Workers' World Today - Issue 34

July 2022 INSIDE

8-page Insert from page 15.

2022: Fire Your Landlord and Become a Homeowner!

Real Estate Careers for People Who Don’t Want to Sell Homes ...22

New DOL Immigrant Whistleblower Policy ...12

Issue #34

Should the Spa Industry Fight for the Legalization of Sex Work?

BY SUZANNAH WEISS BEAUTYINDEPENDENT.COM

I

n March 2021, a white man killed eight people—primarily Asian women—in shootings at three Atlanta area spas. The man, 23-year-old Robert Aaron Long, is serving a life sentence after pleading guilty and could face the death penalty. He’s asserted he suffers from sex addiction and considered spas sites of temptation, reflecting a stereotype that female Asian massage therapists are sex workers.

The prevalence of sex work

BY CLAUDIA IRIZARRY APONTE, THE CITY ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY CANDACE PEDRAZA

in spas and massage parlors is uncertain. Legal concerns lead to difficulties obtaining precise data. To get an idea of how widespread it is, Urban Institute identified 4,790 erotic massage parlors in American cities on the website EroticMP.com in 2013. Regardless of the numbers, what’s apparent is that the perception of spas as sites for sex work, combined with a stigma around sex work, foments hostility affecting the spa industry generally. In the wake of the Atlanta shootings, Asian spa owners

ity Council members on Thursday introduced a trio of bills that seek to regulate rapid grocery delivery apps such as Gorillas, Getir and Gopuff — and their storefronts known as “dark stores” — and promote delivery worker safety.

continued on page 6

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Claudia Irizarry Aponte/THE CITY

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Retired Local 100 Secretary-Treasurer Earl Phillips Gets Send-Off to Barbados ...10

Hot Topics and News You Should Know About

5 Ways to Deal with Burnout at Work ...26

Council Members Seek City Oversight for Fast-Grocery Services

Divorce and Foreclosure: What You Need to Know ...17

Monkeypox: Should You Get Vaccinated — And How? ...24

Labor-Related News - Nationally & Locally

Become a Paralegal.

Join the Fastest Growing Industry! ...14

Editorial credit: PP/IQInc

Unpacking the Federal STEM Initiatives and Immigrants’ Role in the US Workforce

BY NAN WU, IMMIGRATIONIMPACT.COM

D NYS Has the 2nd Highest Union Participation Rate ...3

DC 37 and City Reach Deal to Help Attract More Lifeguards ...10

Finishing Trades Recruit Apprentices ...11

continued on page 13

emand for workers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) continues to grow in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the country will need about one million more workers for new STEM jobs between 2020 and 2030.

Brian Figeroux, Esq.

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July 2022

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In Solidarity

T Supports Workers’ World Today

R

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 U.S. economy today, in some ways, offers the most favorable conditions workers have had in years. The unemployment rate is as low as it has been in two decades, having bounced back from a COVID-induced spike in 2020. Simultaneously, the wave of departures and job switches now known as the Great Resignation suggests that workers are on the hunt for better jobs. To recruit and retain employees in a tight labor market, employers are raising wages and offering better benefits and flexible working arrangements.

Amid these labor-friendly conditions, another historic source of worker power may be making a comeback: unions.

Recent union drives at major U.S. employers like Starbucks and Amazon have grabbed headlines. Meanwhile, Congress is currently considering the PRO Act, a major piece of legislation that aims to strengthen unions. Support for unions is similarly widespread among the general population; a majority of Americans believe that declines in union membership have been bad for the country, and according to the National Labor Relations Board, petitions for union elections nationwide rose by 57% from 2021 to 2022.

While labor organizing appears to be on the rise again, unions have a ways to go to reverse the long-running decline of unionization in recent decades. Forty years ago, one in five U.S. workers (20.1%) was a union member, but today, that figure is approximately one in ten (10.3%).

