Workers' World Today - Issue 23

August 2021 INSIDE

Supreme Court Refuses to Stop the Migrant Protection Protocols... 17

How to Avoid Surprises at the Closing Table ...16

Four Steps to Finding a Job ...13

Issue #23

Hispanics in Danger: A Growing Workplace Safety Crisis

BY VICTORIA FALK

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uring a recent online public forum, leaders from the Hispanic community discussed Hispanics' disproportionate number of injuries and deaths on job sites. Workers who are young, Hispanics, and work for small construction firms have the highest fatality rates of any group of workers in the country. That conclusion is according to a recent report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the American

Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE that examines the overlapping vulnerabilities facing young Hispanic immigrants in the construction industry.

The report also determined those young and Hispanic workers and work for small construction firms likely face greater occupational safety and health challenges than almost any other employee segment or industry in the United States.

The report, "Overlapping Vulnerabilities: The Occupational Safety and Health of Young Immigrant Workers in

continued on page 6

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Hot Topics and News You Should Know About

AG & DOL Deliver $14 Million to Consumers Denied Coverage ... 15

Proof of Vaccination Required for All NYC DOE Workers ...7

City Council Mandates Critical Maternal Health Services ... 4

Labor-Related News - Nationally & Locally

New Protections for Domestic Workers Signed Into Law

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n August 25, the New York City Commission on Human Rights announced a major expansion of the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). Intro 339-B, signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio today, extends fundamental employment protections to domestic workers, along with the ability to seek accountability at the Commission. Prior to this amendment, statutory minimums for employer size prevented family caregivers, home health aides, house cleaners and continued on page 5

New Gov Kathy Hochul to New Yorkers: You Can Trust Me ...22

Women Having Affairs ... 19

Is Your Spouse Financially Unfaithful? Why Partners Lie About Money

BY JANET HOWARD, 311DIVORCE.COM

In Memoriam: AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka ...3

Brooklyn Reps Rally with Striking Teamsters ...8

Tell Hilton: Hotel Rooms Should be Cleaned Every Day ...14

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hether you have been married for years or are just sailing off on your honeymoon, you trust your spouse to be faithful, but infidelity can take many different forms.

Even if your husband or wife never sleeps with an-

continued on page 9

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August 2021

The American trade union movement-unlike any other labor movement in the world-is committed to working within the American political and economic system in order to achieve the social and economic justice promised by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

—George Meany, 1978

20th Anniversary Commemorative March of the 9/11 Recovery Workers

Contents In Solidarity: TWU Local 100 and Electeds Demand MTA Restore Cash Transactions at Subway Booths..............................................................................3

Sunday, September 12, 7:30am: Help Heart 9/11 honor those brothers and sisters taken from us on 9/11 and since from 9/11 illnesses. This march will also be dedicated to the Unionized construction industry and our participation in the rescue and recovery efforts of that tragic event. The 0.8-mile march will begin at 7:30 am at North Moore and Greenwich Street, proceeding south to Oculus Plaza. You can participate as an individual or by joining a team like Laborers Local 79, or if you can't march you can make a donation.

Civil Rights: City Council Mandates Critical Maternal Health Services on Rikers Island..............................4 Union in Action Brooklyn Representatives Rally with Striking Teamsters.............................................8 Money Matters Is Your Spouse Financially Unfaithful?

Why Partners Lie About Money................................9 Home Ownership How to Avoid Surprises at the Closing Table...............................................................16

Family: The True Modern Relationship .... 10 Teens with Secure Family Relationships ‘Pay It Forward’ with Empathy for Friends

This Day In Labor History - August 8

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Old & New Immigrants: Their Rights Supreme Court Refuses to Stop the Migrant Protection Protocols From Going Back Into Effect ...........................17

COLUMNS Love, Health & Travel .... 21 Traveling Post-COVID and Why You Need a Travel Agent

Cesar Chavez is posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton, becoming the first Mexican-American ever to receive the honor - 1994

Generally, it is recommended, for a variety of reasons, to use a travel agent.

However, since the world has been experiencing a pandemic, it is even more necessary to use a travel agent.

"Why do I need a travel agent when I can book the trip myself?" ask many people.

Education .... 12 7 Tips for LGBTQ Parents to Help Schools Fight Stigma and Ignorance

Do you want more?

Workers’ Matters .... 7 Beginning September 27th, City Will Require Proof of Vaccination for All NYC DOE Workers

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August 2021

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In Solidarity

In Memoriam: AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka, 1949-2021

T Supports Workers’ World Today

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ecently, I was in Albany fighting and seeking support of A1261/S1947, legislation that will create a clear definition of public work and level the playing field for New York’s contractors.

District Council 9 Painters and Allied Trades Union (DC9), the union for painters, prides itself on being a strong advocate for workers’ rights and safety. We are excited about this new publication, Workers’ World Today, which covers the issues of relevance and concern for all workers.

We are encouraged that all workers: blue and white collar will have a voice and platform.

Congratulations on your inaugural issue. We wish much success to the leaders and team of Workers’ World Today and pledge our support.p Davon Lomax Political Director, DC9

he New York City Labor Movement was shocked and profoundly saddened to learn yesterday of the sudden passing of AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka. As leader of our nation’s Labor Movement, he championed the belief that all work has dignity, along with the rights of all working people to bargain collectively, to fair wages and workplace safety, and to a voice at work.

President Trumka was a larger than life figure, a tireless fighter on behalf of working men and women across our nation, and a true and loyal friend to the NYC Labor Movement. Over the years we have been proud to stand with

TEAM Publisher Workers’ World Today, Inc Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip Contributing Writers Marilyn Silverman Charles Tabasso Victoria Falk Erin Telesford Jennine Estes, MFT Travis Morales Mary Campbell Janet Howard Linda N. Chris Tobias Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq.

Editorial credit: Al Teich / Shutterstock.com

him countless times to fight for a fair and level playing field at work, and to create an economy that works for all working people. President Trumka always answered the call to support NYC’s working families, and our Movement is stronger because of his leadership.

We send our deepest condolences to President Trumka’s family, friends, and his many colleagues at the National AFL-CIO and across our nation’s Labor Movement, and recommit ourselves to the fight to which he dedicated his life.p

Telephone 1-866-435-3286 Email info@workersworldtoday.com Visit us at www.workersworldtoday.com

TWU Local 100 and Electeds Demand MTA Restore Cash Transactions at Subway Booths

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WU Local 100 and state lawmakers demanded Tuesday that the MTA resume cash transactions at subway token booths, saying the no-cash policy started during the pandemic discriminates against low-income New Yorkers. They gathered outside Broadway Junction subway station in East New York to demand the agency immediately resume the hand-to-hand transactions, which ended in March 2020 out of concerns over the coronavirus.

A group of 42 lawmakers

sent a letter to former Metropolitan Transportation Authority chairman Pat Foye blasting the lack of cash exchanges in June, but the agency has said it has no plans to resume token booth cash transactions.

Transport Workers Union Local 100 president Tony Utano said the move was an unfair attack on union members, and questioned why the MTA’s higher-income riders in the suburbs are still allowed to pay with cash.

“They restore cash on the

LIRR and Metro-North, but they don’t restore cash in the city,” said Utano. “We’re not opposed to negotiating something. But we’ve got to get the cash back into the booth right now.”

“How can we tell people to take the trains and take away the means for them to get on the train?” said State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, pointing out that the no-cash policy discriminates against New Yorkers who have no choice but to use mass transit. p

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Civil Rights

City Council Mandates Critical Maternal Health Services on Rikers Island

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he City Council overwhelmingly passed legislation introduced by Council Member Helen Rosenthal to increase critical maternal health services for people incarcerated on Rikers Island.

Intro 1209 will be one of the first local laws in the U.S. to mandate free, comprehensive, and ongoing doula services in a correctional system, where the doulas will be paid for by local government.

By increasing critical maternal health services for people incarcerated on Rikers Island, we are fighting to ensure a better future for them and their families," said Council Member Helen Rosenthal. "Mandating these services is part of an ongoing, multi-pronged effort by the City Council to combat maternal mortality and morbidity in NYC, especially among communities of color."

Intro 1209 will require that the services of two doulas be

provided to people being held in Rikers Island’s Rose M. Singer Center twice per week.

The doulas will work with incarcerated people on a variety of health issues pertaining to pregnancy and birth, as well as assisting people who have lost custody of their children or have other family concerns.

