where There's a Will, There's a Way to Distribute Assets BY JANET HOWARD

ne of the most important legal documents an individual can sign does not take effect until after their death. Why would people care about what happens after they are gone? Because they cannot take their assets with them, people may want to ensure the property they leave behind is distributed as they desire. Instructions as to what they want done with their property can be set forth in a handy asset distribution guide called a will. Although the focus of a will is on what happens after death, a will is written while a person is alive. The person making the will is called the testator, and his final wishes are expressed in this legal document. The testator can set out how he wants his assets disposed of and how he wants his affairs managed following his death. These instructions

could include who gets specific property such as a valuable piece of jewelry, how much money someone is to receive from a designated source such as a bank account, or who should be the guardian of minor children left behind. Because a will is a legal document, specific requirements must be met for it to be deemed valid. These requirements are set by state law and vary from state to state. Since these are legal requirements, a prudent step is to consult an attorney for advice as to the correct way to proceed to make a will. Common requirements for wills are that they be signed by the testator. Their signature is usually observed by witnesses, who also sign the will. Typically, two witnesses, both adults, must be utilized. A witness should be a disinterested party, meaning they are not someone who would in-

herit or benefit from the will's provisions, to avoid challenges to the will. At least three good reasons exist for having a will. First, this document allows disputes over inheritance to be avoided. If the will states that the testator's son is to receive their coin collection, the testator's wishes are clear. Without a will, both the testator's son and the testator's brother could claim the testator said they were to receive the coin collection. Now the family is

dealing with both the testator's death and a conflict between family members. A second reason a will is a good idea is that the testator has piece of mind that their wishes have been stated and will be respected. If the testator does not want his son to get his car following his death, the testator can specifically leave the car to his daughter instead. If the testator wants his sister to oversee the distribution of his assets following his death, he can name her to

do so in his will. Finally, the best reason to have a will is that it prevents the government from determining the distribution of the testator's assets. If an individual dies without a will, they are said to die intestate. When such a situation occurs, the state has its own distribution plan which will be applied. The wishes of the testator, the family dynamics, and the family history are irrelevant to the state. While dealing with legal documents and attorneys may seem daunting, the value of having a will is worth that effort. With a will, an individual can literally have the last word by stating how they want their property distributed following their death. Having your wishes respected, avoiding family drama, and keeping the state from making decisions for you are all valuable benefits of making a will. p

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March 2021

Elections 2021

Will Endorsements Matter in New York City’s Mayoral Election and Other Races? BY RACHAEL HOLLIDAY SMITH & ALLISON DIKANOVIC THE CITY

s the 2021 race rolls along, candidates over the city are touting their endorsements — which is when a group or individual publicly supports a candidate. Those endorsements may seem like a bunch of acronyms and more names to keep track of. But they can be a tool to help some voters sort through a big election like this, especially when there are so many people running. So, for example, when you see that a huge health care worker union endorsed mayoral candidate Maya Wiley recently, here’s how to make sense of that — and other endorsements that will start to pile up the closer we get to the June 22 primary. How much do endorsements matter, anyway? Reader Liz M. from The Bronx got us thinking about this with her excellent question: “Which endorsements are the most sought after, and why?” To answer this and other endorsement queries, we spoke to three New York politics experts: Fordham University political science professor Christina Greer, Baruch College political science professor Doug Muzzio and campaign veteran and political consultant Neal Kwatra. Here’s what the experts say To Muzzio, there’s “no general rule of endorsements,” and which ones matter vary widely depending on the race. A high-profile local endorsement could have a huge impact in a City Council race in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, for example, but may mean nothing in a citywide race. But the experts agreed on at least a few big names and in-

Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

fluential groups that hold sway in New York no matter what. The unions — and their members The big unions — including 1199, DC-37 (representing city government employees), 32BJ SEIU (representing building service workers), the Hotel Trades Council (representing hotel workers) and the United Federation of Teachers — are definitely at the top of that list. Why? Because they can mobilize thousands of members to broaden a campaign’s reach. “They provide troops for the campaigns. They’re sources of money and sources of personpower,” Muzzio said. “They’ll phonebank for you. They’ll help you with get-outthe-vote efforts,” Greer said. “This is a built-in, politically educated class of people who have now said that you’re their candidate.” Plus, of course, their backing often translates into votes, Kwatra said — though by how much varies widely depending on the union. A recent survey Kwatra’s consulting firm helped conduct for the Hotel Trades Council found that among hundreds of members, 70% said they would choose the union’s preferred candidate “even over their own primary

research around candidates,” he said. “They were that emphatic about it,” he said. The individual endorsements — AOC … and Patrick Ewing? Individual endorsements — from a celebrity or a notable politician — can play a role, too, but how much power they hold is mixed. “The impact of endorsements, as far as political science literature is concerned, is contested,” Muzzio said. But for the experts, one person in New York tops the list of people whose endorsement could make a big splash locally: Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez. “The name alone signals a certain set of beliefs and values, and, if she endorses, a voter might look at that and say, ‘Ah, I know what this candidate stands for, and since I like AOC, I can move to vote for that person,’” Muzzio said. “Or maybe more, they can move to volunteer for that person. It’s not only voting.” For Kwatra, Ocasio-Cortez can speak to a specific group of voters who are “increasingly engaged and activated in the Trump era.” “I think for a lot of those voters — they’re younger, they’re more diverse, they’re more female — she is as impactful as anybody right now in the city

of New York,” he said. Mayoral campaigns will often tout celebrity endorsements, too, Greer said — for example, Ray McGuire and former Knicks star Patrick Ewing or Scott Stringer and actor Scarlett Johansson. But she sees that more as advertising than a sure-fire way to boost votes. “For a lot of people, it doesn’t really matter. But it does help when you don’t know who a candidate is,” she said. The right celebrities can help with fundraising, however, especially from outside of New York, she added. The groups — DSA, WFP … but not PBA There are also politically influential groups, like the Working Families Party and the Democratic Socialists of America, two left-leaning organizations with engaged memberships in the city that are more likely to vote in primaries when turnout is low. But Greer isn’t sure how big of a wave those on the left will make when the ballots are tallied — because while New York is very Democratic, it’s “not a progressive city.” “Most voters are not progressive. The progressives are a faction that happen to be pretty well organized and loud, but they’re by no means the majority,” she said. According to our experts, in the Democratic field, there are a few endorsements most candidates don’t want nowadays. Among them: the police unions — which have become politically toxic in New York City, especially in the wake of last year’s Black Lives Matter marches — and the city’s real estate trade groups. Should you care about these endorsements? Well, that depends. Right now, political groups of

all kinds are actively deciding how to endorse candidates. We’ve spoken with tenant groups, neighborhood political clubs and issue-based coalitions that are interviewing and vetting candidates through questionnaires and marathon Zoom sessions before giving a stamp of approval. Some are considering endorsing a top-choice candidate, as well as second and third choices — in line with the way voters will choose candidates on the ballot this year through ranked choice voting. Bronx State Senator Gustavo Rivera followed this method when he endorsed both Scott Stringer and Dianne Morales — in that order — for mayor in January. For neighborhood-based races like the City Council, an endorsement from an influential political club, progressive coalition or popular community leader can make all the difference, Kwatra said. Local clergy can also hold a lot of sway, as can local parent leaders, youth coaches or former neighborhood politicians. “Each of these neighborhoods have these spheres of influence,” he said. Muzzio sees endorsements as a “shorthand aid for voters,” particularly when “there’s so much competing noise with so many candidates” where few are especially well known. The experts say that voters might want to look at who their favorite local organizations and elected officials are endorsing as one factor in choosing candidates in crowded races from mayor to neighborhood City Council contests with up to a dozen hopefuls in the mix.p

This story was published on March 2, 2021 by THE CITY.

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Workers' World Today - Issue 18

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Love, Health & Travel

Civil Rights