Experts point to a number of factors for the decline of

Editorial credit: Ben Von Klemperer / Shutterstock.com

New York State Has the 2nd Highest Union Participation Rate in the U.S.

unions in the U.S. The rise of right-to-work laws beginning in the middle of the 20th century allowed more employers to hire non-union workers. The economic downturn of the late 1970s and early 1980s led to major layoffs for many heavily unionized employers and industries. Globalization has also made it easier for employers to find less expensive labor outside of the U.S., while technological advancements have allowed certain professions to be more automated.

The impact of these factors has been experienced differently across various sectors of the economy.

Industries like manufacturing, construction, trade, and transportation and warehousing have seen the sharpest declines in union membership rate over the last two decades.

These are industries that have been reshaped by the major economic and social trends that contributed to decreases in union participation. In contrast, fields like education and health care have experienced more measured declines.

Unionization's steady decline has been statistically costly for workers in many industries.

Across all wage and salary workers, union members receive $194 more per week than

TEAM Publisher Workers’ World Today, Inc Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip Contributing Writers Linda Nwoke Victoria Falk Jennine Estes, MFT Travis Morales Mary Campbell Janet Howard Wayne Jordan Chris Tobias Manuel Holguin Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Telephone 1-866-435-3286

non-union members in median weekly earnings. In some cases, the difference is even greater: for example, union construction workers earn $422 more per week than their non-union categories.

As organized labor potentially regrows its role in the U.S. economy, some parts of the country may offer more favorable conditions than others.

Among the 27 states with right-to-work laws, union membership rates average 6.1%, compared to 13.8% in the states without them.Rates are even lower in some parts of the country, including Southern states which historically have had more limitations on union activity. By contrast, the top states for union participation are largely found in the Northeast and in the West.

The data used in this analysis is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 Current Population Survey. To determine the states with the highest union participation rates, researchers at HireAHelper calculated the percentage of workers who are union members. In the event of a tie, the state with the greater percentage of workers who are represented by unions was ranked higher.

The data used in this analysis

Email info@workersworldtoday.com Visit us at www.workersworldtoday.com

is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 Current Population Survey. To determine the states with the highest union participation rates, researchers at HireAHelper calculated the percentage of workers who are union members. In the event of a tie, the state with the greater percentage of workers who are represented by unions was ranked higher.

The analysis found that 22.2% of New York State workers are union members, compared to 10.3% of workers nationally. Out of all states, New York has the 2nd highest union particpation rate. Here is a summary of the data for New York State: •Percentage of workers who are union members: 22.2% •Percentage of workers who are represented by unions: 24.1% •Total workers who are union members: 1,729,000 •Total workers who are represented by unions: 1,869,000 p

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Workers’ Concerns Fast-Grocery Services continued from page 1 The measures, introduced by Council members Chris Marte (D-Manhattan) and Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) would grant the city Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) the authority to license and issue violations to dark stores for misleading advertising or deceptive trade practices.

Another measure would do away with apps’ guarantees that deliveries be fulfilled in 15 minutes or less, while a third would limit the loads delivery cyclists can carry.

Behind the scenes, the lawmakers had engaged for months after taking office earlier this year with a coalition of labor groups, including the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500.

That union – which represents workers for grocery delivery giants Peapod and FreshDirect – has done “probes” of the 15-minute grocery delivery industry, Local 1500 president Robert Newell Jr. said in a phone interview with THE CITY on Thursday.

None of the start-up rapid de-

CM Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) speaks at City Hall with deliver workers in support of regulating “dark store” fulfillment centers. Claudia Irizarry Aponte/THE CITY

livery companies targeted by these proposals are unionized.

He said the proposals are “something we’re in support of 100%.”

At a City Hall press conference for the bills but not part of the discussions were Los Deliveristas Unidos, the labor group of app-based food delivery workers who last year won landmark regulations from the City Council – but who mostly toil for restaurant delivery giants like Doordash, Uber and Grubhub, not rapid-grocery delivery companies.

The voices of Getir, Gorillas and Gopuff workers were notably absent from Thursday’s announcement. But Sergio

Ajche, a delivery worker and leader of Los Deliveristas Unidos, said that food and rapid grocery delivery workers share many of the same struggles.

