February 2022 Child Tax Credit: Marriage, Divorce and Custody Questions...9
INSIDE
The New Public Charge Standard Will No Longer Penalize Medicaid and SNAP Recipients ...17
Landlords Wage Crusade Against ‘Good Cause’ Anti-Eviction Bill ...11
Issue #29
New York City’s Labor and the New Mayor BY LINDA NWOKE THE SPECIAL TO WWT
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ew York City's economy depends on various sectors – Real estate, Finance, technology, health care, insurance, academics, the civil service, and others. Thanks to the pandemic, the economy is struggling to get out of the dumps and get back on track or to a similitude of normalcy. In his acceptance speech, the new Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, clearly had three significant crises to tackle — "COVID 19 lingering pandemic, crime, and economic continued on page 10
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Mayoral candidate Eric Adams was endorsed by local Amalgamated Transit Union officials in front of Pioneer Transportation Corporation in New York. He was endorsed by ATU Local 1181, ATU. Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com
Hot Topics and News You Should Know About
NYCOSH Report Finds NYS Construction Worker Deaths Remain Alarmingly High
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EW YORK, NY: The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) released its annual construction fatality report on February 10, “Deadly Skyline: An Annual Report on Construction Fatalities in New York State.” The report, which analyzed newly available data from 2020, found that the construction industry in both New York State and New York City remained far more dangerous than the rest of the country, despite widespread work stoppages resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. continued on page 8
The Safety Sandwich – Setting Boundaries....19 NYC Council Hearing Focuses on Protecting Worker Rights ...7
Michael Blake: Her Name is Judge Kentaji Brown Jackson ...6
Gregory Floyd: February - A Month to Grow ...3
Labor-Related News - Nationally & Locally
How Long Does Protective Immunity against COVID-19 Last? ...20
Why You Need to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
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Local 802 Musicians Perform for Hospital Workers & Patients ...16
Minimum Standards Council for Nail Salon Industry ...4
Alabama Amazon Workers File Precedent ...18
hether you are hurt on the job, involved in an automobile accident or become the unwitting victim of a defective product, protecting your rights is important. If you are feeling nervous in the aftermath of your injury, it is time to ASK THE LAWYER. Call 855‐768‐8845 for a FREE consultation. p
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February 2022
We must do what we conceive to be the right thing, and not bother our heads or burden our souls with whether we are going to be successful. Because if we don't do the right thing, we'll be doing the wrong thing, and we will just be part of the disease, and not a part of the cure.—E.F. Schumacher
Contents In Solidarity: February: A Month to Grow...........................................3 Workers’ Matters New Legislation to Establish Minimum Standards Council for Nail Salon Industry...................................4 Civil Rights Michael Blake: Her Name is Judge Kentaji Brown Jackson...............................................................6
Graphic courtesy NYC Central Labor Council
Conversations - 22 Americans are Returning to the Labor Force at a Quickening Rate – Do They Just Really Need the Work?
Workers’ Rights Stand in Solidarity with Federal Gov’t Unions!........7 Ketanji Brown Jackson (2016-2022) at Loeb House at Harvard University.. File:020820 Overseers 0040.jpg: Rose Lincoln, Harvard University derivative work: Innisfree987, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Judge Brown also invoked the incomparable civil rights icon and proud New Yorker, Constance Baker Motley, saying, “We were born exactly 49 years to the day apart. Today, I proudly stand on Judge Motley’s shoulders, sharing not only her birthday, but also her steadfast and courageous commitment to equal justice under law.”
This Day In Labor History - February 19
Jobs & Rececession City Hall Expands Summer-Youth Program to Offer 100,000 Jobs......................................................15 In the News Drivers and Delivery Workers Kick Off Justice for App Drivers Campaign,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,16 Old & New Immigrants: Their Rights The New Public Charge Standard Will No Longer Penalize Medicaid and SNAP Recipients......................................................................17
COLUMNS Family: The True Modern Relationship .... 9 Child Tax Credit: Marriage, Divorce and Custody Questions
The U.S. Supreme Court decides in favor of sales clerk Leura Collins and her union, the Retail Clerks, in NLRB v. J. Weingarten Inc.—the case establishing that workers have a right to request the presence of their union steward if they believe they are to be disciplined for a workplace infraction - 1975
It’s possible that your filing status, your income, and the number of qualifying children in the household may all change.
No. 34
e Crusade Landlords Wag ause’ C d oo ‘G st Again l il B on ti Anti-Evic
Small iation and the Builders Assoc of New York. L, ADDITIONAL Property Owners BY CLIFFORD MICHE A VELASQUEZ, it conducted polling The group said JOSEF the REPORTING BY last year to craft on the issue late calls, phone to n THE CITY message. In additio for mailers as ry is pushto pay he real estate indust bill that RSA also plans efstate and radio ads. The ing back on a digital as enwell and until hikes to last at least would limit rent n fort is expected etter: als for over a millio 14, 2022. said in its newsl Midtown office, Jan. sure lease renew se June, but RSA efto Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY ing a house-to-hou to continue this advocates marched tenants — launch Dozens of housing “Should we need to rally the public the legislative of ign end campa the d phone fort beyon Stabilization pretions. our coalition is newsletter, the Rent against the protec landlord As- monthly session in June, Homeowners for of NYC, a major district served by A new group called city to a landline in the pared to do that.” cratic Association d credit for the effort along ign calling is Demo campa lyn York Brook calls to s,” group, claime an Affordable New Fontas referred conse- semblymember and , tte. “May we ide industry leader warning of dire M. Wallenstein Rodneyse Bicho rewith “various statew households and spokesperson Ross THE Cause” anti-evic- Party leader with Assemblymember Bithe most robust public ina statement to calling it “one of quences if the “Good law. who provided connect you history of our es campaigns in the ” lations office? tion measure becom g ’s reCITY. warnin chotte the message s show the group After delivering lobbying record ty , dustry.” was first on page 3 State proper story ued month this last contin higher after and e Fontas On Wednesday, of higher rents — tained lobbyist Georg d a list of 14 name the bill the group release taxes, operators r the paying $1.4 million. York published, e: the Real Estate offer to transfe an Affordable New ers, which includ A5573 — and lawHomeowners for ission on memb New York, New York State Asy to their state state Joint Comm Board of phone call directl York State filings with the who is bankrolling Realtors, New maker ’s office. one Public Ethics don’t say its most recent sociation of said bill,” this calls. But in “We need to stop Friday in Brooklyn the phone operator who called
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t reclosure: Wha Divorce and Fo now You Need to K
for ated as responsible person is design can payments. This making mortgage on the individual put financial stress ally payments, especi BY VICTORIA FALK making mortgage rt suppo l spousa "I do" if there are missed that the divorce hat do you do when you stress and payments. The fiturns into "I don't," both emotional and to be in process brings ( can no longer stand ed commul), along with impair person that you nancia the of missed ce the presen also mean spend the rest of nication, can ide imagined you would vowed to be tonts," found Cityw mortgage payme You your life with? , for Home Loans. to better, for worse e does not have gether "…for in However, divorc , in sickness and There are things richer, for poorer to foreclosure. the sight of this lead ver, er. Howe consid that was health…." you ing couple to s you sick,' and from another person financial for the divorc "A couple going person now 'make . Di- assistance ding to AllLaw, ed. It may be a can get any worse previously receiv se the Accor foreclosure at the same time wonder if things purcha to through e for one spouse inevitable. vorce becomes through a divorc in the full retwo challenge devastating, as they are going the other or mainta issues such Divorce can be to- house from care of the home- should be aware of several joined their lives bility of taking for the remainpeople who legally lives. sponsi on their own. Who is responsible living separate the e rate as: owner's expenses gether return to home? How will between the divorc and dreams of "foring debt on the The relationship will happen to t, with the Gone are the hopes be What ? eviden may is repaid there rate sure cases, debt be one ever," and in many result of divorce, and the foreclo increasing as the divorce may decide that the house?" They As a ' of foreclosure rate e the sole owner a loss of income. a study conenjoyed, in many rate increases. According to spouse may 'becom , divorce if neither of them individuals who s and shared living ducted by Citywide Home Loans osure the property, or 4 cases, shared saving forecl continued on page faced with the chal- is one of the most common that one expenses are now means withe old divorc a househ ently, lenge of maintaining ial causes. "Frequ benefit of financ out the same level
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4-page special ... 11-14
Love, Health & Travel .... 20 How Long Does Protective Immunity against COVID-19 Last after Infection or Vaccination? Some 4.9 billion people – or 63.9% of the world’s population – have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of late February 2022. And more than 430 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed since the start of the pandemic.