Several hundred people -both those who are incarcerated and their families-- could benefit annually from access to these services.

One of the inspirations for the bill was a 2017 report by

Ancient Song Doula Services regarding their work with incarcerated people on Rikers.

They found that the doulas were incredibly helpful to both people experiencing incarceration and their families.

Why is this law necessary?

Incarcerated people who are pregnant or have recently given birth are highly vulnerable and often lack access to proper medical and mental health care. If you are incarcerated and Black or Latin-x, you are even more at risk. An

analysis of 2006-2010 data found that Black women in New York City are 12 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.

Countless scientific trials examining doula care have shown that doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family, remarkably improving physical and psychological outcomes for both mother and baby. Doula organizations have long been able to point to dramatically improved health outcomes for their patients.

There is also a troubling lack of data regarding maternal health among women in prisons and jails across the United States. The legislation passed today will help to address this issue in New York City by establishing new reporting requirements.

“Doula services for incarcerated women are a health care

right. As the women are prevented from seeking the care they need, our prisons should provide the care to them -- this a justice lens response. The prison industry spends tons of money, yet continues to deny the right of incarcerated women to seek the quality of care required to support healthy birth outcomes. This short sightedness also imprisons their offspring, potentially creating health risks for the next generation as well,” said Ngozi Moses, Executive Director, Brooklyn Perinatal Network.

"Council Member Rosenthal’s legislation is not only humane, it will reduce future public healthcare spending.

These women are at much higher risk than the general population for poor perinatal health and birth outcomes.

Doula services, aligned with other wrap-around coordicontinued on page 6

August 2021

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Workers’ Rights Domestic Workers/ continued from page 1 other domestic workers from seeking redress under the same provisions of the NYCHRL that protected other workers against discrimination and harassment.

Intro 339 removes those statutory minimums with respect to domestic workers and extends basic employment protections under the City Human Rights Law by: •Providing explicit protection under the City Human Rights Law for a domestic worker, often working as the sole employee of an employer.

•Including protections against discrimination and harassment in hiring, firing, and the terms and conditions of employment, with respect to reasonable accommodations, and with respect to retaliation.

•Giving domestic workers the ability to seek redress under the City Human Rights Law in the same way as most other workers protected under the law.

According to the Fiscal Policy Institute and the National Domestic Worker Alliance, more than 200,000 domestic

workers live or work in New York City. Labor estimates indicate that the number of domestic workers is steadily increasing at rates higher than other sectors of the labor market.

“A Recovery for All of Us starts with protecting working New Yorkers,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This legislation establishes stronger protections against discrimination for domestic workers by including them in the NYC Human rights law. I thank Commissioner Malalis and Council Member Rose for their partnership on this critical legislation.”

“The NYC Commission on Human Rights fully supports Intro 339-B, which extends employment protections to domestic workers, one of the

fastest growing sectors of the service economy,” said Carmelyn P. Malalis, Chair and Commissioner of the NYC Commission on Human Rights. “The Commission worked closely with community advocates to see these protections codified into law.

Domestic workers can be uniquely vulnerable to abuse, discrimination, and many kinds of harassment – with little to no recourse when mistreated or fired. This local law allows the Commission to apply the protections of the NYC Human Rights Law to domestic workers, and we look forward to working with community advocates, partners, parent and family groups, and other groups working with people who employ domestic workers to ed-

ucate employees and employers about these changes.”

This amendment prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of actual or perceived age, race, creed, color, national origin, gender, disability, marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, uniformed service, immigration or citizenship status, or status as a victim of domestic violence, or as a victim of sex offenses or stalking. The New York City Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, gender, national origin, immigration status, age, and over 25 other protected classes in housing, employment, and public accommodations. If you have witnessed or experienced

discrimination, call the NYC Commission on Human Rights by dialing (212) 416-0197, or visit the Commission’s website at NYC.gov/ReportDiscrimination.

“Domestic employers need guidance to help them be good employers. There is an estimate of one million employers of nannies, housecleaners and home attendants in our city who look to our local government for guidance for best employment practices. Making Intro 339-B a local law is a huge step not only in recognizing the human rights of domestic workers in the workplace, but also elevating the principles of equality and fairness in New York City. As a domestic employer organization, we are committed to partner with the NYC Commission on Human Rights to educate employers about their obligations under this new legislation. When we advance domestic workers rights, we are advancing the human rights of all New Yorkers.” — Tatiana Bejar, NYC Lead Organizer, Hand in Hand: the Domestic Employers Network.p

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Workers’ Safety Hispanics Are Dying / continued from page 1

Critical Maternal Services/ continued from page 4

Small Construction Firms," reviewed an array of existing data sources to document overlapping vulnerabilities for workers. It focused on the factors behind why the population of workers who fall into three categories – Hispanic immigrants, working for small businesses with fewer than 20 employees, and young workers under age 25 – are at increased risk for injury and death when working in the construction industry.

"The safety community and the construction industry must take note of this report and work together to improve the safety conditions outlined in it," said ASSE President Trish Ennis. "ASSE & NIOSH commit to partner with interested parties across the country to develop effective solutions that will allow Hispanic immigrants and small business owners to thrive in a safe work environment."

J. R. Gonzales, the moderator for the event, said, "The injury and mortality rate on job sites is unacceptable.

People should not have to die to have a job." Employers and employees are encouraged to have an

nated care to address health issues created by confinement, can help to mitigate the risk of poor health outcomes for both mother and baby. The benefits of this approach will be lifelong,” Moses continued.

"As we move forward with closing Rikers and ensuring that its replacement is not a shiny new replica it is essential to pass legislation like Intro 1209. While we ultimately do not want to see anyone who is pregnant detained, this is an important step forward to changing current conditions for birthing people. For far too long birthing people on Rikers have been denied the speciality care they are entitled to. By increasing access to maternal health services, people have the opportunity to gain an essential support system and an on-site advocate that will not only support them physically but emotionally as they experience their birthing journey," said Jordyn Rosenthal MSW, Director of Community Engagement at the Women's Community Justice Association.

ongoing conversation about job safety. Terri Reid, a panelist in the public forum, outlined the following recommendations to help alleviate this crisis: •It is essential to assure a culture of safety in your business.

Make all staff aware that safety is a top priority on the job site.

•Keep the conversation about safety going. Make safety plans and regularly evaluate how those plans are working.

•Have a safety manual on hand in English and Spanish.

Make sure staff are aware the

manual exists. Make sure the manual is in an accessible location.

•Provide training based on the risks and consequences.

Show reasons why something should or should not be done.

Don't just tell people rules and regulations.

•People who are reluctant to follow the rules may be more willing to follow instructions when they understand how they will benefit from doing as told.

•Have consequences for people who don't follow safety rules and incentives for those

who do.

Employees have an obligation to comply with OSHA law. At the same time, employers make efforts to get staff to buy in the rules.

Make it clear that the rules there must be adhered to increase safety for employees.

If you were injured on the job or are the loved one of someone who died at work, please contact the Law Firm of Figeroux and Associates for a free consultation by calling 955-768-8845 or scheduling an appointment by visiting www.falaw.us p

Previous City Council Action on NYC’s Maternal Mortality Crisis In December 2020, the City Council Committees on Women & Gender Equity, Health, & Hospitals held an oversight hearing which examined the maternal mortality crisis in New York City, especially for Black women, and potential solutions.

In 2018, the City Council overwhelmingly passed two pieces of birth justice legislation introduced by Council Member Rosenthal. Her first bill required the City’s Dept of Health to create a plan ensuring that any pregnant person in New York City can have access to a doula.

A second bill codified the Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Review Committee (M3RC), established in 2017 by the Dept of Health. The M3RC is a multidisciplinary group charged with examining every individual instance of maternal mortality to evaluate how such deaths can be prevented in the future. Council Member Rosenthal's bill also requires the Dept of Health to report on additional factors linked to maternal health outcomes including: race; access to prenatal care and doulas; and economic, civic, and social well-being.p

August 2021

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Workers’ Matters

Beginning September 27th, City Will Require Proof of Vaccination for All NYC DOE Workers

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EW YORK: Mayor Bill de Blasio, Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner (DOHMH) Dr. Dave A. Chokshi today announced a new health care mandate requiring all New York City Department of Education employees to provide proof of first dose of vaccination by September 27th.