“These apps — and there are a lot of them — act like little kids: They move fast, break things, meanwhile they’re sitting in an office while workers have to break traffic laws as they race against the clock to fulfill deliveries,” Ajche said in Spanish.

Two workers waiting for orders outside a Gopuff fulfillment center on 6th Avenue and Laight Street who spoke with THE CITY on Thursday evening shrugged at the pro-

posals.

John, a 22-year-old who said he’d been delivering for the company for “three, four months” said he rarely gets heavy delivery orders. “Sometimes, rarely, you get maybe one or two cases of water you gotta carry. But that’s rare.

They ask for small stuff,” he said.

Gilbert, a 27-year-old from Brooklyn who like John delivers on his bike, agreed with him. “He speaks for me! It’s not a big deal.”

Counting the Minutes Speaking in front of City Hall on Thursday, Menin — who headed DCWP under former Mayor Bill de Blasio — said she “strongly believe[s] that these dark stores are making claims that violate consumer protection law.”

“They literally are saying that they’re going to guarantee delivery in 15 minutes – that’s ridiculous. It’s absurd, it’s endangering pedestrians and it’s endangering our workers,” she added, noting that workers often find themselves obligated to flout traffic laws as they rush against the clocks to

deliver an order.

“It’s the dark stores, it’s these companies’ fault because they’re putting workers in jeopardy and making them rush to make these deliveries, and we’re here to say that is not okay,” she added.

Menin introduced the bill proposing licensing requirements for “dark stores,” and Marte introduced two additional bills: One doing away with the 15-minute delivery guarantees – establishing them as “estimates,” instead – and another capping the maximum weight per order at 22 pounds.

During the second half of the presser, Marte held a sign that read “Gopuff urself.”

Ian Wang, Marte’s legislative director, said that the companies would be required to install scales at the storefronts to ensure orders stay below the 22-pound threshold.

A DCWP spokesperson said the agency is “reviewing” the bills.

Two of the major players in the industry — Getir and Gorillas — said they support the proposals.

“Gorillas looks forward to continued on page 5

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Workers’ Concerns Fast-Grocery Services/ continued from page 1

A worker in the East Village gets ready to deliver groceries, Feb. 22, 2022.Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

working with the council on a set of fair rules that continue to enable us to provide value to the lives of hundreds of thousands of everyday New Yorkers while expanding the market reach of dozens of mom and pop brands,” Alex Gabriel, a spokesperson for Gorillas, said in a statement to THE CITY on Thursday.

Nico Probst, Getir’s head of government relations, also championed the proposals, noting that the company also provides safety training and gear.

“Getir welcomes regulations around the protection of delivery riders and microfulfillment centers,” Probst said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing to work with policymakers to ensure all our

stores are not only in line with local ordinances, but also an integral part of the communities we serve.”

Nearly a dozen rapid grocery delivery start-ups flooded the New York City market and its vacant storefronts during the pandemic, promising small grocery deliveries — a six-pack of seltzer, a pack of toilet paper, a carton of eggs — in 15 minutes or less.

As opposed to Silicon Valley giants like Doordash, UberEats and Grubhub, which treat their workers as independent contractors exempt from most workplace protections, some rapid delivery apps – including Getir and Gorillas – have hired their workers as W-2 employees and even offer employee-sponsored healthcare.

Gorillas also offers employeesponsored 401(k) plans, Gabriel said. Reps for Gopuff, another major player, did not respond to a request for comment.

‘It’s Just Chaos’ The so-called dark stores have peppered once-empty storefronts in the East Village, the Lower East Side, the Upper

West Side, and other neighborhoods catering to a young clientele with disposable income.

The companies, backed with billions in venture capitalist and private equity funds, flooded social media with advertisements and coupons offering steep discounts to lure customers to their services.

The soaring demand and “confusion” wrought by a fastpaced and evolving start-up market has led to mass turnover among rapid delivery workers, Newell said.

“You know, new companies, upstarts, they don’t exactly walk in with an established playbook — rules change sometimes by the day, if not by a couple of hours,” Newell said, summarizing the union’s conversations with workers.