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February 2022
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In Solidarity
February: A Month to Grow BY GREGORY FLOYD
F Supports Workers’ World Today
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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
ebruary has been described as the border between winter and spring. To former Major League Baseball player and manager, Whitey Herzog, the month of February had even greater importance. As Herzog put it: “You sweat the free agent thing in November, then you make the trades in December, then you struggle to sign the guys left in January, and in February, I get down to sewing all the new numbers on the uniforms.” The takeaway is that, although February is the month with the fewest days, it’s not short on significant days… days of fun and folly, and days of remembrance, reflection, and religious observance. February is also the month where we look to a groundhog to forecast our future… which recently turned out to be a most dangerous job for at least one groundhog who was dropped on his big day and is now a deceased weather prognosticator. February has many other special days, leaning more to lighthearted observances such as Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, Bubble Gum Day, and Margarita Day. Then there’s Super Bowl Sunday, a national, allinclusive “holiday” of sorts celebrated from coast to coast and where the commercials and halftime are sometimes talked about as much as the main event. From Oscar night to Valentine’s Day, to Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, to two presidents’ birthdays celebrated in one day, to a two-week celebration of the Lunar New Year, to two weeks of Winter Olympics, to the once in four years, add-aday to the month, Leap Year,
February has more than 30 different days on which someone, somewhere in our nation, observes a special occasion. Then there’s February, Black History Month. It’s a time to celebrate and educate. It’s a time to acknowledge the accomplishments, delight in a rich heritage and retell the history of a people too often forgotten, mistreated, and misunderstood. The originators of the idea for a Black history celebration were historians Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, and his associate, Jesse E. Moorland. They created the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915, to promote Black history and recognize achievements of African Americans. But they knew that was not enough. As Woodson argued, “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition; it is a negligible factor in the thoughts of the world and stands in danger of being exterminated.” So, in 1926, they launched “Negro History Week,” on the second week of February, because both President Abraham Lincoln’s and abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ birthdays coincided. But it took 50 years for the week to become a month; President Gerald Ford created Black History Month in 1976. Today, Black History Month is not without controversy. To some critics, the argument goes that empowerment is not accomplished by one month of recognition. Some find it outdated, only symbolic, not necessary, and even separatist. For me, there is no controversy. Black History Month is not about validation, it’s about involvement; it’s about action. It’s both a time of recognition and a call to duty. In labor unions, there’s an im-
portant organizing principle used to increase our numbers, demonstrate power and harvest our next generation of unionists—which is applicable here. Especially in order to grow a cadre of potential leaders who will take us to the next plateau, we must inspire and excite young people. We must also remember and thank those who have led the way with words and actions that changed history. Surely, there is tremendous wisdom in the words of Winston Churchill, who said: “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” The celebration of February as Black History Month should not be about avoiding mistakes, but instead, about creating more accomplishments, breaking more barriers, and earning the respect of all people. Traditionally, February is the month for acknowledging “The Best” in many categories, so, let’s use the occasion to honor our own list of “Best in Class” and work to add more names to it. For sure, the list is already long with many giants and “firsts” among them including Dr. King, President Obama, and (hopefully) the next justice of the Supreme Court. But Black History Month—which remembers the past, celebrates the present and looks to the future—should also be a time that helps to motivate our next generation of champions in the struggle for equality and dignity. The list is never too long.p Gregory Floyd is the president, Teamsters Local 237 and vice president at-large on the general board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Photo: Teamster.org This Op-Ed was published in the Amsterdam News on Feb 10, 2022
TEAM Publisher Workers’ World Today, Inc Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip Contributing Writers Linda Nwoke Charles Tabasso Victoria Falk Erin Telesford Jennine Estes, MFT Travis Morales Wayne Jordan Mary Campbell Janet Howard Chris Tobias Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Telephone 1-866-435-3286 Email info@workersworldtoday.com Visit us at www.workersworldtoday.com
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February 2022
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Workers’ Matters
New Legislation to Establish Minimum Standards Council for Nail Salon Industry
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ew York: Nail salon workers and their allies in the New York Healthy Nail Salons Coalition joined New York State Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblymember Harry Bronson in introducing the Nail Salon Minimum Standards Council Act. The first of its kind in the United States, the legislation (bill numbers forthcoming), would create a nail salon industry council made up of workers, employers, and government officials. The council will have broad powers to establish new workplace standards for all nail salons in New York, including on issues such as wages, scheduling, paid time off, and training. After completion of investigations, hearings, and consultation with experts, the council would submit a report with final recommendations for minimum standards to the New York State Labor Com-
Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council
missioner. “In 2019, the Farm Labors Fair Practices Act granted a largely immigrant workforce that was explicitly written out of labor protections a venue to collectively organize and lobby for improved conditions. Assemblymember Bronson and I hope to build on that momentum and repeat that success for the women of color and immigrant workers in the
nail industry. Creating an industry-wide body that brings workers, salon owners, and the state together to bargain and establish a uniform set of expectations and standards is how we ensure that every worker has recourse and authority to fight back against their exploitation,” says State Senator Jessica Ramos (D, WF - SD13), Chair of the Senate Labor Committee. “Any poli-
cies that are made for workers need to be developed with workers at the table. I'm proud to introduce this legislation in partnership with the NY Healthy Nail Salons Coalition and Assemblymember Bronson.” “Too many of our service sector employees, especially new immigrants, have been exploited for their labor. I am pleased to join the NY Healthy Nail Salons Coalition and Senator Jessica Ramos in sponsoring this important worker’s rights legislation,” says State Assemblymember Harry Bronson (D - AD138), Chair of the Assembly Economic Development Committee. “By bringing together employees and employers, I believe we will find the best solutions for this industry.” By convening a committee of economic experts who will recommend a new minimum pricing model for all of New
York State, the legislation also seeks to address the extremely low prices in the industry that create hardships for nail salons, which are overwhelmingly small businesses. Intense competition in the downstate market, for example, has led to some of the lowest manicure prices in the country (the average price of a manicure in NYC and Long Island is $13.71). Research shows that there is a strong correlation between low prices and wage theft, and results in competitive disadvantage for lawabiding businesses. Sweta Thakali, a nail salon technician in New York City and member of Adhikaar, is hopeful about how this bill could change her life and the lives of other nail salon workers. “There was a time when I wasn’t sure if I would be able to stay in the industry because of how hard it is,” she said. “I continued on page 5
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February 2022
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Workers’ Matters Nail Salon Industry/ continued from page 4 am not able to earn enough to build a security for myself in the future - our income is not stable, we face discrimination, we work without breaks, we are guaranteed no benefits and we work in unhealthy conditions. But I want to stay in the industry, this is what I am skilled in - this is my career. We want to maintain this industry and keep it strong, so people don't feel like they need to leave. If anyone knows what needs to be changed, it’s us who are in the industry. This council will give us the chance to be heard and win the ability to come to the table and speak up for what we need.” New York State is home to approximately 5,700 nail salons. NYC’s five boroughs have the highest number of nail salon workers and nail salon establishments in the state. Outside of the downstate region encompassing NYC, Westchester, and Long Island, upstate cities with the highest concentrations of nail salon workers and businesses include Rochester, Albany, and Newburgh.