“Keeping our students and staff healthy is our top priority,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“To keep our schools healthy and safe, we are now requiring all Department of Education staff to have at least one dose of the vaccine by September 27. Together, we will create a safe and welcoming school experience for our kids.”

“As a parent, I put the health

and safety of my children first, always. Parents can be assured this fall that their school communities and the phenomenal school staff our children interact with every day are protected by safe, effective vaccines,” said Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter. “This is another layer to our multi-lay-

ered health and safety strategy and an important step in keeping our school communities safe.”

“The vaccine is both a personal defense against disease and a community defense against spread,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “When it comes to

younger children, our defenses are their defenses. This is the right policy where it matters most – in our schools.”

This mandate is in alignment with recommendations from the CDC, which has recommended that school teachers and staff be vaccinated as soon as possible because vaccination is the most critical strategy to help schools safely resume fully in the fall. It will apply to all 148,000 Department of Education (DOE) employees, including school-based and central staff, as well as DOE contractors who work in school-based settings. Currently at least 63 percent of DOE employees have at least one dose. This number will continue to increase in the lead-up to the first day of

school and reach one hundred percent by September 27th.

Employees will upload proof of their first dose to the DOE Vaccination Portal, which allows all DOE employees and students to provide their vaccination status and to upload proof of vaccination. Accepted uploads can be an image of a vaccination card, NYS Excelsior Pass, or another government record. Submitting this information will support New York City’s pandemic response and recovery efforts, and help ensure that the DOE is a safe place to work for all employees and a safe place to learn for all children.

More information about locations where New Yorkers can receive a vaccine for COVID19 can be found at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov. p

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Union In Action

Brooklyn Representatives Rally with Striking Teamsters

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tate Senators Julia Salazar and Jabari Brisport, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, and striking workers rallied outside of the United Metro Energy oil terminal today amid a 113 day strike.

The essential workers who supplied New York with heating oil, diesel, and gasoline through the pandemic are paid as much as 50% less than workers doing the same job at other companies, and receive inferior health and retirement benefits.

They went on strike on April 19 after the company’s owner, billionaire John Catsimatidis, refused to agree to a fair union contract despite two years of negotiations.

“United Metro Energy’s exploitation of essential workers is shameful.” State Senator Jabari Brisport said. “Many of these workers went out every day in the height of the pandemic to keep our city running.

Yet UMEC continues to deny them a contract with a reasonable wage for their labor — instead, extra profits are going to

Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

its billionaire owner, John Catsimatidis.”

“The working people at United Metro Energy make half of what their union comrades make just so John Catsimatidis can make another quick buck,” State Senator Julia Salazar said.

“The union busting tactics of this company and it’s billionaire owner are shameful. We’re here today to say enough is enough and it’s time to give these brave working people the fair contract they are owed.”

“For John Catsimatidis this strike is about ego but for the working people at United En-

ergy Metro, this is about dignity,” Assembly Member Emily Gallagher said. “I’m here today because essential workers deserve more than praise; they deserve a fair union contract, good pay, and benefits they can be proud of. These working men and women are owed this and so much more, but John Catsimatidis has instead decided to threaten their healthcare unless they work for subpar wages. United Energy Metro can end this strike today; come to the table and negotiate in good faith.”

Teamsters Local 553 has filed

charges at the National Labor Relations Board against United Metro Energy Corp., owned by billionaire John Catsimatidis, alleging that the company illegally fired, threatened, and retaliated against striking essential workers at the company’s Brooklyn oil terminal.

“A year ago, essential workers were called heroes. Now that they want a raise, they are called replaceable,” Demos Demopoulos, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 553, said.

“John Catsimatidis is mistreating the workers who got us through the pandemic. These workers have the support of their elected representatives, the local community, and 120,000 Teamsters across New York City. We are united and we are going to win this strike.”

“All I want is to be able to provide for my daughters and my coworkers want the same for their families,” Andre Soleyn, an oil terminal operator at United Metro Energy, said.

“We are on strike because we refuse to be paid far less than

other workers who do the same job in New York.”

“We are making so much money for this company and its billionaire owner, why can’t they pay us fairly?” Ivan Areizaga, an oil terminal operator at United Metro Energy, said. “I’m striking for a better future for my family.”

“NYC-DSA is once again proud to stand in solidarity with working people here in New York City,” Co-Chair of NYC-DSA Sumathy Kumar said. “The working people at United Energy Metro are facing exploitation and illegal retaliation for exercising their right to unionize. As socialists, it is our highest priority to organize with working people for fair pay, good benefits, and a union they can be proud of. We did it once at Hunts Point and we’re proud to be doing it once more in Brooklyn.”

The United Metro Energy oil terminal distributes heating oil to New York City schools, hospitals, and the MTA, as well as fuel to area gas stations. p

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Money Matters Spouse Unfaithful / continued from page 1 other person, he or she could still be cheating on you, and this type of cheating could hit you right in the pocketbook.

Financial infidelity can be a huge problem in relationships, and disagreements over spending, saving and investing have derailed many a marriage. If you want to avoid the pain, uncertainty and fear that financial infidelity leaves in its wake, it is important to understand the root causes for these troubling types of behavior.

It is important to understand, for instance, that shame is a common motivator for financial infidelity. A partner who enters into the marriage with a huge amount of student loan debt, for instance, may be reluctant to disclose that fact even as they are walking down the aisle.

They may be ashamed that they are underemployed, or fearful that they will never be able to pay back what they owe, and the early lies and untruths continue to build and compound until revealing the truth would simply be too painful and embarrassing. As

a result, the other spouse is missing a key piece of information, one that could have a profound impact on the marital finances going forward.

Shame may also play a role when there is a gambling addiction or other form of compulsive behavior at play. If one spouse or partner is suffering from an addiction, their shame may cause them to hide that fact, and the compulsion they feel may spark a string of financial infidelities in the coming years.

Guilt and shame are common motivating factors for financial infidelity, but there

could be other emotions at play as well. Anger or a desire for revenge, for instance, could cause one spouse to overspend or life about their spending. Some couples get caught up in a tit for tat cycle in which one spouse makes a large purchase and the other spouse tries to get even by buying something equally frivolous and equally expensive.

In the end this type of destructive cycle can only end one way, and that could mean the end of the marriage and the shattering of their shared finances as a result. In other

cases the financial infidelity comes from a deeper place, one driven by social pressures and underlying feelings of insecurity. Keeping up with the Joneses can be hard on the family finances, and even harder on the relationship.

Differences in background and lived experience can also set the stage for financial infidelity, especially when one spouse was raised by savers and the other by spenders.

Early life experiences from childhood can create patterns that are difficult to break as an adult, and lies about finances and monetary infidelity are often the results.

Romantic infidelity may get all the headlines, but the financial kind of cheating can be equally devastating to the relationship and the marriage. No one writes soap operas about this kind of infidelity, but that does not mean it is not important, or that spouses should not heed the warning signs if they suspect there might be a problem. Now that you know the factors that often play into financial infidelity, you can enter the marriage better armed to combat it.p

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Family: The True Modern Relationship

Teens with Secure Family Relationships ‘Pay It Forward’ with Empathy for Friends

BY JESSICA STERN THE CONVERSATION

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eens with more secure family relationships get a head start on developing empathy, according to my colleagues’ and my new study tracking adolescents into adulthood.

In contrast to popular myths about self-obsessed teens, existing research shows that adolescence is a key stage of development for the growth of empathy: the ability to stand in someone else’s shoes, to understand and resonate with their emotions and to care about their well-being. Empathy is a skill that develops over time, and it has major consequences for teens’ social interactions, friendships and adult relationships.

So how do teens learn this critical skill?

Our team’s new findings, pub-

lished on July 15, 2021, in the journal Child Development, suggest that teens who have secure, supportive family relationships provide more empathetic support to their friends.

Imagine yourself as a teenager with someone in your life who understands your struggles, offers help and makes you feel supported and connected – that’s what empathetic support is all about.

Our study, led by professor of psychology Joseph P. Allen, followed 184 adolescents from their early teens into adulthood. When teens were 14 years old, we interviewed them about their family experiences and their relationships with their parents.

The interviews were designed to measure attachment security – teens’ confidence that they can explore and build autonomy while trusting others to provide connection, safety and support when

they need it. Past research shows that experiences of receiving sensitive care from adult caregivers, especially in times of stress, build secure attachment. In each interview, we rated teens as secure if they expressed that they valued their family relationships and described them in a balanced, clear way.