“And you’re reacting to large numbers of delivery demand and not enough riders, or in some cases, walkers and drivers. I mean, it’s just chaos.”

The national economic slump has many investors that helped companies rapidly expand during the pandemic backing out now. Several companies — also including Fridge No More

In April, Mayor Adams and the DCWP announced new protections for Food Delivery Workers.

DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga .Editorial credit: PP/IQInc

and Buyk, which were blackballed by Russian sanctions — have shuttered in recent months, while some remaining companies have made serious cuts and slashed their workforce.

Getir laid off 14% of its global

workforce in May, and Gopuff announced on Tuesday it would lay off 10% of its workforce after previously laying off 3% of its workforce earlier this year.p This story was published by on July 14, 2022 by THE CITY.

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Workers’ Rights Legalization of Sex Work/ continued from page 1 and employees were fearful of future attacks.

Could shifting cultural perceptions of sex work shift views of the spa industry? And if more cities and states in the United States decriminalize sex work, would the decriminalization change public perceptions of the spas and massage parlors, and even how they operate? Beyond decriminalization, what would be the ramifications of sex work legalization on the spa industry?

Currently, Nevada is the only jurisdiction in the country where sex work is decriminalized. It allows regulated brothels to operate in rural counties with populations of 700,000 or fewer people. On the state level, sex work decriminalization legislation has been proposed in Louisiana, Oregon, Washington, California and New York, but the proposed legislation has faced opposition both from Republications conservative on issues of sexuality and Democrats worried about the exploitation of women.

Editorial credit: Koca Vehbi / Shutterstock.com

There’s a difference between sex work legalization and decriminalization, and most legislation proposed in the U.S. involves the latter. With decriminalization, sex work would stay illegal, but police wouldn’t enforce the law.

There are already jurisdictions in the U.S. such as New York City, where sex work is effectively decriminalized because police rarely arrest people for it. Official decriminalization doesn’t prohibit arrests and often, as cannabis decriminalization illustrates, reduces arrests without stopping them entirely.

The federal role in regulating sex work complicates matters.

A federal statute passed in 1910 called the Mann Act mak-

ing it illegal to bring a woman across state lines for “immoral purposes” could be wielded against spas offering sex work in jurisdictions that have decriminalized sex work, instructs attorney Richard Storkan. He says, “If these spas recruit for spa/sex workers, it could come under this law, especially if they, say, post an application online since they are availing themselves to people outside the state.”

Joseph Richard Gutheinz, Jr., a criminal defense attorney, retired federal law enforcement officer and former commissioned member of the Texas Council on Sex Offender Treatment, is a proponent of sex work legalization to enable licensing of sex workers, weekly

testing, requirements that parties be of legal age and use protection, and investigations into human rights violations.

“I believe spa and massage workers who engage in prostitution should fight to have their services legalized and tightly regulated,” he says, elaborating, “I really oppose the idea of decriminalization because that’s a cop-out on the part of politicians. You’re not really fully protecting the women engaged in prostitution. It really should be legalized, and there should be very strong regulations imposed.”

Massage therapist Stephanie Agakian-Colon, owner of a massage studio in Broomfield, Colo., agrees with Gutheinz, Jr., that sex work should be legalized. She explains keeping sex work underground “encourages the setup of illegal prostitution businesses often masquerading as massage businesses. Not only does this perpetuate the stigma that massage and sex work are often intertwined, but it has other negative effects such as the promotion of human trafficking.”

In a 2019 study by Hunter College professor John J. Chin

and USC professor Lois M. Takahashi among several researchers that conducted interviews with New York and Los Angeles sex workers working in massage parlors, 17% said they had been coerced by clients or massage parlor owners or managers. If sex work were legalized, police could visit massage parlors offering sex work to make sure trafficking isn’t occurring.

While the most obvious benefits of legalization may be for spas where sex work takes place, Agakian-Colon argues the benefits would accrue to the spa industry on the whole.