The NY nail salon industry came under national scrutiny in 2015 when nail salon workers who were organizing to improve working conditions caught the public’s attention and won the NY Nail Salon Workers’ Bill of Rights, the first-ever bill specific to the industry that requires nail salons to meet certain safety requirements and pay proper wages. Nail salon work is overwhelmingly performed by immigrant women of color. Nail technicians (i.e., manicurists and pedicurists) make up the vast majority of New York’s nail salon industry workforce, with 85% identifying as women. Among these workers, 73% identify as Asian or Pacific Islander, and 21% identify as Latinx. Despite the implementation of new protections for nail salon workers in the last five years, nearly four out of every five workers continue to experience wage theft, health and safety violations, and discriminatory practices. The COVID19 pandemic has exacerbated these conditions. “I like my work but I wish that everything was better – we
need more regulations around COVID and to enforce the mask rules for clients, we need to raise consciousness for everyone to protect each other,” said Maritza Ovalles, a NYC nail salon worker who has been in the industry for 24 years. “The minimum wage needs to be required, not something employers try to get out of by paying commission or through client tips. There are so many ways this industry could change for the better, and workers need a seat at the table to help create those changes.” "For too long, the nail salon industry has been caught in a tragic race to the bottom where health and safety regulations are routinely ignored and nearly 80 percent of workers experience wage theft. And the pandemic has only emphasized those dangers, "said Julie Kelly, President of Workers United NY/NJ Regional Joint Board. "It will take workers, salon owners and New York State coming together to make NY’s nail salon industry safer,
more just, and a model for the rest of the country. We can't use old-fashioned solutions to address 2022 problems. We need innovative approaches that bring worker voices to the table and put the industry on a path towards long-term success and sustainability. The Nail Salon Minimum Standards Council Act will raise standards across the industry and allow both workers and business to thrive." “This bill is the culmination of years of work with our nail salon worker member leaders, our partners and legislative champions as a step towards a more equitable nail salon industry,” said Pabitra Khati Benjamin, Executive Director of Adhikaar. “Passing the Nail Salon Minimum Standards Council Act would mean that nail salon workers, quite literally, will have a seat at the table, with employers and the state to improve their conditions. Adhikaar’s 1,300 nail salon worker membership base is excited to introduce this bill with Senator Ramos and
Assemblymember Bronson today.” “Thank you to Senator Ramos and Assemblymember Bronson for recognizing that despite improvements in the industry over the past decade, nail salon workers are still being exploited with unsafe working conditions and wage theft, especially given the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Charlene Obernauer, Executive Director of the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH). “This legislation will help level the playing field and ensure that workers and employers come together to create safe, fair jobs for nail technicians.” “As a member of the New York Healthy Nail Salon Coalition, the National Employment Law Project proudly supports fellow members and worker leaders in advancing the Nail Salon Minimum Standards Council Act as a matter of immigrant, gender, and racial justice,” said Charlotte Noss, Worker Center Program Director at the National Employment Law Project. “Nail salon workers face nucontinued on page 6
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February 2022
6
Civil Rights
Her Name is Judge Kentaji Brown Jackson BY MICHAEL BLAKE
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y heart is full of pride as Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has been nominated to the Supreme Court by President Biden. I commend the President for honoring his pledge of selecting a Black Woman to the highest court in the land. For Black people and all People of Color, who are the most negatively impacted by the justice system, today is a hopeful day, a day of Black Excellence, and a step forward towards equal justice under the law. Judge Brown Jackson can be the 116th Supreme Court justice in the nation’s history. Among the first 115, there have been 108 white men; two Black men; and five women, one a Latina. This is how we turn Pain into Promise. This is how Equity is Instilled. This afternoon, Judge Brown Jackson made an appeal di-
Photo: whitehouse.gov
rectly to the man who she clerked under and who she will replace on the Court, Justice Stephen Breyer, “the Senate will decide if I feel your seat, but I can never fill your shoes.” Her humility and acknowledgement of the significance of this moment in history shows her commitment to serving our nation with distinction. Judge Brown also invoked the incomparable civil rights icon and proud New Yorker,
Constance Baker Motley, saying, “We were born exactly 49 years to the day apart. Today, I proudly stand on Judge Motley’s shoulders, sharing not only her birthday, but also her steadfast and courageous commitment to equal justice under law.” Both have and will continue to build a legacy that will inspire future generations of young people to dream and prepare themselves to hold a position that has never been held by some-
one who looks like them, knowing one day it will be in their reach. “I’ve had an opportunity that my grandparents would not have been able to even fathom. It is the beauty and the majesty of this country that someone who comes from a background like mine could find herself in this position.” We are proud to see you so fully fill this momentous position, Judge Brown Jackson. Her name is Ketanji Brown Jackson. She is our next Supreme Court Justice. She is the epitome of Black HERstory.p Michael Blake is an American politician and member of the Democratic Party. He formerly served as a New York Assemblyman from the 79th district. He is a Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee. Blake is the Founding CEO of ATLAS Strategy Group.
Nail Salon Industry/ continued from page 5 merous hazards in their work, from chemicals to repetitive stress injuries and poor ventilation,” said Brian BrownCashdollar, Executive Director of WNYCOSH. “NYS has already taken action to start addressing some of those hazards, but setting industrywide minimum standards would ensure better working conditions for workers and their clients, and reduce the risks for everyone.” "The New York chapter of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) is proud to support the Nail Salon Minimum Standards Council Act," said Steven Moy, President of APALA New York. "Too often Asian American, immigrant, and women workers are concentrated in industries with poor standards and little bargaining power. This innovative bill gives nail salon workers in New York a voice on wages and conditions in their industry while leading the way for the rest of the nation to build power for AAPI workers and other workers of color."p
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February 2022
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Workers’ Rights
NYC Council Hearing Focuses on Protecting Worker Rights
Stand in Solidarity with Federal Gov’t Unions!
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n Wednesday, February 23, the New York City Council Committee on Civil Service and Labor held its first hearing of 2022, with a focus on how the City can take preventative measures including, but not limited not to enhancing worker protection requirements in City contracts, effective policy mechanisms to combat worker mistreatment, and stronger enforcement of workplace standards. The Committee, which is chaired by Councilmember Carmen de la Rosa, listened to several hours of testimony via Zoom by dozens of labor leaders, worker advocates, and workers themselves. “This Council has the opportunity to pass laws that will directly and immediately improve the lives of our city’s workers, and the CLC and our
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Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com
affiliates look forward to working with Chair de la Rosa and all of our elected representatives to advance those efforts," said NYC CLC President Vincent Alvarez, who testified about the overall status of New York City's workers, the im-
pact of the pandemic, and the responsibility of city government to assist workers' efforts to improve their conditions and fulfill the original intent of the National Labor Relations Act to encourage collective bargaining.p
hile President Joe Biden’s appointments to the NLRB and the DOL work to promote pro-labor policies, federal workers are still dealing with Trump’s anti-worker appointees. The Federal Labor Relations Authority and Merit Systems Protection Board, federal agencies tasked with protecting the rights of federal workers, continue to carry on the former president's assault on workers’ rights. One such attack involves the National Association of Immigration Judges, part of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE). The Trump appointees voted to take away the Immigration Judges’ bar-
gaining rights – a right they’ve had since the '70s and under six presidents. Despite opposition from the Department of Justice, Biden Administration, and an appellate court decision, the FLRA continues to deny the union members their rights. Action is needed NOW on President Biden’s nominees to the Federal agencies, which are stuck in the Senate. Take action by telling the Senate to confirm the President’s nominees. p
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February 2022
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Workers’Safety Constuction Deaths/ continued from page 1
Across New York State overall, the construction fatality rate increased from 10.2 per 100,000 workers to 11.1, or a 9% increase. In 2020, construction worker deaths accounted for 24% of all worker deaths in New York State, while nationally they comprised 21% of all worker deaths. In New York City, the construction fatality rate decreased for the first time after three years of consistent increases, yet remains above the national average, accounting for 22% of worker fatalities. While more long-term data are needed to determine the causes behind this decrease, the construction slowdown caused by the pandemic likely played a role. The report also found that, in 2020, OSHA conducted the lowest number of inspections in the agency’s history. This is also likely a result of the construction shutdown, but more analysis is needed to determine how this historic drop in oversight will set back efforts
to safeguard worksites in subsequent years. Latinx construction workers continue to be disproportionately likely to die on the job in New York State. In 2020, Latino workers made up 18% of worker fatalities while they comprised only 10% of the state population. The report also found that non-union job sites remain especially dangerous for workers, with 79% of worker deaths taking place on non-union worksites. “New York should be a national leader in worker safety, but the data reveal that we continue to lead the nation in construction worker fatalities, despite COVID-19 shutdowns. Lawmakers must protect and expand safety regulations to hold negligent contractors and companies accountable when they endanger workers. While we are fortunate to have many strong protections on the books – such as the scaffold safety law – we still need stiffer consequences, and I urge lawmakers to act,” said Charlene Obernauer, NYCOSH Executive Director.
