Months of organizing by essential workers, labor leaders and workers rights activists have led to the New York HERO Act being signed into law by Gov. Cuomo last week.
The bill sponsored by Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes (D-Bronx) requires businesses to have enforceable safety standards to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus and other airborne diseases.
Maritza Silva-Farrell, executive director of ALIGN, a group fighting for an equitable economy, considers the rallying of workers like Diaz as the key component that got the bill passed.
“The relentless organizing of essential workers is what got Governor Cuomo to sign the NY HERO Act,” said Silva-Farrell. “We are grateful to New York State Senator Michael Gianaris and Assembly Member Karines Reyes for their tireless and effective leadership on the NY HERO Act.
To read the full article, visit Queens Chronicle