Legalization would permit establishments and spa professionals to clarify what they do and don’t provide. She says, “People are going to engage in sex work regardless of legality, and those who want to seek those services often reach out to legitimate massage businesses in hopes of receiving those services.”

Charlotte, a massage therapist in Los Angeles offering erotic massage and sexual healing sessions, has had clients patronize her with unspoken expectations because continued on page 7

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Workers’ Rights Legalization of Sex Work/ continued from page 6 they’re anxious about the legal repercussions of admitting what they want over text. “I’m like, ‘What kind of massage style do you want?’” she says.

“They tell me. I go, and then they’re like, ‘Oh, can you do this?’ or ‘Oh, will you do that?’

And I’m like, ‘No, you didn’t ask for that beforehand.’”

Permitting sex work to be publicly advertised could yield greater trust in spas. “By criminalizing sex work, this is causing sex workers to have to hide behind spa and massage parlor fronts while living in fear of being arrested,” says spa consultant Julie Pankey.

“Legalization can benefit spas because, once we can finally have a distinction between the two, sex workers do not need to hide behind the facade of massage therapy or spa.”

Gutheinz concurs that the main advantage of sex work legalization for the spa industry is that businesses offering erotic massages would no longer have to hide, and it would become evident which spas, massage studios and

Editorial credit: Loredana Sangiuliano / Shutterstock.com

masseuses exclusively offer massages. As a result, people seeking sex work would likely not pour into spas strictly offering massages and those spas would possibly be seen in a better light. The hope is that legalizing sex work would better the perception of sex work, too.

In addition, although sting operations and police raids are fairly uncommon in spas, legalization would reduce the chances of police mistakenly going after spas that don’t offer sex work, and those that do wouldn’t have to be afraid of being shut down. Kirk H, an operations manager in California who received an erotic massage at a spa years ago, re-

members a light in the room that was designed to be turned on to warn workers of police.

Charlotte might prefer decriminalization over legalization because she’s not interested in having the government entangled in her work. She says, “I could see them having really high, heavy taxes or having certain restrictions like, ‘You have to do it this way or that way,’ or ‘It has to be in this establishment.’ Maybe you have to get licensing and pay more money.”

There are cases, though, where the government could be a good thing. Mass shootings like the Atlanta area spa shootings garner a ton of press attention, but lower-profile vi-

olence happens at spas that offer sex work—or that are assumed to—regularly. Gutheinz maintains that decriminalization or legalization would make it easier for victims of violence to receive assistance from the police.

“In Europe, where you have decriminalized or legal houses of prostitution or brothels, violence still exists, but it’s nothing like it is here in the United States,” he says. “U.S. street workers go missing all the time because they’re killed by serial killers. Customers will go to a massage parlor and beat up a prostitute without fear that the prostitute will call the police because there goes the business.”

Sexually transmitted infections are another safety issue.

Gutheinz has discovered that German sex workers are much less likely to have HIV and venereal diseases than sex workers in the U.S. Plus, enabling sex workers to find work in spas with increased visibility could take their work off the streets, where they’re in more danger.

The criminalization of sex work compromises the treat-

ment of customers as well. A customer may come into a massage parlor simply to get a massage and be assaulted.

Michele Waldron, a psychologist specializing in sex and relationship therapy, had a male client who got a massage on a trip and was touched sexually by a massage therapist without his consent.

“The massage started typical and ended with the woman engaging in unwanted manual stimulation,” she says. “There was no prior indication or discussion of such a service.”

Charlotte similarly has had clients tell her about times they “just wanted massages, and they went to a parlor and the people were trying to do sexual stuff, and they were like, ‘I didn’t want that.’”

Waldron says, “Should sex and massage be legalized, like any business, services should be made clear for the benefit of the potential customers and employees. Employees and customers should be given the ability to choose and refuse.” If spas are upfront about whether or not they offer sex work, clients may feel safer continued on page 8

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Workers’ Rights Legalization of Sex Work/ continued from page 7 going into a standard spa knowing that no unwanted touching will occur.

Agakian-Colon says, “Like all businesses, sex work should be regulated, and there should be clear lines between massage and sex work. For example, you should not be able to receive both services from the same business. This keeps a clear boundary between those with massage licenses and those licensed to engage in sex work.”