“This report makes clear that much more must be done to ensure that the safety of workers remains the number one priority on all construction sites across New York,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “The rate of construction fatalities in New York is unacceptable, and it’s critical that decision makers continue to advance measures that bring the operation of all construction sites in line with the safety standards and protocols required at union construction sites. I urge lawmakers to continue to defend the state’s scaffold safety law, increase oversight and enact stiffer penalties against bad actors.” “It is unconscionable that corrupt contractors and irresponsible companies profit at the expense of immigrant workers’ safety,” said Diana Moreno, Interim Executive Director of New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE). “Latinx and nonunion workers must be able to make a living while staying
alive. Community organizations like NICE train and educate workers to stay safe, but without stronger regulations, our efforts are not enough. We need the support and leadership of New York lawmakers to end this epidemic of fatalities in construction.” Lawmakers must enshrine greater protections into law to ensure that every construction worker can trust that they will survive to go home to their families every day.” Other key findings include: sOSHA construction fines for fatality cases increased for the 5th year in a row. sOSHA issued fewer press releases in 2021. sContractors’ OSHA violations coincide with construction worker fatalities, but violations do not prevent contractors from receiving government subsidies. To address rising construction fatalities across New York State, NYCOSH recommends the following measures in the report: sRequire construction training
and certification for New York State’s construction workers sPreserve New York’s Scaffold Safety Law sPass Carlos’ Law to increase penalties against criminal contractors sExpand criminal prosecutions of contractors statewide sUse existing city power to suspend or revoke licenses and construction permits for criminal contractors sDouble OSHA’s budget sOSHA must issue a permanent infectious disease standard for all workers, including its own sIncrease funding to the New York City Department of Buildings sMandate subsidy procurement reform and responsible contracting in New York State and New York City sProtect Latino and immigrant workers proactively The construction fatality data do not include the many construction workers that perished due to on-the-job exposure to COVID or other occupational illnesses. p
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February 2022
9
Family: The True Modern Relationship
Child Tax Credit: Marriage, Divorce and Custody Questions
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arriage changes your life in many ways, and those changes may impact your Child Tax Credit. It’s possible that your filing status, your income, and the number of qualifying children in the household may all change. For many people, marriage will not result in any changes to the amount of their Child Tax Credit. Parents who married in 2021 It is possible that as a result of a marriage in 2021, a family will be eligible for a smaller or larger Child Tax Credit than the IRS had estimated based on your previous information. Families will be eligible to claim any Child Tax Credit amount they are eligible for over the amount of any monthly Child Tax Credit payments received last year when they file their 2021 tax return during the 2022 tax filing season. Parents who separated, share custody, or alternate claiming dependents If you did not receive advance
monthly Child Tax Credit payments in 2021, you may still be entitled to the full amount of the credit. Even if someone else received payments for the child in 2021, if the qualifying child lived with you for most of 2021 then you may be eligible to claim the full amount of the credit. Monthly payments The IRS estimated and directed monthly payments based on 2019 and 2020 tax information that may not have accurately reflected circum-
stances in 2021. If someone else rightfully claimed a child on their 2019 or 2020 taxes who is a qualifying child for you in 2021, they may have received monthly Child Tax Credit payments based on those previous years’ claims. However, this will not impact the amount of benefit you are eligible to claim for the Child Tax Credit in 2021. If you rightfully claim a qualifying child for purposes of the Child Tax Credit in 2021, then you will receive the full amount of the Child Tax Credit for which you are eligible, even if someone else received advance payments for that child in 2021.p
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February 2022
10
NYC Politics NYC’s Labor & the New Mayor/continued from page 1 significant crises to tackle — "COVID 19 lingering pandemic, crime, and economic devastation". He inherited the trio problems from the former Mayor, Bill de Blasio, alongside over 300,000 full-time city employees and a running budget of more than $100 billion. The number and high cost, among other issues related to labor, has been an area of dissatisfaction with Mayor Eric Adams. The chief executive inherited one of the country's largest municipal workforces, which he feels is not delivering to their maximum capacity. This perception contributed to the strained relationship between him and the NYC labor. A few experts gathered to discuss the prospect of NYC workers post-pandemic, explicitly looking at NYC Labor and the New Mayor. This topic should be of interest to New Yorkers as the Mayor gradually settles into his role and becomes more deliberate in his approach over the next four years of his tenure. The meeting was sponsored by the City University of New York's (CUNY) School of Labor and Urban Studies and the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Professor Emeritus Joshua Freeman moderated it. Several issues were discussed, including the Mayor's Vision for NYC. Relationship with Labor In response to the question of the Mayor's relationship with labor, it appears the relationship is somewhat civil. Despite the backlash from work in the early days of his resuming office, he commented on 'lowskill workers.' Nicole Gelinas, a columnist at the New York Post and one of the panelists, says labor is not one of his primary concerns at the moment. "Public Sector labor is not one of the areas he
considers a crisis." Suggesting that he is not focusing on addressing any significant issues linked to the sector. Another panel member considers the Mayor to support labor and aligns with it. Jeffrey C. May, a metro reporter at The New York Times, says, "Politically speaking, Mayor Adams has tried to associate himself with labor. He will often say, 'I am one of you,' and the image he projects is that of -the bluecollar Mayor- a working man." Yet, the third panelist, Richard Steier, the Editor-in-Chief at the Chief-Leader, feels that the Mayor is still taking his time to learn about the issues within the sector. Collective Bargaining The next point of interest was assessing the Mayor's 'collective bargaining' stand, a critical issue that affects working people. The process involves workers' unions, negotiating contracts with employers to determine terms of employment for its members. The panelist claims that most unions are optimistic despite the lack of evidence. Men in Uniform Richard Steier says, "It is hard to say at the moment because there is an ongoing arbitration with the Police Benevolent Association (PBA)." While Gelinas says there is interest in seeing what will happen, "What Mayor Adams does with the issue of inflation will be interesting to see." The panel then addressed the relationship between the Mayor and men in uniform. The experts seem divided in thinking mayor Adams will manage the group. While some advocates are concerned about the Mayor's closeness, a few believe he won't give the group any preferential treatment or consideration. May explains, "There are some concerns from the advocates on the Mayor's closeness to men in uniform. They are concerned that such closeness will lead to policies the City
Editorial credit: a katz / Shutterstock.com
wants to move away from. There is the concern that certain policies will affect people". However, Steier says, "The government will rarely be able to give a preference to a union." On the other hand, Gelinas raised the existing problematic situation, the fallout from the previous administration's collective bargaining, which has to be addressed under the new Mayor. "The issue of the correction officers and unlimited sick time was given as part of the collective bargaining. she explained. "They have to repurchase them. The City has locked itself into unnecessary negotiation ". Mandates Professor Freeman then asked the role of unionism in responding to government mandates - like the government's demand for employees to get vaccinated. There appears to be a varied reaction. Some claim some issues will go beyond the Mayor's jurisdiction, and there will be others within his power to effect a change. However, it will all need negotiations. According to May, "…with the union, what they want to see is the use of 'bargaining' subject to negotiation". "It is going to be a bargaining issue," says Gelinas, "the MTA is one of such areas that will have a bigger effect, and some of these are outside his control." Medicare Advancement Also discussed is the City's plan to move some of its retirees to Medicare advancement, to which the panelists feel there is no clear direction. "It is important he takes a step
back and looks at the situation," Gelinas says, "From city workers' perspective, they are being promised something that has no funds to be fulfilled." "It's unclear if the Mayor will make any changes since there hasn't been much focus on this. But I do know the concerns are real. We will have to wait over a couple of months to see if the Mayor will do anything, "says May. New York’s Recovery It is well known that for New York to recover, it must maintain economic competitiveness and continue its goal of supporting its most vulnerable citizens. Thus, city services must be delivered with high-quality efficiency and affordability and accomplished through the fiscal budget, which appears to be experiencing a crunch as observed by the group. They claim that how the Mayor will react is yet to be seen. However, they all think it is a delicate situation that needs to be tackled with caution as the pandemic has changed a lot of things. Therefore, laying people off will not be a wise option. Instead, the Mayor has to consider a comprehensive economic development program that addresses inequality because of its impact on public safety, education, and safety. "It is striking that the Mayor hasn't talked about inequality. Jobs like retail, restaurant, office support jobs are all missing. They all fit into addressing his public safety mandate. Until the Mayor figures this issue out, it is difficult to have an economic plan," says Gelinas. "People need some sense of
safety," says Steier , while May says, "The Mayor hasn't said much about the issue. The focus has been so much on crime. I think the Mayor has some work to do. He wants to fix some parts of the educational system. He speaks about inequality broadly. He can increase opportunities by bringing in new companies and creating new communities". Technology, Cryptocurrency, Marijuana & Appointees The panelists also expressed diverse reactions to the Mayor's stand on technology, cryptocurrency, marijuana, and top appointees of his administration. Responses ranged from concern over the absence of a clear plan for workforce development to the Mayor's support for cryptocurrency. They stood on marijuana, especially on its impact on smaller organizations. Over his appointees, they claim his selection has been positive, especially "…in picking people with the right background in health and education, but there is concern on his level of involvement with managing the police". May noted that "He values loyalty, he has people around him that he trusts, it might be interesting to see if it will be a good or bad thing." Final Thoughts As final thoughts, the panelist recommends that the Mayor focuses on executing his City's long-term plan. Instead of addressing the short term, the daily crisis surfaces. "Eric Adams ran a striking campaign. He is prepared to inspire people. Now is the time to get into the process of governance," says Steier. According to May, "This is a precarious time for the city," he says. "He has been present, but in the long run, he has to be specific about how he will accomplish some of the goals. So far, he has done a good job, but people want to see the plan in the long run." p
