ALIGN

The coronavirus pandemic has landed a powerful one-two punch on New York’s workers, putting many front-line employees at risk of contracting the deadly virus while also hammering the local economy and, as a result, slashing city and state spending. Yet the labor movement is battling back, proving its resilience and its worth in securing protections for workers while lobbying against mass layoffs.

Our Latest Labor Power 100 list highlights the labor leaders who are influencing the government’s response – whether it’s how to restart schools or save transit systems or ensure adequate health care – as well as the state’s leading activists, academics and elected officials who are ensuring that working New Yorkers are not forgotten in the midst of an unprecedented crisis.

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As it became clear that many workplaces – essential and less so – would remain open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ALIGN became a key player in a coalition of 70 unions, workers’ centers and nonprofits that have pushed the NY HERO Act. The bill sets enforceable workplace standards for testing, PPE, social distancing, hygiene and more. Maritza Silva-Farrell has led ALIGN, an alliance of labor and community organizations, since 2016.

To read the full article, visit City and State NY

Economy Environment Equity

Executive Director Maritza Silva-Farrell on City and State’s 2021 New York State and Labor Power 100