Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Union NYC Workers Protest In The Name Of Worker Safety!!
hello everyone!
I am sharing recent NYC construction events with you all. A fellow tradeswoman sista that I know, Shayne Johnson, and a handful of her peers stood up for NYC tradespeople from all trades!! Here are a few questions I posed to Shayne on the current fight for safety for people workimg in the city of New York:
1. What recent events lead you and your peers to take action?
1. Answer-We protested because there has been 30 fatalities of hard hats and 27 of them have been non-union. We feel that someone has to be held accountable.
2. What was the response from the intended target?
2. Answer- Non-union contractors counteracted. They are now organizing and stating that there's no need for Apprentice programs.
What we're trying to do is get the legislators to pass #1447. This law would require all construction workers on big jobs to go through an apprentice program. With this new law enacted, safety would be implemented and they will know how to identify unsafe hazards on a job site.
3. Has your actions resulted in action y people in power?
3. Answer- Yes, we have some legislators own our side fighting with us to get #1447 passed. This will change the construction industry for the better.
4. Any regrets?
4. Answer- I have no regrets. While I was locked up, I explained to the officers that I will be back. I'm willing to do whatever it takes. Especially true if it means a life will be saved!
5. What would you do different next time?
5. Answer- Next time I would love to walk on the biggest non-union job in NYC and shut it down!! Get arrested on the jobsite!!
6. How do you feel about the issue today?
6. Answer- I feel that this is going to take more dramatic measures to overcome this matter. It's not like back in the day where we all just walked onto a job site and threw them all off. They are wiser and trying to use our tactics against us. However, we can't stop. We have to be the voice of the voiceless.
7. How did your union leadership feel about your role? Did they offer support?
7. Answer- Some of my union leaders got arrested with me. Their side by side made me proud to be a union member. Some members even waited for us to get out-this made me even more proud. Coming out of jail and seeing my union brothers clapping for us gave me an even greater feeling of unity and pride!!
Here is an article on the workers who are protesting in the name of safety!!
https://www.google.com/amp/www.nydailynews.com/amp/new-york/workers-rally-city-hall-unsafe-construction-sites-article-1.2949443?client=safari
As a tradeswoman working within the city of New York, I applaud their efforts. I have union members within my trade spearheading an effort to require NYC licensing for all electricians working within the territory. I have always been a union parade marcher, picketter of various jobsites, and a fan of attending demonstrations. I believe in unity and strength in numbers. I did see that their efforts for a push on safety is making headlines on the evening news. I thank them for the courage to take a position and work on behalf of the safety for all New York City construction workers!! There are many safety lessons that all workers should be equipped with prior to stepping foot on a construction site! Best of luck to may fellow tradespeople in accomplishing their goal! When I hear of an update, I will certainly post it!
As always, thanks for stopping by my blog!! The safety of members of the construction world is very important to me and my peers. I felt compared to share this story!
Cheers!
Leslie M Jasper
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