No. 34
Landlords Wage Crusade Against ‘Good Cause’ Anti-Eviction Bill BY CLIFFORD MICHEL, ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY JOSEFA VELASQUEZ, THE CITY
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he real estate industry is pushing back on a state bill that would limit rent hikes and ensure lease renewals for over a million tenants — launching a house-to-house phone campaign to rally the public against the protections. A new group called Homeowners for an Affordable New York is calling city households and warning of dire consequences if the “Good Cause” anti-eviction measure becomes law. After delivering the message warning of higher rents and higher property taxes, operators name the bill — A5573 — and offer to transfer the phone call directly to their state lawmaker’s office. “We need to stop this bill,” said one operator who called Friday in Brooklyn
Dozens of housing advocates marched to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Midtown office, Jan. 14, 2022. Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY
to a landline in the district served by Assemblymember and Brooklyn Democratic Party leader Rodneyse Bichotte. “May we connect you with Assemblymember Bichotte’s office?” State lobbying records show the group retained lobbyist George Fontas last month, paying $1.4 million. Homeowners for an Affordable New York filings with the state Joint Commission on Public Ethics don’t say who is bankrolling the phone calls. But in its most recent
monthly newsletter, the Rent Stabilization Association of NYC, a major landlord group, claimed credit for the effort along with “various statewide industry leaders,” calling it “one of the most robust public relations campaigns in the history of our industry.” On Wednesday, after this story was first published, the group released a list of 14 members, which include: the Real Estate Board of New York, New York State Association of Realtors, New York State
Divorce and Foreclosure: What You Need to Know BY VICTORIA FALK
W
hat do you do when "I do" turns into "I don't," and you can no longer stand to be in the presence of the person that you imagined you would spend the rest of your life with? You vowed to be together "…for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health…." However, the sight of this person now 'makes you sick,' and you wonder if things can get any worse. Divorce becomes inevitable. Divorce can be devastating, as two people who legally joined their lives together return to living separate lives. Gone are the hopes and dreams of "forever," and in many cases, there may be a loss of income. As a result of divorce, individuals who enjoyed, in many cases, shared savings and shared living expenses are now faced with the challenge of maintaining a household without the same level benefit of financial
assistance from another person that was previously received. It may be a financial challenge for one spouse to purchase the house from the other or maintain the full responsibility of taking care of the homeowner's expenses on their own. The relationship between the divorce rate and the foreclosure rate is evident, with the foreclosure rate increasing as the divorce rate increases. According to a study conducted by Citywide Home Loans, divorce is one of the most common foreclosure causes. "Frequently, divorce means that one
person is designated as responsible for making mortgage payments. This can put financial stress on the individual making mortgage payments, especially if there are missed spousal support payments. The stress that the divorce process brings ( both emotional and financial), along with impaired communication, can also mean missed mortgage payments," found Citywide Home Loans. However, divorce does not have to lead to foreclosure. There are things for the divorcing couple to consider. According to AllLaw, "A couple going through foreclosure at the same time they are going through a divorce should be aware of several issues such as: Who is responsible for the remaining debt on the home? How will the debt be repaid? What will happen to the house?" They may decide that one spouse may 'become the sole owner' of the property, or if neither of them
continued on page 4
Builders Association and the Small Property Owners of New York. The group said it conducted polling on the issue late last year to craft the message. In addition to phone calls, RSA also plans to pay for mailers as well as digital and radio ads. The effort is expected to last at least until June, but RSA said in its newsletter: “Should we need to continue this effort beyond the end of the legislative session in June, our coalition is prepared to do that.” Fontas referred calls to campaign spokesperson Ross M. Wallenstein, who provided a statement to THE CITY.
continued on page 3
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EQUITY SMART REALTY
Do You Need an Agent? The Answer Is Yes!
tristian Phillip
Wayne Jordan
I
f you’ve bought or sold a house before, it may be tempting to decide to go through the process without the help of a real estate agent and their fee. Know what you’re getting into before taking on this responsibility. For both buyers and sellers, an agent is an important ally who can handle the paperwork and negotiating, which can get tricky, and make the process much less stressful for you. Here’s what to know when you’re considering an agent: Sellers Time Magazine reported that 90 percent of
home sellers use a real estate agent. The agent understands the market and the appraisal process and can provide expert advice on how to move a home more quickly, how to market it effectively and more. Knowing market trends, they often are better able to negotiate the details of the contract. Your agent handles all of the walk-throughs and open houses as well, making them particularly helpful for sellers with inflexible work schedules. If you’re not sure about your agent or having an agent at all, consider signing a short-term contract, so you can reevaluate how well the relationship is working.
Call 888-670-6791 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Downtown Brooklyn
Buyers An agent can help you find a lender, a title company and an assessor and answer questions about the types of loans available, different down payment assistance programs in your area, how much you can afford based on your budget and the benefits and drawbacks of different neighborhoods, although many aren’t allowed to directly tell you yes or no about a neighborhood. Agents also know what to look for when you’re walking through the house. You may not notice a slight hump in the floor, but an experienced agent will and
knows to ask the owner what caused it. They know possible issues to look for and questions to ask depending on the neighborhood (traffic patterns, persistent noises, if a family of raccoons lives nearby, and what electricity usage is like). Your agent works for you, so do your homework and find one you’re comfortable with. You can ask for recommendations and check online reviews. The buyer’s agent is paid through the sale of the home, not out of your pocket. We are happy to help and share our insight and experience to help you with the real estate investing process. Schedule an appointment today. Call 888-670-6791. n
3
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS ‘Good Cause’ Anti-Eviction Bill/ continued from page 1
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who is also running for governor, speaks at housing rally, Jan. 14, 2022. Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY
“Homeowners for an Affordable New York is an organization working collaboratively with property owners advocating that policymakers ensure fair and equitable solutions to practical issues in housing and real estate that affect every single New Yorker, no matter where and how they live,” he wrote. Local Laws Upstate The anti-eviction bill prevents tenants from being evicted by landlords for unpaid rent following an “unreasonable” rent increase, defined as exceeding 3% or 1.5 times the Consumer Price Index for the region. It also gives tenants the right to a lease renewal in most cases. Progressive state lawmakers have introduced Good Cause bills in past sessions and gone nowhere. But in recent years, Good Cause legislation has gained momentum. Recently, localities in New York State have passed their own Good Cause laws, including Poughkeepsie, Albany, Hudson and Newburgh. Other states, including California, have also passed their own versions of Good Cause, but typically with higher limits on rent increases than proposed in New York. On Monday, Mayor Eric Adams said he supports the concept behind the bill, though he has not weighed in on the measure itself. Dozens of politicians, most from New York City, came out in support of the bill in
an open letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul in January. Hochul hasn’t publicly opposed or come out in support of the bill. A spokesperson for the governor didn’t address where she currently stands, instead pointing to her broader record on housing, including pandemic aid. “Governor Hochul has taken decisive action to protect tenants — from breaking the Emergency Rental Assistance logjam, to investing $25 million in free legal services for tenants, to proposing a series of bold, achievable measures in her Executive Budget that address longstanding housing inequities — including an additional $35 million for the Eviction Protection Legal Assistance Program,” said Jim Urso, a spokesperson for Hochul, in a statement. “We will continue to work closely with the legislature and members of the advocacy community to protect vulnerable New Yorkers and keep tenants in their homes,” Urso continued. Hochul’s lack of a stance on the issue puts
her in between her two Democratic primary opponents, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who supports the bill, and Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-L.I.), who opposes it. Williams’ campaign said it was crucial that Good Cause become law. “New York is on the brink of an eviction crisis now that the governor has allowed the moratorium to lapse, and Good Cause legislation will help protect tenants from wrongful evictions,” William Gerlich, a spokesperson for Williams, told THE CITY. “Last week Jumaane was upstate advocating for the importance of this legislation, and will continue to do so until the bill gets passed.” Optimism in Senate State Sen. Julia Salazar (D-Brooklyn), who authored the bill, said that she doesn’t believe that the opposition campaign will slow down the bill’s likelihood of passage. “It really is unfortunate that the real estate lobby is able to spend excessive amounts of
money to defeat this legislation, but they were not successful in doing that in 2019 when we expanded the insurance and the rent laws for rent regulated tenants,” said Salazar. “I really believe that ultimately New Yorkers are smarter than the bigmoney real estate PACs want to believe.” The bill, once viewed as unlikely to pass, has picked up momentum in recent months as a potential follow-up to New York’s pandemic eviction moratorium, which expired last month. Several rallies in New York City have aimed at pushing Hochul to sign the bill. Supporters of the Good Cause proposal, like opponents, are targeting members of the Assembly, seeing the Senate as already likely to pass the bill. “The Senate is basically ready to go and we’re building support in the Assembly,” said Cea Weaver, a campaign coordinator for Housing Justice for All. She highlighted pockets of support — including areas of the state that, unlike New York City, lack an existing rent regulation system. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, she added, “really cares about his members and in particular he really cares about The Bronx. Every single member of The Bronx delegation, except for one member, is signed onto the bill. And we’re growing support in upstate New York and we’re growing support in Long Island.”n
This story was published by on February 16, 2022 by THE CITY.