Then we videotaped the teens at ages 16, 17 and 18, while they helped their closest friend talk through problems they were facing. From these

videos, we quantified how much support friends sought from the teens we interviewed – for example, by asking for their opinion on a situation. To measure how much empathetic support the teens provided, we looked for four types of behaviors: showing understanding, helping friends solve their problems, providing emotional validation and actively engaging in conversations.

We found that teens who were more secure in their fam-

YOU ALWAYS KEEP THEM SAFE. WITH VACCINES, THEY’LL BE EVEN SAFER. CHILDREN AGES 12-17 CAN NOW BE VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19.

Get your child vaccinated for a safe return to school. Children who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to get and spread COVID-19.

LET’S KEEP OUR CHILDREN SAFE AND OUR SCHOOLS COVID-FREE. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and where to get one, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine.

ily relationships at age 14 provided more empathetic support to their friends in early adolescence and showed consistently high empathy over time. Teens who were less secure showed lower levels of empathy at first but improved this skill over time and nearly caught up to more secure teens by age 18.

This finding suggests that teens naturally gain empathetic skills as they get older, but those with more secure family relationships may get there faster.

What is especially interesting is that teens’ friends were more likely to seek out support from secure teens, and friends who sought more help were more likely to receive it. Thus, friendships provide a key context for adolescents to practice giving and receiving empathetic support. continued on page 11

August 2021

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Family: The True Modern Relationship

Back to School Vision and Eye Tips

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OVID-19 continues to pose challenges for many parents and students. But whether your children are going back to school in a physical classroom or remotely at home, it is important to make sure they get their vision checked. Lighthouse Guild points out that vision is one of the keys to success in school and encourages parents to make sure their children get regular vision screenings.

“The most important thing you can do to protect your child’s vision is to make sure they get an eye exam,” says Dr. Laura Sperazza, Director of Low Vision Services at Lighthouse Guild. “An eye health professional can determine if your child needs eyeglasses or contact lenses, or if there is a vision problem that requires further intervention.”

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month Here are five healthy vision tips to help safeguard your

store their glasses. Let them choose an eyeglass case with a theme or design they like to make the experience of wearing glasses seem more special.

For an older child, explore the possibility of contact lenses.

child’s eye health: •Eat Your Carrots – The old saying still applies. Encourage your children to eat a wellbalanced diet loaded with different types of fruits and veggies as well as fish.

•Speak Up – Ask your children to let you know if they notice any vision changes. Examples would be blurry vi-

sion, frequent squinting, or general eye discomfort.

•Wear Your Glasses – Help your children understand the importance of wearing their eyeglasses. If they are resistant because they believe glasses are unattractive, try pointing out sports figures and other well-known people who wear glasses. Talk with them about how to clean and

•Rest Your Eyes – Looking continuously at a computer, phone, or TV screen can tire eyes. Encourage your children to take a break from staring at the screen. Teach them the 20/20/20 rule for computer use. After 20 minutes on the computer, they should take a break for 20 seconds and look 20 feet away to relax the eyes.

This is good rule for adults also!

•Wear Safety Gear – Make sure your children wear goggles or other types of protective eye wear while playing sports, using chemicals or tools for school projects, or engaging in other activities.

Many eye injuries can be prevented with better safety habits.p

Teens/ continued from page 10 Why it matters Teens who are more empathetic are less aggressive, exhibit less prejudice and are less likely to bully others.

Our research suggests that empathy starts with feeling safe and connected. Building secure relationships, characterized by trust, emotional safety and responsiveness, can give teens a firsthand experience of empathy. With this foundation in place, they can then share that empathy with others.

What’s next There’s still plenty we don’t know about teens’ empathy.

For instance, what equips teens to empathize with individuals from marginalized groups, with new peers or dating partners, or with their own future children?

Learning how to nurture empathy in adolescence is vital for building a more compassionate society. p Jessica Stern is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow of Psychology, University of Virginia

www.workersworldtoday.com

August 2021

12

Education

7 Tips for LGBTQ Parents to Help Schools Fight Stigma and Ignorance in terms of their self-esteem.

Help them develop a repertoire of potential responses to teasing — such as telling a teacher, ignoring it or responding to an insensitive question with a straightforward set of facts. Consider outlining or role-playing possible scenarios.

BY ABBIE E. GOLDBERG THE CONVERSATION

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any parents want to ensure that their kids are in classrooms where they and their families are respected and embraced. However, as a psychologist and researcher who has studied LGBTQ parents’ relationships with schools for over a decade, I have found that LGBTQ parents often have specific concerns when it comes to inclusion and acceptance. “[We have] always been very upfront that we are a family with two moms,” reported one parent in my research. “If the [school] was going to have an issue, we wanted to get the vibe early so we could find an alternative so our child didn’t have to suffer due to their closed-mindedness.”

LGBTQ parents who live in less gay-friendly communities are more likely to describe feelings of mistreatment by

their children’s schools. Such experiences may prompt parents to confront negative treatment.

Based on my research and surveys with hundreds of LGBTQ families, here are suggestions for how LGBTQ caregivers can advocate for themselves and their children if they run into stigma or ignorance. The statements quoted below are from various participants in my research.

1. Talk to the school pre-emptively “I always tell the teachers in advance that I am a transgender gestational parent so they don’t think my kids are lying when they say their father gave birth to them.”

Engage the school in a conversation about your family prior to the start of the school

year. Explain the basic details of your family, what your child calls each parent, and other important adults in your child’s life such as the donor or birth parents. Ask if they have any questions or would like you to suggest some resources.

2. Get involved “My presence in these spaces is a constant reminder to the staff that there is a gay parent in the room.”

Join the PTA or Diversity Committee, or attend their meetings and gradually seek out leadership positions. Volunteer in the classroom or at school events.

3. Provide input and suggestions “We bought books for the class library about different kinds of families, and arranged for PFLAG [a national advocacy group for LGBTQ+ people] and local LGBTQ groups to present to staff at our kids’ schools.”

Highlight for schools where paperwork can be more inclusive, such as “Parent 1” and “Parent 2” instead of “Mother” and “Father.” Provide input about how celebrations, curriculum and classroom visuals could be more inclusive of LGBTQ-parent families, or donate inclusive books or other materials.

4. Investigate policies Establish whether the school has procedures in place for dealing with sexist, homophobic and transphobic behavior at school. What are their policies against bullying? If sexual and gender identity and expression are not covered in such policies, advocate for including them.

5. Talk to your children “We have told them that every family is different. …

We told them that some people don’t understand these differences and to feel free to come to us at any time if they have questions.”

Check in with your children about what they are experiencing at school. Use general questions, such as “What is your teacher like?” or “Tell me about recess today.” Convey that you will listen to them if something is going on at school, and you’ll talk together about how to handle it.

6. Empower your children “There’s a lot of ‘That’s gay’ or ‘You’re gay.’ When someone says to my daughter, ‘Your mom’s gay,’ she says, ‘Actually, she is.’”

Build your child’s confidence and sense of pride. If possible, connect them to other children with LGBTQ parents. This can make a difference

7. Get support “We did a presentation to the first grade class. … With the school’s permission, we shared how our family was created, and other parents joined in and shared their stories as well so as to not single out our son.”

Find a community of other LGBTQ parents at school, in your community or online.

You may also find allies in non-LGBTQ parents who want diverse and inclusive schools.

Benefits of inclusive schools Research has shown that attending schools where LGBTQ topics and historical figures are incorporated into the curriculum, or where there are supports for LGBTQ people, benefits the mental health and self-esteem of children with LGBTQ parents. Having classmates who also have LGBTQ parents can also help.

Furthermore, children with LGBTQ parents who attend LGBTQ-inclusive schools may be less likely to experience bullying than those who attend schools with more negative environments. One study found that children of LGBTQ parents who attended schools without LGBTQ issues in the curriculum showed higher levels of withdrawn and aggressive behavior, along with more social problems.

Undoubtedly, LGBTQ parents are also thinking about the school’s quality and reputation, class sizes, safety and ability to meet their children’s needs and interests.