However, spas and massage parlors distancing themselves from sex work wouldn’t decrease public hostility toward sex work (legalization might), and the distancing could generate a hierarchy between “legitimate” spas and those that offer sex work. Charlotte deems both her sex work and her massage work to be healing modalities and thinks people should be able to practice both and perhaps integrate the two as long as they’re transparent about what will happen in each session.

Steve Oskard, a massage

Sex workers “are really devoid of protections from the criminal justice system, and they could easily fall victim to crime,” says Gutheinz.

therapist and sexological bodyworker or hands-on sex coach employing tactics like erotic massage to teach people about their bodies and sexuality, contends the legalization of sex work could blur the line between touch that’s healing and touch that’s for pleasure, a blurring he judges to be valuable. With legalization, he predicts more massage therapists would start offering services such as sexological bodywork and tantra coaching, and more schools would pop up to teach people these practices. Since sexological bodywork is currently illegal, legalization would allow the service to spread.

“People who are trained massage therapists really shame people who do sex work, partly because they’re frequently approached to do sex work, and then they resent it— and rightfully so,” says Oskard. “Being asked to do something that is clearly not on the menu is kind of like someone going into a burger joint and asking for a slice of pizza. However, [if sex work were legal], they could say, ‘Oh, you want to go next door where they’re serving pizza.’

They’d easily be able to refer out.”

Ultimately, with the caveat that the effects of sex work decriminalization or legalization

•The perception that spas are sites of sex work combined with anti-sex-work sentiments sometimes can lead to negative perceptions of spas.

•Some spas get mistaken for establishments offering sex work and legalizing sex work could prevent the confusion by allowing spas that offering erotic massages to say so upfront.

•Legalizing or at least decriminalizing sex work could make spas safer places for sex workers to work and for clients to frequent.

•It’s possible that changes in the law could also lead more massage therapist adding a sexual dimension to their work. on the spa industry remain to be seen, many experts are in accordance that decriminalization or legalization policies should be evaluated as they’re likely to make sex work—and any activities associated with it—safer.

Sex workers “are really devoid of protections from the criminal justice system, and they could easily fall victim to crime,” says Gutheinz. “The real concern is practices that are not safe for the women engaged in prostitution and not safe for the customers. I

thought I was going to be on one side of the argument, and that side was, keep it illegal, make the laws tougher. And what I realized after doing a lot of research and talking to a lot of people is that the best thing that possibly could happen with respect to prostitution is to legalize it, put it inside and regulate it.”p This story was published on May 27, 2022, by Beauty Independent.com. Reprinted with kind permission.

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July 2022

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In the News

tion and commitment from management,” said Lily Hay Newman, the WIRED Union Unit Chair. “We look forward to ratifying this contract and ensuring that WIRED is a viable, fulfilling place to work for years to come.

WIRED workers have always deserved a real seat at the table and compensation that reflects the value of our work. All of our colleagues at Condé Nast deserve that.”

The WIRED Union will vote to ratify a final agreement in the coming weeks, after which contract details will be made available. p

Local 100 SecretaryTreasurer Earl Phillips Retired at 60, Gets Send Off to Barbados

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After 11 years as TWU Local 100 SecretaryTreasurer, the second highest position in the Union, Earl Phillips, retired in May 2022. He was warmly congratulated on his tenure by President Tony Utano and other Union leaders and staff at a small reception in his honor.

International President John Samuelsen also attended the event.

Brother Phillips, 60, was born in Barbados and came to America in 1987 to join his mother and sisters in America.

He started an auto-repair business in Brooklyn and was hired by NYCT as a Chassis Maintainer in 1993, working out of East New York Bus Depot in Brooklyn as well as Gun Hill and Kingsbridge Depots in the Bronx. Witnessing work situations that compromised worker safety, he became active with the Union and became a Field Safety Representative in 2002.