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4 Divorce and Foreclosure/ continued from page 1
HOME OWNERSHIP
Tips to Help You Get Rid of Basement Mold BY CHRIS TOBIAS
I wants the house, …they can attempt a short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure. If one spouse will take over the property and the mortgage, that spouse can then apply on their own for a modification or refinance." Most divorcing couples cannot communicate on the level needed to come to a compromise regarding the home and the mortgage on their own due to the deterioration of their marital relationship. As a matter of fact, it is not uncommon for one spouse to want the other "to get out of the house" and/or to accuse the other person of wanting to miss required mortgage payments to spite the other spouse intentionally. Thus, increasing the likelihood of foreclosure. An experienced divorce attorney and real estate expert, such as Mr. Brian Figeroux, of Figeroux and Associates, can assist those going through a divorce who are also facing foreclosure. Missed mortgage payments and foreclosure can affect your credit history years after the divorce. So, know your rights and responsibilities. If you or someone you know is in the process of divorce and facing foreclosure, then it is a critical time to speak to a lawyer. Visit www.AskTheLawyer.us to get expert legal advice today. n
Call Equity Smart Realty at 888-670-6791 for a FREE consultation.
f a musty scent rises from the basement, mold is present. Mold gathers in damp places with poor airflow and damages soft furnishings, like curtains and carpets, and grows on walls. Patches of mold release spores, and they are health hazards. It wrecks wood and rots material, and creates a musty stink that's difficult to oust without sorting out the cause of the problem. You can identify a basement with mold because any soft furnishings stored there will be damp and musty. Mold thick enough to write in could show on wooden areas and walls. Or, subtle mold patches will grow in the wettest areas, like basement nooks. Unfortunately, just airing the basement is inadequate, although helpful to an extent. You must remove the mold, as it won't go away without attention. Mold remover Bleach sometimes removes mold. But remember, it is toxic, and a safer product might be more effective. Such agents, unlike bleach, often leave a helpful film that lasts years after application. If you opt for bleach, however, wear a mask. Also, air the room as you work. Keep pets and children away from the basement as it dries, too.
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Dehumidifier You could get rid of dampness caused by flooding with a powerful, industrial dehumidifier, which will purge mold spores plus other air-based pollutants while drying the basement and aiding air circulation. A less powerful dehumidifier used often can reduce general dampness. However, you need to remove the cause of damp, otherwise you face an ongoing problem. Check for leaky pipes, wet soil against your home's foundation, water heater leakage, and condensation. Soft furnishings Dry and clean soft furnishings and get rid of rotten ones. A dehumidifier will help remove dampness, but you still need to oust
the musty smell. If washing them with regular washing powder in a washing machine doesn't do the trick, add one part vodka to two parts water and spray your furnishings. The concoction gets rid of the musty odor in vintage clothes and may work on other fabrics, too. Remove basement mold; otherwise, it will spread and impact your entire home. Also, it may damage your health. Sneezing, breathing problems, headaches, and congestion are common symptoms of mold exposure. It also exacerbates asthma. Combat basement molds fast and stop them from traveling through your home and injuring your health. Discover the cause, fix it, maximize air circulation, and dry the area. n
February 2022
www.workersworldtoday.com
15
Jobs & Recession
City Hall Expands Summer-Youth Program to Offer 100,000 Jobs
N
EW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced New York City will, this summer, support a record 100,000 summer job opportunities annually for young people ages 14-24, with 90,000 of the opportunities stemming from the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and 10,000 opportunities coming from other city programs. The 90,000 opportunities through SYEP is the largest number of jobs ever made available in the program’s 60year history. The record number of opportunities — an increase from the previous record of nearly 75,000 — is possible in part due to a $79 million investment that will be made in the mayor’s upcoming Fiscal Year 2023 Preliminary Budget. This expansion is a key part of an overall strategy to keep the city’s youth engaged and active over the summer months when crime spikes — and is a preventive action outlined in Mayor Adams’
Blueprint to End Gun Violence. “Young people in this city should have the opportunity to work or learn this summer, and this historic investment will help secure a better future for tens of thousands while helping to make our city safer,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We owe it to our children to give them every opportunity to thrive, and this expansion will do just that.” The city’s SYEP program, which is the largest in the country, typically runs for six weeks in July and August. SYEP provides participants with paid opportunities to explore potential career interests and pathways, allowing participants to engage in learning experiences that help develop their professional, social, civic, and leadership skills. Research shows summer jobs save lives, cut crime, and strengthen communities. A 2021 study found that SYEP participation lowers participants’ chances of being arrested
that summer by 17 percent and by 23 percent for felony arrests. Other research has found that SYEP youth are significantly less likely to be incarcerated in New York State more than five years after their participation in the program. Beyond the public safety implications, summer jobs can offer life-changing experiences for participants who discover a passion, connect with a mentor, and gain the confidence that comes from
successfully navigating the world of work. As the program has evolved over its six-decade history, the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) has put greater emphasis on youth development. City officials are also working with private sector partners, non-profit organizations, and others to help place participants. Applications for New York City’s SYEP CareerReady and Special Initiatives tracks opened
on February 14, and the general community-based application period for all youth opens on March 1. The CareerReady track is designed for students between the ages of 14 and 21 from select DOE schools, while the Special Initiatives track offers tailored opportunities for youth aged 14-24 who are: sResidents of select New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments; sHomeless or have run away; sJustice- or court-involved; In foster care; sReceiving preventative services through the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS); sNew York City Human Resources Administration participants receiving Cash Assistance via Business Link; sStudents from Access and alternative schools; or sHave experienced gender-based violence.p
www.workersworldtoday.com
February 2022
16
In the News
Local 802 Musicians Perform for Hospital Workers and Patients
E
ven as the pandemic continues to wind down, our hospital workers are still working tirelessly. Local 802 musicians are lifting the spirits of NYC hospital heroes and their patients with #MusicForTheSoul, a daily union gig powered by Local 802, New York Health + Hospitals and the NYC Mayor's Office for Media and Entertainment. Mark Gross recently performed a special Black History Month edition of #MusicForTheSoul that was beamed to a live audience in Elmhurst Hospital in Queens. Mark says, "As we continue to transition back into socializing and gatherings in public places, there are still folks who may not be able to do so. It is
Photo courtesy NYC Health +Hospitals/Elmhurst)l
my hope that opportunities such as this provide an opportunity for us to gather virtually and celebrate and appreciate one another. It has always been my aim to have music serve as a catalyst for unity, peace and light." Live performances from Local 802 members take place Monday through Friday from 12 noon to 1pm, livestreamed at www.facebook.com/nychealthsystem.p
Nearly 200 American Museum of Natural History Workers Move to Unionize
W
orkers at the world-famous American Museum of Natural History filed a union petition last week to organize with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 37, the city’s largest public-sector employee union, which already represented dozens of workers at the museum. The new union will encompass 184 employees in a range of positions, from museum educators and post-doctoral fellows to curators and visitor services represen-
Editorial credit: PriceM / Shutterstock.com
tatives. "I think for all of us, top concerns were COVID safety, especially for visitor-facing staff, and issues of compensation and benefits," American Museum of Natural History employee and union member Alexandra Walling told Patch. "Many staff were on the extended furloughs at 80 percent of 60 percent pay for many months since the start of COVID." p
Drivers and Delivery Workers Kick Off Justice for “From ‘Third World’ to First Class: The App Drivers Campaign New LaGuardia O Airport” n Tuesday, February 2, drivers and and delivery workers from across the city kicked off the Justice for App Drivers Campaign with a rally in Foley Square in Manhattan. The workers have six core demands: living wages; a safe working environment; an end to unfair account deactivation; quality healthcare benefits; reliable, safe bathroom access; and the right to form a union.