In seeking out inclusive schools and advocating for their children, LGBTQ parents should be sure to give themselves a break. It is impossible to fight or win every battle, and the reality is that LGBTQ parents should not have to fight these battles at all.p Abbie E. Goldberg is a Professor of Psychology, Clark University

August 2021

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13

Jobs & Recession

Four Steps to Finding a Job

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

E

veryone needs a job, but few applicants actually know how to get one.

For most people starting out in the job market, it's a process of trial and error-- mostly error.

But it needn't be that way.

Finding the right opening and conducting a professional interview is part common sense, part luck. It can all be boiled down to four simple steps: locate, prepare, execute, and follow up.

Locate The most obvious step is to locate the right position for yourself. This is perhaps the most time-consuming and crucial step of all because you don't want to waste time applying for positions that you have little chance of getting, and you do not want to be stuck in a miserable place.

You should be scanning all the online job boards and put together a good, flattering but honest résumé that is brief, accurate, and tells the potential employer what you can do for them.

Write a short but forceful cover letter that sells the hiring manager on your drive and ability to help them get work done. There are countless examples online; look for example at the Career Resources tab of Monster.com, where you will find a lot of advice.

Prepare Research local employers where you would like to work; study their websites, look at the positions they have advertised, and read the news about the company. When you write your cover letter, you should sound like you know exactly what they need. You are your own best advocate, so sell yourself.

When you go in for an interview, you should know as much about the company as possible. Don't blow this off because you're too busy, or you doubt they'll hire you.

Doubt translates into failure.

Do the work up front and you will delight and amaze the hiring manager with your knowledge of the business. It doesn't matter whether you're going for a minimum wage job stocking shelves or a computer programming job; be a winner and let them know you're a winner.

Execute From the minute you arrive, you are executing your plan to advance your career. That means, you show up well-dressed, with a comfortable safety margin and, if necessary, wait in your car or at the café or in the lobby until it is five minutes before the appointment, then go in and get the job.

You do not want to show off your nose stud and forehead tattoo. Societal norms are evolving, but it's safer to project a moderate, pleasant persona who will get along with 20-year-olds and with 75-year-olds. Don't make a political statement of any kind in how you dress and comport yourself.

Above all, you want to project strength and confidence and humor. You are pleasant and easy to get along with and you have prepared answers to average interview questions (more on that below). If you can execute this plan well, the hiring manager will enjoy meeting with you and will come away from the interview feeling great about you. Even if you don't get the job after the first meeting, you have made an inroad that may pay off later.

Interview questions are a topic for an entire article unto itself. To summarize: questions are generally designed to test your ability to get along and become a valuable team player. They may ask you questions about your home life, what kind of food you like, what sports you follow; this is just to get an impression of you as a human being. Give them honest answers and don't forget to smile and be humble. This is your chance to show them you're a fun person to be around.

They may try to test your knowledge, sometimes with ridiculous trivia questions that can be most annoying. They may give you a written test. Take it all with a grain of salt, and be good spirited about it. Chances are, they had to go through the same thing, so show them you understand that it's a necessary chore to get through.

Challenging questions are usually meant to see how you respond under pressure. If you have no ready answer to an odd question, provide a smooth, comforting response that reassures them you know how to find the answer. People in customer care are expected to handle great stress, and this is your opportunity to demonstrate that ability.

Follow up Don't neglect this final, crucial step. It may be that they will close the interview with something like "Thank you for your time; we will get back

to you by Friday." Don't wait by the phone. Go ahead and email the hiring manager or recruiter if you have their email and thank them for their time. It's surprising how many people forget that the hiring process is tedious and time-consuming for those involved, and a little appreciation goes a long way.

You may also feel free to send them more information about yourself. "After our interview, I realized you might be interested in more details about my previous work..." "Here's another story of how I helped a customer solve a big problem."

Don't flood them with follow-up emails; one is sufficient. If they say, "Don't contact us; we'll be in touch" then you obviously need to respect that rule but be thinking of ways to stand out from the crowd. It's reasonable to ask them an informational question, for example, as an excuse to be in touch: "Sorry to bother you, but I was wondering about this detail about your 401(k) plan." If this kind of inquiry annoys them, then you have learned something valuable about this company -- they might not be a place you wish to work!

The most important thing of all is to not become discouraged. Job hunting is like building Rome: it doesn't happen in a day. The more you do it, the better you will become, and the more jobs you get, the easier it gets to find the next one. And one last thing: remember to have fun!p Get more career resources at at www.freeparalegal.org

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Questions? Call 800-636-9517.

August 2021

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14

In the News

District Council 9 Opens New Recruitment Drive; 500 Applications Available

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istrict Council 9 is beginning its recruitment process for Painter, Decorator and Paperhanger apprentices on Tuesday, August 24. The application period runs to through Tuesday, September 7. DC9 is accepting 500 applications for apprenticeship training.

Five-hundred applications will be handed out, in person, at the DC 9 Finishing Trades Institute of New York training facility on a first come, first served basis, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 3 pm, at the Finishing Trades Institute of New York located at 4515 36th Street, Long Island City.

“As New York transitions into a post-pandemic era, District Council 9 is preparing the next generation of highly skilled workers to take part in our state’s rebuilding efforts,” said Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer Joseph Azzopardi. “We see our apprentices as the future of the industry, and we’re proud that our apprenticeship programs help create a pathway to rewarding, family-sustaining careers.” p

Tell Hilton: Hotel Rooms Should be Cleaned Every Day

H

otel rooms should be cleaned every day.

That’s what hotel guests have come to expect and love. But as tourism comes roaring back, Hilton wants to end this standard and eliminate housekeepers’ jobs.

Guests and health experts want more cleaning – not less – but Hilton recently announced the end of automatic daily housekeeping, a drastic cut to cleaning services when they have never been more important.

Ending daily housekeeping would eliminate up to an estimated 39% of all U.S. hotel

T

he ballots are in at MSNBC, and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has counted them: 141 editorial staffers at MSNBC voted to be represented by the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) for the purpose of collective bargaining; 58 people voted no.

The 300-member bargaining unit includes writers, producers, booking

producers, and other editorial staff at every program airing on MSNBC and The Choice on Peacock.

The MSNBC Organizing Committee said, “Victory! This victory is the first of its kind in cable news and we are so proud of what we’ve all accomplished together.p

Liz Shuler Elected President as Part of Most Diverse Leadership Team in AFL-CIO History

Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

housekeeping jobs – which are overwhelmingly held by women of color – while making housekeepers’ workloads more painful and forever changing the traveling experience for guests. Meanwhile, Hilton doubled the pay of CEO Chris Nassetta to $55 million in 2020.

But it’s not inevitable. Hotel guests and housekeepers worldwide are joining forces and taking action, telling Hilton that hotel rooms should be cleaned every day. Together, we can protect jobs and the traveling experiencep

Workers at Greenlight Bookstores and Yours Truly Stationery Stores Win Recognition to Join RWDSU Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

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MSNBC Staff Employees Win NLRB Election to Unionize

he Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) announced that workers at Greenlight Bookstores and Yours Truly stationery stores have won recognition for their union. The RWDSU represents workers at book and stationery stores across New York

City including McNally Jackson, Goods for the Study, and Book Culture. Now workers at Greenlight and Yours Truly will head to the bargaining table to secure fair treatment in the workplace and fair compensation in their first union contract.

“I’m excited to be an RWDSU member, especially during this wave of unionization efforts happening across the country!” said Ienna Fernandez, Greenlight Bookstore worker.p

T

he AFL-CIO Executive Council elected Liz Shuler to serve as president of the federation of 56 unions and 12.5 million members.

Shuler is the first woman to hold the office in the history of the labor federation. The Executive Council also elected United Steelworkers (USW) International Vice President Fred Redmond to succeed Shuler as secretarytreasurer, the first African American to hold the number two office. Tefere Gebre will continue as executive vice president, rounding out the most diverse team of officers ever to lead the AFL-CIO. The election of Shuler and Redmond comes after the unexpected and untimely passing of Richard Trumka, who served as AFL-CIO president from 2009 until his death on Aug. 5, capping a more than 50-year career of dedication to America’s unions and working people.

“I am humbled, honored and ready to guide this federation forward,” Shuler said after her election. “I be-

lieve in my bones the labor movement is the single greatest organized force for progress. This is a moment for us to lead societal transformations—to leverage our power to bring women and people of color from the margins to the center—at work, in our unions and in our economy, and to be the center of gravity for incubating new ideas that will unleash unprecedented union growth.”

