Dear Friend,
I spent four days in the emergency room fighting Covid-19, with people dying left and right of me. I would ask myself: am I next? In the two decades as a school bus driver in New York, I have seen a lot. But I haven’t seen anything as devastating as what this virus has done to New York, especially to Black and Brown communities.
In these dark times, I draw from the legacy of a personal hero: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who fought alongside a multiracial movement that demanded dignity and rights for workers and their communities. In honor of Dr. King’s commitment to social justice and human rights, I am asking you to join workers and community members from the NY Essential Workers Coalition on Thursday, January 21st at 12PM to demand for protections and a voice in the workplace now.
Mario Jean, School Bus Driver, ATU Local 1181-1061
We know that Black and Brown New Yorkers are twice as likely to die from Covid-19 as white New Yorkers. We also know that Black workers are more likely to receive retaliation or are fired when raising health and safety concerns. Workplace transmissions are a key driver of Covid-19 spread, particularly in Black and Brown communities where essential workers never stopped working. Preventing workplace spread is critical to keeping workers, businesses, and communities safe.
Can’t make the virtual rally? Don’t worry, you can still stand with essential workers by sending a pre-made letter to your state legislator urging them to pass the NY HERO Act.
The legacy of Dr. King reminds us that we can draw strength and hope when we come together to fight for the health, safety, and dignity of workers and their communities. I have seen the worst of Covid, and no worker or their family should needlessly suffer from this deadly virus. It will take months before all essential workers get the vaccine, and there is an urgent need for protection now. Join frontline workers to urge NY State Legislature to pass the NY HERO Act now for the protection and voice in the workplace that we all deserve.
In solidarity,
Mario Jean
School Bus Driver
Amalgamated Transit Union Local Local 1181-1061