Nine app-based worker advocacy organizations representing nearly 100,000 New York rideshare drivers and delivery workers, including Machinists Union affiliate the Independent Drivers Guild, have joined ranks to take on Uber, Lyft, and other big tech giants to win dignity at work. These are the working people who keep communities running, getting our neighbors what they need and where
they need to go. At Tuesday's rally, bicycle and car delivery workers stood side-by-side with rideshare drivers as they railed against billionaire bosses in Silicon Valley, and called on all workers across the industry to mobilize together and join the fight.p
Leaked Messages Reveal NYT’ Aggressive Anti-Union Strategy
I
nternal documents and Slack messages obtained by the Guardian this week revealed that senior executives at the New York Times are heavily leaning on workers to vote no in a union election for more than 600 tech employees. Meredith Kopit Levien, the chief executive of the New York Times Company, wrote a memo circulated to staff titled “Why a Tech Union Isn’t Right for Us.” She emphasized the
"relationship" between management and workers, baselessly alleging it would be disrupted by a union, and that the New York Times’ diversity, equity and inclusion goals would also be disrupted. If successful, the New York Times Tech Guild would form the largest bargaining unit of tech workers in the nation. The National Labor Relations Board previously rejected the New York Times’ attempt to
stop the election. Kopit Levien wrote: “This is an unproven experiment with permanent consequences.” New York Times editorial workers have been part of the same union the tech workers are organizing to join for 80 years.p
Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council
T
he new LaGuardia Airport in Queens is one of the most complicated construction projects in American history and it is being completed two years ahead of schedule and 100% union built. "Building a modern, world-class airport while maintaining and operating the existing one — one that served New York but unfortunately had seen better days and needed an upgrade — was certainly a challenge. The IBEW and the NYC Building Trades have accomplished something extraordinary that will honor former Mayor
Fiorello H. LaGuardia's legacy for decades to come," said Local Union No. 3, IBEW Business Manager and IBEW International Executive Council Chairman Christopher Erikson. Approximately 2,400 professional and trade workers represented by more than two dozen unions have been working under a Project Labor Agreement. All the work there is scheduled to wrap up by 2025.p
www.workersworldtoday.com
Jebruary 2022
17
Old & New Immigrants: Their Rights
The New Public Charge Standard Will No Longer Penalize Medicaid and SNAP Recipients BY WALTER EWING
T
he Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to clarify the meaning of the “public charge ground of inadmissibility” on February 24. The new guidance will be welcome news for immigrants as well as state governments and immigrant-serving organizations across the country that have worked to combat fear and misinformation around public charge. Under current law, immigrants applying for admission to the United States or those already here and seeking a green card must prove they are not “likely to become a public charge.” Although changes were implemented during the Trump administration, since 1999 immigrants have been required to prove that they would not become
“primarily dependent” on certain cash welfare programs. Changes to Public Charge Under Trump The Trump administration attempted to change this standard by implementing its own version of the public charge rule in 2019, but its application was halted in March 2021 due to litigation. Since then, DHS has applied “the public charge inadmissibility statute consistent with the 1999 Interim Field Guidance.” Once finalized, the Biden administration’s proposed rule would replace both. The Supreme Court is, however, still deciding whether to allow several states to continue the fight to save Trump’s version of the public charge rule. State and local governments have had a difficult time keeping up with continuously shifting guidance over the last three years. California was
forced to commit substantial resources toward multilingual guides for residents, while social service agencies in Maryland and Michigan dedicated significant resources to multiple rounds of guidance for frontline civil servants. But issues with the Trumpera public charge rule didn’t stop there. A group of 21 Attorneys General told DHS that the Trump administration’s 2019 Final Rule caused many immigrants to either not enroll in or disenroll from public benefit programs not even covered by the rule. The public charge inadmissibility formula in the rule was
so complex and difficult to understand that many immigrants and service providers simply avoided benefits rather than risk making a mistake. In fact, the rule may have led to a decrease of 260,000 enrollees in child Medicaid and 21,000 enrollees in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)—even though neither of these programs was targeted by the rule. New Public Charge Guidance Under Biden The Biden administration’s proposed rule defines someone who is “likely to become a
public charge” as someone who is “likely at any time to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, as demonstrated by either the receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance or long-term institutionalization at government expense.” DHS is clear that, as in 1999, “institutionalization” does not include immigration detention or the serving of a penal sentence. Contrary to the standard imposed by the Trump administration, DHS will no longer consider “receipt of Medicaid, public housing, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as part of the public charge inadmissibility determination.” The proposed rule will “provide fair and humane treatment for noncitizens requesting admission to the United States or applying for lawful permanent continued on page 18
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February 2022
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Union In Action
Alabama Amazon Workers File Precedent Setting ULP Charges Against Amazon for Misconduct in Re-Run Election
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he Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) this week filed Unfair Labor Practice charges (ULPs) against Amazon claiming that it has engaged in misconduct during the re-run union election in Bessemer, Alabama. This is the second set of ULP charges by the Union, showing a continuance of the company’s conduct aimed at interfering with the right of employees to organize. This rerun election is the result of the company’s objectionable conduct under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) during the first election, conduct which the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) concluded interfered with employees’ rights to a free and
fair election. All the charges highlight examples of Amazon’s continued efforts to undermine and suppress workers’ right to a free and fair election. Despite the adversity, workers of the BAmazon Union continue to fight to ensure their democratic rights at work are respected and Amazon is held accountable for its NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 20, 2021: Protestors hold signs and march on a picket line across from Amazon's Whole Foods Market in solidarity with the unionizing Amazon workers in outrageous behav- Bessemer, Alabama. Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com ior. One of the filed ULPs seeks ers to compel attendance to anti-union meetto challenge the current case- ings. These aptly named “Captive-Audience” law precedent around captive meetings are coercive and workers should have audience meetings, which has the right, as is already protected under the law for too long allowed employ- in Section 8, to not engage in them. p
Public Charge/continued from page 17 residence from within the United States.” In addition, the proposed rule will formally exempt several categories of noncitizens from public charge, including “refugees, asylees, noncitizens applying for or re-registering for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), special immigration juveniles, T and U nonimmigrants, and self-petitioners under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).” Nor will DHS consider “vaccines or public benefits specifically related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic” when making public charge determinations. “The 2019 public charge rule was not consistent with our nation’s values,” said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Under this proposed rule, we will return to the historical understanding of the term ‘public charge’ and individuals will not be penalized for choosing to access the health benefits and other supplemental government services available to them.” The administration will accept comments from the public on the new proposed rule until April 25, 2022, and a final rule could be unveiled soon afterward. This proposed rule is an important step in creating a more fair and efficient immigration system because it will provide a greater level of flexibility and certainty to noncitizens who seek to obtain or maintain immigration benefits in the United States.p
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February 2022
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Love, Health & Travel
The Safety Sandwich – Setting Boundaries BY SARAH O’LEARY, ESTESTHERAPY.COM
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t is common to worry that setting boundaries will cause a relationship to suffer and hurt the feelings of the other person. Knowing the purpose of asserting your limits is essential: setting boundaries brings clarity and safety to relationships. While boundary setting can be uncomfortable and sometimes incite conflicts, it can help your relationships grow and will help you stand up for what matters to you. Nothing kills a relationship like resentment; without boundaries, resentment thrives like a weed. What brings couples closer together is the ability of each person to take responsibility for his or her own feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. The Safety Sandwich is a great tool for setting boundaries. Safety Sandwiches If you can “sandwich” your
boundary between two positive safety statements, you can provide an assurance of connection while articulating your needs. You need to make it clear that this boundary is important to you as well as the person with whom you are setting boundaries. Think of the safety statements as the 2 slices of bread, and the boundary as the filling or the meat of the issue. Here are a few examples to get started:
Feelings: “I love sharing what’s going on with you…” (Safety statement) “…but I really need to process this by myself right now…” (Boundary) “…Thank you for supporting me.” (Safety statement) Thoughts: “I appreciate getting to hear your point of view…” (Safety statement)
“… I have different thoughts on the topic. I think we’ll just go in circles trying to convince each other. Let’s put a pin in it…” (Boundary) “…Thank you for sharing with me and giving me another perspective.” (Safety statement) Behaviors: “I really love talking on the phone with you…” (Safety statement) “…but I’m not able to talk every day…” (Boundary)
“…maybe we can set up a time every Wednesday to talk instead.” (Safety statement) While you cannot control the reaction of another person, your efforts to maintain connection while protecting your needs are your responsibility. If their response is inflammatory, try to hear where the pain is coming from. Perhaps they need a little more assurance that the relationship and your connection are okay. Otherwise, they may need their own time and space to process. It is a great idea to process both successful and unsuccessful attempts at boundaries with your therapist. p Sarah O’Leary, AMFT#123449 is captivated most by the importance of relationships and emotions and how they impact our everyday lives. She beleives that, "relationship" doesn't just mean partner, but rather connections of all kinds. This article was supervised byNicole Asencio, PsyD, LMFT#99795.
