First UK Strain in NY Shows Need for New Covid Law,
Says Top Labor Policy Leader
Media Contact:
Patrick Nevada , patrick@alignny.org, 646.866.9065
New York, NY – Maritza Silva-Farrell, leading labor policy advocate and executive director of ALIGN, released the following statement today in light of the latest news that the Wadsworth lab confirmed New York’s first case of Covid-19 ‘UK strain’ diagnosed in Saratoga Springs:
“The discovery of the U.K Covid strain in Saratoga Springs and the revelation of its spread in a business setting highlights the dangers that New Yorkers, customers, small business owners still face from this pandemic. When the NY State Legislature convenes on Wednesday their top priority should be to quickly pass the NY HERO Act – putting in place clear enforceable standards to protect workers and customers from Covid-19 and preventing crippling shutdowns for small businesses,” said Silva-Farrell.
Silva-Farrell and her organization ALIGN coordinates the Essential Workers Table, a coalition of 65 unions, worker centers, and community organizations representing millions of workers across the state. The coalition is calling for the passage of the NY HERO Act, a bill that would introduce enforceable, protective standards for employers and protect workers from retaliation for reporting violations in their workplace.
More information on the NY HERO Act at protectnyheroes.org
###