"Liz has long been a tenacious and visionary leader and advocate for workers all across our nation, as well as a true friend of the NYC Labor Movement, and we look forward to our continued partnership as we fight for an economy that works for working families everywhere," said NYC CLC President Vincent Alvarez.p

www.workersworldtoday.com

August 2021

15

In The News

AG James and U.S. Department of Labor Deliver $14 Million to Consumers Who Were Denied Mental Health Care Coverage

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EW YORK: New York Attorney General Letitia James and the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) today announced landmark agreements with UnitedHealthcare (United), the nation’s largest health insurer, to resolve allegations that United unlawfully denied health care coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatment for thousands of Americans. As a result of these agreements, United will pay approximately $14.3 million in restitution to consumers affected by the policies, including $9 million to more than 20,000 New Yorkers with behavioral health conditions who received denials or reductions in reimbursement. New York and federal law requires health insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment the same way they cover physical health

Editorial credit: a katz / Shutterstock.com

treatment. The agreements — which resolve investigations and litigation — address United’s policies that illegally limited coverage of outpatient psychotherapy, hindering access to these vital services for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers for whom United administers behavioral health benefits. In addition to the payment to impacted consumers, United will lift the barriers it imposed and pay more than $2 million in penalties, with $1.3 million going to New York

state.

“In the shadow of the most devastating year for overdose deaths and in the face of growing mental health concerns due to the pandemic, access to this care is more critical than ever before,” said Attorney General James. “United’s denial of these vital services was both unlawful and dangerous — putting millions in harm’s way during the darkest of times. There must be no barrier for New Yorkers seeking health care of any kind, which

is why I will always fight to protect and expand it. I thank Secretary Walsh for his partnership on this important matter.”

“Protecting access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment is a priority for the Department of Labor and something I believe in strongly as a person in long-term recovery,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “This settlement provides compensation for many people who were denied full benefits and equitable treatment. We appreciate Attorney General James and her office for their partnership in investigating, identifying, and remedying these violations.”

New York’s behavioral health parity law — originally enacted as “Timothy’s Law” in 2006 — and the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA)

require insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatment to be no more restrictive than insurance coverage for physical health conditions. The agreements are the product of the first joint state-federal enforcement of these laws.

The Office of the Attorney General's (OAG) complaint — which parallels USDOL’s complaint — was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, along with the agreements. Each complaint describes two practices by United that the agencies allege violated behavioral health parity laws through discriminatory practices that improperly restricted coverage of psychotherapy: 1) Reimbursement Penalty 2) Algorithms for Effective Reporting and Treatment (ALERT) programp

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August 2021

16

Home Ownership

How to Avoid Surprises at the Closing Table

BY ALEX MASON

S

ome things in life are a welcome surprise, and some people thrive with the feeling of "winging it." A real estate transaction isn't something you should do on the fly, though.

When you are buying or selling a piece of property, knowledge is power and answers are everything. All cards must be on the table from all parties involved to have a hassle-free and litigation-free transfer of property.

Hiring a quality real estate agent will help to cut down on the shocking surprises that may be too late to correct or cope with. Whether you are buying or selling, be sure you have a real estate agent at your side at all times if you want to avoid surprises.

Know Your Loan Terms and Conditions When a buyer finds the perfect property, it is easy to approach

the lending stage with blinders on. After all, we want nothing more than to secure the property and call it our own.

However, the fine print in the loan document can cause nightmares. Your loan contract is full of terms and agreements that, when breached, could result in the forfeiture of the home.

A qualified loan officer is there to serve you, breaking down all the terms and conditions into layman's language. The borrower needs to understand what each loan product means in terms of repayment, interest rate, and the difference between a steady fixed rate loan and the often shaky adjustable rate loan.

The fixed loan rate will be somewhat higher than an adjustable one. However, this loan product is a safe guarantee that the monthly mortgage payment will never fluctuate and increase should future interest rates rise.

The adjustable rate loan may offer a lower monthly payment initially, but it can be a game of risk when the loan adjusts in two, three or five years to an un-

known interest rate.

Closing Costs The buyer and seller need to be on the same page with the closing agreements and have everything put into writing. There are no valid verbal agreements in the real estate game, so be sure your buyer's or seller's agent has all the terms and conditions written in the contract.

Overlooked factors that could create chaos include a misunderstanding of the escrow length, if the seller will contribute a portion towards the buyer's closing costs, and what fixtures or furnishings will accompany the sale of the property.

Similarly, items in or around the property that are not welcomed by the new buyer must be removed from the property before escrow closes. This may include a backyard spa, refrigerator in the garage or unwanted lighting fixtures inside the home.

Parties on the Title Once a home is purchased, a

title to the property will be issued to the new owners. In most cases, a husband and wife will have both names added to the title. However, in some cases, the property title is going to be shared with another party that was involved with the purchase.

This may include friends or family of the primary buyer, or anyone else they see fit.

Putting someone on the title to your new home may seem like a benevolent gesture, but buyer beware for complications down the road. A property may not be resold until all parties on the title have consented and sign for the sale.

When someone outside of the immediate family in listed on the title, there could be a tug of war as to when to sell the property, how much is the asking price and a battle over the profit.

In addition, parents who wish to put their young adult children on the title must proceed with caution. A young person, particularly males between the ages of 16 and 24, are an extremely high risk to add to the

title of a piece of property.

One reason comes down to the driving skills and high insurance rates for young male drivers. Should a young and inexperienced driver become involved in an auto accident, the injured party may sue for damages and walk away with your home. If the wayward driver is on the title of the home, the property is fair game with a lawsuit.

If you wish to ensure your young adult child will be handed the property after your death, simply get a will and state him or her as the beneficiary to the home. This is the safe and sane way to protect your property from auto liability and lawsuits while taking control of the situation.

If you are ready to buy or sell, you may want to contact one of our real estate professionals for more information.We will be happy to meet with you and share our guidance. Schedule an appointment today. Call us at 888-670-6791.p

August 2021

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17

Old & New Immigrants: Their Rights

Supreme Court Refuses to Stop the Migrant Protection Protocols From Going Back Into Effect

BY AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL LEGAL STAFF

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he Supreme Court refused to block an order to reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols, also known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy. The decision comes after a Texas judge halted the government’s recission of the controversial and illegal program.

The Supreme Court’s ruling means that the government must make “best efforts” to reinstate the program immediately, while the appeals process continues.

MPP Was a Humanitarian Disaster There is no denying the humanitarian impact of MPP. One year after the Trump administration instituted MPP, nearly 60,000 people had been

Editorial credit: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

returned to Mexico. In Mexico, they faced homelessness or housing insecurity, and in some cases lack of access to running water or electricity.

Those fleeing for their lives are unable to “go home,” and must stay where the U.S. government sends them to wait for their next U.S. immigration court hearing. The border regions of Mexico are so dangerous that the U.S. State Department has designated most of them as “Do Not Travel” or “Reconsider Travel” because of crime and

kidnapping.

As described in an amicus brief filed by the American Immigration Council, seven other immigrant and human rights organizations, and former Immigration Judges against the reinstatement of MPP: “There are at least 1,544 public reports of murder, rape, kidnapping, and other violent attacks against asylum seekers and migrants returned to Mexico under MPP… Médecins Sans Frontières reported that 75% of its patients

returned to the border city of Nuevo Laredo under MPP in October 2019 alone were kidnapped.”

The amicus brief also highlights that “asylum seekers were routinely assaulted and kidnapped near the ports of entry while traveling to or from their MPP hearings,” demonstrating that the MPP program itself fosters the crime and violence that is occurring.

The situation of those placed into MPP became even more dire with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of waiting for a scheduled hearing, suddenly these individuals had to wait indefinitely as the U.S. government postponed MPP hearings in response to the pandemic. The reinstatement of MPP will result in more and more people placed into the program with-

out any guarantee their immigration proceedings will go forward.

What Are the Options for the Biden Administration?

There are two paths to a solution to this immediate crisis.

First, the government is continuing to appeal this decision—the Supreme Court’s decision is not the end of the road. The government should aggressively pursue appeal.

Second, the administration can terminate the program again by issuing a new termination memo, addressing the deficiencies highlighted by the court.