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February 2022
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Love, Health & Travel
How Long Does Protective Immunity against COVID-19 Last after Infection or Vaccination? BY PRAKASH NAGARKATTI & MITZI NAGARKATTI THE CONVERSATION
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s the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 took hold across the globe in late 2021, it became readily apparent that the pandemic had entered a new phase. Having experienced a previous COVID-19 infection or being vaccinated still left many people wondering how vulnerable they were to the virus. Some 4.9 billion people – or 63.9% of the world’s population – have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of late February 2022. And more than 430 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed since the start of the pandemic. So with the majority of the world population being either immunized against COVID-19 or having recovered from infection, people have rightly begun to ask: How long will the immunity triggered by either vaccination, an active infection or a combination of both provide immune protection? This is a challenging question because the virus is relatively new and novel variants have continuously emerged. However, researchers are beginning to better understand how existing immunity protects against reinfection and the prevention of severe COVID-19 that can lead to hospitalization and death. As immunologists studying inflammatory and infectious diseases, including COVID-19, we are interested in understanding the nature of such protective immunity. The role of antibodies and ‘killer’ T cells Upon vaccination or infection with COVID-19, your body produces two types of protective immune responses. The first type involves B cells, which produce antibodies. Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins that form the first line of defense against an infection or perceived invader, such as a vaccine. Much like a lock and key, antibodies can directly bind to a virus – or to the spike protein of COVID19, in the case of the mRNA vaccines – and prevent it from gaining entry into cells. How-
Researchers are working to develop vaccines that provide long-term immune protection from COVID-19.
ever, once a virus successfully enters the cells, antibodies are no longer effective. The virus begins replicating in the infected cells and spreading to other cells. This is when the immune system calls into action another type of immune cell known as killer T cells, which act as the second line of defense. Unlike antibodies, killer T cells cannot directly “see” the virus and thus cannot prevent a virus from entering cells. However, the killer T cells can recognize a virus-infected cell and immediately destroy the cell before the virus gets a chance to replicate. In this way, killer T cells can help prevent a virus from multiplying and spreading. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the public has widely and mistakenly believed that antibodies provide the bulk of protective immunity, while not recognizing the important role of killer T cells. This is in part because antibodies are easy to detect, whereas killer T-cell detection is complex and involves advanced technology. When antibodies fail, it is the killer T cells that are responsible for preventing the more severe outcomes of COVID-19, such as hospitalization and death.
and killer T cells get converted into what are called memory cells. When these cells encounter the same protein from the virus, they recognize the threat immediately and mount a robust response that helps prevent an infection. This explains why multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines that increase the number of memory B cells prevent reinfection – or breakthrough infections – better when compared with a single dose. And a similar increase in memory killer T cells prevents severe disease and hospitalization. Memory cells can remain in the immune system for long periods – sometimes even up to 75 years. This explains why people develop lifelong protective immunity in certain cases, such as after measles vaccination or smallpox infection. The trick, however, is that memory cells are highly specific. If new strains or variants of a virus emerge, as has been the case numerous times during the COVID-19 pandemic, memory cells may not be as effective. This raises the question: When do these different key players of the immune system emerge after infection, and how long do they last?
Memory is key to long-term protective immunity Then come the real veterans of the immune system, which can provide long-lived and strong immunity against an infection based on their past experience. After performing their tasks of clearing the infection or the spike protein of the virus, the antibody-producing B cells
Duration and longevity of immunity against COVID-19 Antibodies begin mobilizing within the first few days following an infection with COVID-19 or after receiving the vaccine. They steadily increase in concentration for weeks and months thereafter. So by three months following infection, people have a robust antibody response. This is
why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has long held that people who have had a confirmed COVID19 infection in the past 90 days do not need to quarantine when they come into contact with someone with COVID-19. But by about six months, antibodies start declining. This is what led to the so-called “waning immunity” that researchers observed in the fall of 2021, months after many people had been fully vaccinated. However, immunity is far more complex and nuanced, and antibodies only tell part of the story. Some B cells are long-lived, and they continue to produce antibodies against a virus. For this reason, antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 have been detected even a year after an infection. Similarly, memory B cells can be detected for at least eight months, and memory killer T cells have been observed for close to two years following COVID-19 infection. In general, vaccines have also been shown to trigger an immune memory similar to that of natural infection. However, long-term studies of the comparison do not yet exist. Nonetheless, a recent study that is not yet peer-reviewed showed that a third dose of vaccine increases memory B cell diversity, which leads to better protection even against variants like omicron. But the mere detection of an immune response does not translate to full protection against COVID-19. Based on the limited amount of time and research that researchers like us have been able to study COVID-19, it is difficult to precisely correlate the levels of antibodies and killer T cells with the degree of protection they offer. So while it is becoming clear that some form of immune response against the virus can be detected for more than a year after COVID-19 infection, their levels may not be enough to provide full protection against reinfection. Immunity from vaccination versus infection One recent study from the U.K. Health Security Agency showed that protection against infection from two doses of vaccine may last for up to six months. Similarly, another
study showed that the mRNA vaccines were highly protective at two months, but that their effectiveness decreased by seven months – in part due to the emergence of the delta variant. In both studies, the vaccines were found to be better at preventing hospitalization and death than in preventing infection over time. There are contradictory reports on whether the protective immunity triggered following an active infection is better than that induced by the current vaccines. This may have resulted from the emergence of different variants of the virus during the study. nnnHowever, the broad consensus is that COVID-19 infection can give rise to protection comparable to that from the vaccines, as shown in a recent study that has not yet been peer-reviewed. Hybrid immunity Researchers have also found that the protective immunity acquired from the combination of a COVID-19 infection followed by vaccination – called hybrid immunity – is very potent and remains effective for more than a year after infection with COVID-19. Interestingly, hybrid immunity triggers a very strong antibody response over an extended period. Such studies show how important it is for even people who have been previously infected with COVID-19 to get vaccinated to ensure the most robust protection against COVID-19. With the growing knowledge that both vaccines and active infections can trigger a strong and sustained killer T cell response that protects against hospitalization and death, immunologists are now researching how to develop vaccines that can trigger a similar sustained long-term antibody response to prevent reinfections. Hybrid immunity from those who are vaccinated and have experienced COVID-19 infection may offer some useful clues.p Prakash Nagarkatti is a Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina. Mitzi Nagarkatti is a Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina
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February 2022
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Conversations
Americans are Returning to the Labor Force at a Quickening Rate – Do They Just Really Need the Work? BY CHRISTOPHER DECKER THE CONVERSATION
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he U.S. economy surprised analysts by adding 467,000 jobs in January, overcoming omicron concerns and continuing a long streak of gains, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Feb. 4, 2022. Yet at the same time, the unemployment rate ticked up a notch, from 3.9% to 4%. Confused? Shouldn’t a large increase in jobs drive joblessness lower? Usually, the main culprit behind these types of conflicting results is an increase in the number of people rejoining the labor market. I believe that must be the case here – and recent data show a clear trend in this direction – even though the BLS has adjusted its latest
data in a way that makes it harder to see what’s going on or make historical comparisons. The share of working-age Americans either in work or looking for work – known as the labor participation rate – dropped steeply at the beginning of the pandemic. But there are signs that labor participation may finally be turning around. From a low of 60.2% in April 2020, it has slowly risen since. And the latest report showed it reached 62.2% in December and January, the highest since the depths of the pandemic in mid-2020. The 2.2 percentage point gain since April 2020 may not seem huge, but it equates to about 5.8 million people rejoining the workforce. As an economist who has been following the labor mar-
ket closely for the past year, I think people are being both encouraged and forced back into looking for work. My interpretation of the evidence suggests that those who quit and held off getting back into the labor force are now finding job opportunities that are
too valuable to pass up. For one thing, wages continue to increase – they grew rapidly in January 2022, with average hourly wages up 5.6% from a year earlier. At the same time, it appears that many businesses are responding to workers’ desires
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for some flexibility in scheduling and a better work/life balance. Greater job flexibility can be seen in the jump in the number of Americans working remotely. The number of employees working from home because of the pandemic increased to 15.4% of the workforce in January, as the omicron variant spread and staffers were given the option to work from home. But it isn’t just employer-driven factors behind the increase in labor participation. For those without a job and stable income, personal resources can get depleted over time. Some people who left the workforce early on in the pandemic may have been able to get by and cover essential spending such as housing and groceries by relying on personal savings, support from family members or generous pandemic-related government benefits. Those resources are not infinite, however. The number of long-term unemployed Americans declined in January, following a trend observed throughout 2021, suggesting that a growing number are returning to the workforce. Moreover, the cost of living is soaring at the fastest pace in 40 years. And for households that had been relying on a single income during the pandemic, the problem is made worse by the fact that wages are lagging behind, putting pressure on families. In other words, job holdouts might not be able out hold out much longer if inflation continues to outpace wage increases. But even with the recent uptick in the labor participation rate, the U.S. economy still has a long way to go before the ongoing labor shortages hammering companies end and the job markets return to pre-pandemic levels. p Editor’s note: This article was updated on Feb. 7, 2022 to take into account the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ revised statistics for December. Christopher Decker is a Professor of Economics, University of Nebraska Omaha
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