Dear John, 

This pandemic is far from over. New Yorkers are still dying from this virus. New, dangerous Covid variants are spreading and threatening the lives of workers, employers, and customers. Our favorite local small businesses continue to shut down due to COVID-19 outbreaks in our communities. We need a plan for a safe Covid recovery. That is why our NY Essential Workers Coalition has been fighting across the state to ensure that we are prepared for any COVID-19 variant and/or future outbreaks with the NY HERO Act.

This week, we celebrated a huge step forward for our campaign: the passage of the NY HERO Act in both the NY Senate and the Assembly. Now, Governor Cuomo has an opportunity to sign a first-of-its-kind legislation to honor frontline essential workers and protect communities from this pandemic and whatever may come next.

The NY HERO Act is legislation for and built by the workers and communities most impacted by Covid. It will create permanent workplace health and safety protections to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious and occupational diseases - a first of its kind in the nation. This vital legislation will create enforceable standards covering face masks, PPE, social distancing, hand hygiene, disinfection, and improve airflow. It would also allow workers to develop joint employee and employer Health and Safety Committees to cooperatively make workplaces safe.

Governor Cuomo has a clear choice: either he can protect essential frontline workers and business with the NY HERO Act, or he can leave them vulnerable to more COVID outbreaks, shut downs, and job losses that harm all of us. Will you join frontline essential workers in their fight for health and dignity in the workplace?

In solidarity,

Maritza Silva-Farrell

Executive Director

ALIGN

[email protected]