Legislative Alert: February 9, 2024

President's Message

Safety and Health Must Come First; Protect COVID Safety Programs

The Governor's budget proposal (Part M of S8306/A8806) would repeal Chapter 25 of the Laws of 2020 which established paid sick days for employees subject to an order of quarantine or isolation after exposure to COVID. This leave was enacted to help prevent the spread of COVID in the general public, protect worker health and safety, and help workers make ends meet while adhering to required COVID safety protocols.

While our understanding of COVID and its effects have evolved, it remains a dangerous and deadly disease that is highly communicable and unpredictable. Hospitals and other health care providers have recently reinstated strict visitation guidelines to minimize the spread and given the cyclical spikes in cases, including the current spike across the state, COVID remains a serious health hazard.

Chapter 25 of 2020 remains a vital protection for the general public in addition to its role in protecting worker safety. The law ensures that workers take proper care of their own health and prevents the spread of COVID to coworkers or members of the public. This is particularly important for workers in health care, transportation, public safety, retail, grocery, and other industries that require direct interaction with the public.

Every protection related to COVID should remain in place. Repeal of the COVID paid sick leave would be irresponsible at this time. We strongly urge the legislature to reject this proposal included in the Governor's executive budget.

Mario Cilento, President

Upcoming Meeting

LABOR LOBBYISTS MEETING 
Monday, February 26, 2024, 1:00 p.m. 
This meeting will be located at the Albany office of the NYS AFL-CIO, 
100 South Swan St. Albany, NY. Lunch will be served. 
This meeting is for labor representatives only. 
Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli will be the guest speaker.