MPP was a stain on the history books and should remain one. The government should take all means necessary to aggressively end this program once and for all.p

www.workersworldtoday.com

August 2021

18

Love, Health & Travel

5 Surprising Causes of Butt Discomfort

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rom exercise and travel to self-care and beyond, there are many activities we look to that will help better our health and wellness both physically and mentally. However, sometimes the most wellmeaning activities can have unintentional effects on our bodies, including causing pain, discomfort, and even uncomfortable backside itching or burning.

The good news? Back-there issues are common, and there are solutions to help manage and treat the irritation. To help you get to the bottom of why your backside may be feeling a bit off, consider the following triggers that might be causing discomfort.

1) Working the glutes Moving your body is one of the best ways to maintain your overall health and wellness.

However, strenuous weightlifting or exercises that increase pressure on your rear, such as bike riding, can lead to some unwanted backside issues. To help prevent back-

areas when washing may also cause broken skin. Try simplifying your wash routine and use just one gentle product instead. Less is more.

there discomfort from leaving the gym with you, make sure to practice good form and warm up properly to reduce the risk of over-exertion, straining, or injury.

2) Planes, trains, and automobiles Change in a routine that inevitably comes with traveling often impacts our bodies more than we may realize. In particular, extended time spent sitting on planes, trains, or in the car coupled with not-so-ideal bathroom scenarios can lead to uncomfortable back-there pains. As you plan out your travels, map out your route to give yourself breaks from sitting down and find accessible bathroom options to ensure you can avoid "holding it in."

Additionally, find room in your suitcase for products to help you feel comfortable along the way, like the new Preparation H Soothing Relief Cooling Spray. The new Cooling Spray soothes and cools for fast, targeted relief of burning and itching in an easy-to-use,

no-touch form to help keep you feeling fresh and comfortable, even when away from home.

3) Stressing out Experiencing stress regularly not only has a negative impact on mental well-being, but it can also have an impact on your body. In fact, prolonged stress can be linked to digestive issues, such as upset stomachs, loss of appetite, and even constipation. Common coping mechanisms, like unhealthy snacking or alcohol, can negatively impact digestive health,

as well. Try incorporating stress-relieving activities into your daily routine, such as yoga, meditation, or even simply chatting with a friend or loved one. Your belly and backside will thank you.

4) Favorite fragrances Practicing good hygiene is an important part of taking care of your body; however, utilizing too many fragrance-focused products to keep clean may cause irritation or dryness to the skin, especially in the down-there region. Additionally, over-scrubbing sensitive

5) Wardrobe malfunction A secret culprit of backside discomfort: wearing tight clothing. Restrictive fashion or lacy undergarments, especially when items are made of synthetic fabrics like polyester, can cause skin friction and even trap excess moisture, which could create a damp and irritating environment for your behind. Try incorporating looser fitting clothing options into your wardrobe, as well as pieces that are made of more breathable materials, like cotton.

Sometimes the sneaky culprits of backside discomfort can be common day-to-day activities. Taking a little extra effort to find solutions that work best for you will help prevent backside pains and help you stay comfortable all day long.

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August 2021

19

Love, Health & Travel

Women Having Affairs: How to Make a Decision

BY JENNINE ESTES ESTES THERAPY

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triving for a successful relationship is common, but actually having one is less so. This may be attributable to increased access to potential partners via dating apps as well as heavy social media use, which can give a false impression of the prevalence of happy couples. In the end, these factors lead to more people searching endlessly for the "right partner" or for their "soul mate."

Women who have affairs can often feel as if their marriage has had a long death. You may have been emotionally unfulfilled for years, longing for a connection that feels unrequited. After years of reaching out and thinking it’s not working…you burn out. Sometimes, a certain someone can

walk into your life and ignite a spark. This new relationship gets you excited, makes you feel validated, and might even make you feel like a Victoria Secret model. However, affairs can also bring guilt and shame, and figuring out how to resolve both relationships won’t be easy. Here’s what you need to know.

Why It’s Happening When you’re emotionally unfulfilled and feel like you’re living day in and day out in a bland relationship, the sudden chemistry with another person makes you feel alive again.

Having someone who really cares, wants to learn everything about you, and tries to carve out time for you is flattering and gives you a boost of self-esteem. You have deep needs in your marriage that are not being met, and you’re seeking to fill that void some-

where else.

The Problem The exhilarating feelings you experience with the “other man” may give you a rush, but these feelings are usually replaced with a sense of guilt.

The guilt comes from feelings of shame that you are keeping part of your life and emotions hidden, and not feeling confident enough to speak up. You

know you’ve made a commitment to your husband, and you’re not following through on the promises you made to be faithful and truthful. Your affair becomes like a drug – you know it isn’t right and feel guilty, but then keep going back to it because the other man also makes you feel a temporary high. At some point, fear can also take over

end you’ll start thinking about how if you come clean you could lose your marriage, respect of family, and even your financial security if the marriage is over.

Steps to Take 1. Understand why and where things went wrong in your marriage. Get to the root continued on page 20

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August 2021

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Women Having Affairs / continued from page 19 of it. Meet with a therapist to sort through it in a confidential environment without judgment.

riage. He may not realize how bad you think things are and that you are feeling neglected and lost. You know your husband best and can tell if it would be beneficial to your relationship to tell him about the affair, or if you can even live with yourself by keeping it a secret forever.

Love, Health & Travel

5 Telehealth Tips for AtHome Health Care

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elehealth is enabling health care professionals to provide patient care remotely, safely and conveniently through technologies such as a computer, mobile phone or landline telephone more than ever before. This has reduced barriers to care for millions of people who live far away from specialists, have transportation or mobility issues, or are in rural communities or other underserved areas. Many patients and providers are turning to Telehealth.HHS.gov for a one-stop resource to learn about telehealth care offerings, best practices for visits and to find answers to common questions.

One frequent concern for patients is what steps they can take for a successful telehealth visit. Here are five important tips Telehealth.HHS.gov says every patient can benefit from: •Set an appointment: Ask your doctor if they offer tele-

health, or find telehealth care through your health insurance company, provider or community health center. * Get your info ready: Treat a virtual visit like an in-person appointment. Have a list of current medications ready, as well as a list of questions or concerns to address with the provider. * Pick a good location: Position yourself in front of the camera someplace that is welllit, quiet and private to ensure you can speak openly with the provider.

•Position yourself for success: Connect to your appointment five minutes early and wear loose clothing in case you need to show the provider something on your body.

•Check before you connect: Make sure your device is charged or plugged in and that the internet connection via WiFi or ethernet cable is strong.

Don't forget to enable your privacy settings for the telehealth platform to use your camera and/or microphone. (BPT)p To find more resources and tips for using telehealth care, visit Telehealth.HHS.gov.

2. Put the other man on hold until you figure out your next step. It’s best to close one door before you open the next. Your guilt won’t fully go away until you make a clean break, regardless of which man you choose, so stop communicating with the other man until you figure out if you’re going to give it a shot with your husband.

3. Read the book “Too bad to stay, too good to leave”. This book can help you sort out your feelings. Sort through the feelings about staying in your marriage or leaving to be with the new person (or to be alone).

4.Decide whether or not you will tell your husband about the affair. You can either tell your partner or not tell him, it’s up to you, but either way he needs to know how BAD things actually are in the mar-

Fixing your relationship after an affair isn’t easy – but it can be done. Infidelity doesn’t have to signal the end of your marriage, but it does mean that something is seriously off course, and you need to work together to get it back on track.

The guilt can be overwhelming, even to the point where it impacts your physical health, so it’s important to deal with the issue head on and make a decision about staying in or walking away from your marriage.p Jennine Estes, MFT is a Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego, CA. She is certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples and a Supervisor. She is also the creator of #BeingLOVEDIs campaign.

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August 2021

21

Love, Health & Travel

Traveling Post-COVID and Why You Need a Travel Agent

BY VICTORIA FALK

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mother and her six children were recently kicked off a flight following a family vacation because her 2-year-old daughter refused to keep a mask on her face. During publicized news interviews, the mom stated, "She never wore masks this entire few months. I would never make her wear a mask.

She's a baby.", referring to her 2-year-old daughter. The latter would not keep a mask on her face flying from Orlando, Florida, to Newark, New Jersey. She said her children were confused, scared, and crying as they had to get off their flight.

A travel agent booking the vacation may have spared the mom and her children the pain and humiliation of being forced to get off their flight. A travel agent could have informed the mom that it's mandatory for everyone, age two and up, to wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth, throughout their journey in the airport, for the duration of the flight, after landing in their destination city, until they exit the airport.

A travel agent could have

warned this mom that her or any of her children's refusal to wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth, as required by the airlines and Centers for Disease Control, could result in them being removed from the airplane as they were.

Generally, it is recommended, for a variety of reasons, to use a travel agent.

However, since the world has been experiencing a pandemic, it is even more necessary to use a travel agent.

"Why do I need a travel agent when I can book the trip myself?" ask many people.

Well, travel agents do more than book trips. A good travel agent is an advisor and a consultant and takes the stress out of the process. If you have not booked travel in a while, it can be nerve-wracking to figure out the new changes and travel requirements. Do not lose time, money, peace of mind, and travel arrangements, because you have made mistakes that will affect your trip. Instead, consult with a travel agent who can update you on coronavirus advisories, face-covering requirements, change/cancel and refund policies, and local and international travel re-

quirements.

Despite the changes and new requirements, people are still traveling. Business travel has remained steady during the pandemic because entrepreneurs do not want to rely on online introductions. While more people are meeting online due to the power of the internet and social media, many entrepreneurs still prefer to do this face-to-face when signing contracts and closing business deals.

People who love to travel are taking advantage of the current super low prices and great travel deals available now. But they are nervous about booking these getaways on their own because they want to know, "What's the catch?" as a friend and travel customer asked me recently.

He enlisted my services as a Travel Agent for fear of booking a trip that was not good quality or one that had hidden fees.

Summer is almost over. And soon, we will be approaching the busiest travel season of the year, the holiday season, many people consider their travel plans. Months of social distancing and constant reports of the rising death toll due to Covid-19 make family time and fun with friends even more important this year. Savvy travelers are contacting their travel agents now to book their holiday travel.

While they ask about travel arrangements for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, they also discuss plans for family reunions and birthday celebrations. Many people

have to reconnect with family, friends, and other loved ones and are keeping some travel agents busy.

Thus, there is still an opportunity for those who have considered becoming travel agents, mainly since this can be done entirely online, from home. Several groups of travel professionals and others have a vested interest in the travel industry's success worldwide, coming together to rebuild travel. Do not delay.

Successful people understand the benefits of timing and positioning. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Travel Agent and position yourself today.

Travel agents experience the thrill of helping others. Plus, they can earn extra income while enjoying lifestyle and travel perks.

Register for the 4-week online Travel Agent Certificate program today. Go to www.nacc.nyc/travelagent to see dates and registration. Call (718) 722-9217 for assistance.p Victoria Falk, the award-winning CEO of Passionate Travel Inc. Visit: www.passionatetravel.info or call (800) 890-7492

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August 2021

22

NY Politics

New Governor Kathy Hochul to New Yorkers: You Can Trust Me

BY JOSEFA VELASQUEZ, ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY ALLISON DIKANOVIC THE CITY

K

athy Hochul made many vows following her swearing-in as New York’s 57th governor Tuesday — all based on rebuilding broken trust in government.

Her task looms large after the collapse of her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo — an epic downfall spurred by a state attorney general investigation that found he sexually harassed colleagues and deployed other state staff to derail women’s complaints.

“A new era of transparency will be one of the hallmarks of my administration. To me, it’s very simple,” said Hochul, the first woman to lead the state.

“We will focus on open, ethical governing that New Yorkers will trust.”

The former lieutenant governor vowed to “change the culture in Albany.” She asked New Yorkers to have faith in her leadership — and her willingness to take the heat for tough decisions — as she confronts a long list of Cuomoconnected challenges.

Among them: government integrity, sexual harassment in state agencies, stalled tenant and worker aid programs, and a persistent pandemic roiled by battles over masks and vaccinations.

Hochul’s most immediate moves concern the state’s schools, as staff and students ready to return to class with the super-transmissible Delta virus variant still spreading.

“None of us want a rerun of last year’s horrors with COVID-19,” she said in a recorded speech from the state Capitol in Albany. “Priority number one: We get children back to school and protect the environment so they can learn and everyone is safe.”

Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

Behind de Blasio on Schools Mirroring moves already made

by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Hochul announced a universal mask mandate for anyone stepping inside of a school — and a new requirement that all school personnel either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or get tested for the virus weekly.

That leaves her one step behind de Blasio, who on Monday announced that he would be requiring all New York City public school employees, including teachers, administrators and building staff, to have at least once dose of the vaccine by Sept. 27.

Yet Hochul’s school actions are more aggressive than some Cuomo was willing to take.

The former governor had claimed he lacked the legal authority to impose a statewide mask mandate.

Hochul also announced Tuesday that the state Department of Health will later this week supply policies to help schools reopen safely — measures many local officials sought but that Cuomo health commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker had previously declined to provide.

“They’ll be concise and consistent, giving the school districts what they have been asking for,” she said.

On the heels of the federal government fully approving Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine Monday, New Yorkers can expect new vaccination require-

ments, Hochul announced, promising more details “soon.”

And Hochul left open the possibility of reopening shuttered mass-vaccination sites to get New Yorkers a booster shot of the vaccine.

‘No More Excuses’ Confronting the pandemic’s ongoing economic toll, Hochul promised to quickly remove roadblocks to two state-run aid programs designed to help some of New York’s neediest.

“I am not at all satisfied with the pace of this COVID relief getting out the door. I want the money out now with no more excuses and delays,” Hochul said.

The federally funded, $2.7 billion Emergency Rental Assistance Program has been plagued by a cumbersome application process and has distributed a mere fraction of the money so far. What’s more, many who could benefit don’t know about the aid — a problem Hochul set out Tuesday to fix.

The state will be launching a campaign to inform New Yorkers about the rent program and hiring more staff to review applications, Hochul pledged.

With a state eviction moratorium due to expire Aug. 31, the brewing housing crisis dominated the closed-door discussion between Hochul and the leaders of the Legislature Monday afternoon, Assembly

Speaker Carl Heastie (D-The Bronx) told reporters afterward.

“We want to make sure that no one is evicted from their home. But we also want to make sure that people who need the assistance can get the assistance,” Heastie said. “It has to be a two-pronged approach. But how we get there?

I don’t know the answer yet.”

Also under discussion is what to do about the state’s eviction moratorium, which was largely nullified by a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (DWestchester) said at a news conference that it was “premature” to offer her support for extending the moratorium, citing ongoing discussions between the Legislature and governor’s office on next steps.

“We support people staying in their homes and we support doing what must be done in order to make sure that happens. But again, the conversation began in earnest this morning. But I can again assure people that we are focused like a laser,” Stewart-Cousins said.

Hochul said she plans to take the “same focused approach” to the Excluded Workers Fund, a $2.1 billion program signed into law by Cuomo in April that provides financial assistance to New Yorkers who were ineligible for government unemployment benefits and stimulus checks during the pandemic, such as undocumented immigrants.

The fund, which opened earlier this month and will begin distributing funds starting in September, has proven more challenging to access than anticipated.

Cuomo’s Department of Labor added a requirement that workers have to prove they’ve lost 50% of their earnings to qualify for assistance — a difficult task for people who

are self-employed or largely work in the cash economy.

‘Unleash the Power of Women’ Promising to usher in a new era of government following Cuomo’s implosion, Hochul vowed to “get this state working again — focused without distractions.”

“That begins with a dramatic change in culture, accountability, and no tolerance for individuals who crossed the line,” she said, directing an “overhaul of state government policies on sexual harassment and ethics.”

Hochul said she plans to direct state entities to review their compliance with state transparency laws and issue a report. She added that she plans to have her counsel “come up with an expedited process to fulfill” requests for public records and make them available online.

Also in her sights is a law Cuomo signed in 2018, requiring that employers make staff take annual sexual harassment training.

The AG’s investigation found evidence that Cuomo himself flouted that law, finding that a staff member, Stephanie Benton, signed a 2019 certificate of training on his behalf and calling into question whether her took the training in subsequent years.

Hochul said Tuesday that she will make sure state workers get the annual training in person, and can no longer take it online.

“It’s our time to unleash the power of New York’s women and make sure that any barriers to success and opportunity are eradicated once and for all,” said Hochul, who didn’t mention Cuomo by name during her speech.p

This story was published by on August 24, 2021 by THE CITY.

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