In 2009, he was named Director of Safety and Health. In February of 2011, the Union’s Executive Board elevated him

to Secretary-Treasurer. He has been serving as SecretaryTreasurer ever since, winning office in four consecutive union elections, expertly managing the Union’s finances, and overseeing a steady increase in the membership rolls. At the same time, he has also been serving as TWU Local 100 Safety Director, managing the Union’s team of field safety reps.

Earl is also an elected International Vice President of the Transport Workers Union of America and has earned numerous honors and awards for labor advocacy, Caribbean-American community service, and charitable work.

On Sunday, July 10, the Barbados Consul General for NY, Hon. Mackie Holder and the Barbados Support Group hosted a retirement sendoff for Phillips with a Soiree at The Palace on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn.

The very well-attended event included family, friends, colleagues, and several high-profile electeds such as Mayor Eric Adams, State Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James and newly-elected Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman.

Retirement wishes came from a close friend in Barbados, his former Executive assistant, Helen Mahoney, and the Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Mottley, who hinted she had plans for him. Phillips shared that his plans were “to cut grass” and wondered what the Prime Minister and Consul General had planned for him.

Phillips received gifts and a citation from the Consul General for his immeasurable contributions to the Barbados Diaspora. He left for his home island the next day with warm wishes and wonderful memories.

Workers’World Today salutes union leader Earl Phillips and wishes him and his beautiful wife the very best as he begins his retirement!p

Contract Dispute Between Union Artists and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Escalates

Samuel Roberts of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performing "Damn" in Bristol, England Editorial credit: pjhpix / Shutterstock.com

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ith the current collective bargaining agreement between the American Guild of Musical Artists and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater set to expire today, the AGMA Ailey Negotiating Committee – made up of the Artists of Ailey – has been at the bargaining table for several weeks, fighting for a fair and equitable contract. The Artists have made multiple detailed presentations to management in support of their request for a fair contract; in response, management has told the

Artists that their asks are too costly and unworthy of the Company’s resources.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of the most successful dance companies in the United States, boasting a healthy balance sheet and an annual budget of approximately $40 million. Despite the financial health of the organization, Alvin Ailey spends a comparatively minuscule fraction of its overall budget on the dancers and stage managers who make up the first company and carry out the primary work and mission of the organization. While Alvin Ailey Artists have significantly more performances each year than Artists at peer companies, their Artists are compensated well below the national standard in terms of guaranteed work weeks, salary, and overall career earnings. Meanwhile, the compensation for Alvin Ailey’s highest-paid executives stands at the very top of the market in the dance world. p

DC 37 and City Reach Deal to Help Attract More Lifeguards for NYC Beaches and Pools Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

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he WIRED union, a unit of The NewsGuild of New York, which represents more than 55 workers at the technology magazine, reached an agreement on a first contract with management late Monday night. The culmination of nearly 14 months of bargaining, the agreement allows the company to avoid a planned strike on Amazon Prime Days, July 12th and 13th, two of the most lucrative traffic days of the year for WIRED Magazine.

More than 95% of the unit had signed on to walk off the job this morning.

“It shouldn’t have taken the threat of a strike for Condé leadership to finally reach a deal, but we’re so excited to have finally won this recogni-

Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

WIRED Union Wins a First Contract After Strike Threat

M

ayor Eric Adams and DC 37 reached a deal this week that boosts lifeguards' starting salary this year by almost 22-percent with a $1,000 retention bonus to be paid out in September. Last month, the city announced that “due to the national lifeguard shortage” it was canceling a wide array of programs including its Learn to Swim program.

The shortfall in personnel had resulted in full or partial closures at pools and beaches with just 778 life-

guards on the roster, roughly half of pre-pandemic levels.

“The most important result of this agreement is that visitors to the city’s pools and beaches this summer will be safe and protected by professional lifeguards who are properly trained to handle any water emergency,” said Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37. “We thank Mayor Adams, Commissioner Campion and Commissioner Donoghue for listening to our concerns about the pressure of the national lifeguard shortage here at home. We will continue to work with the administration to recruit and retain the best candidates while protecting their collective bargaining rights.” p

www.workersworldtoday.com

July 2022

11

Union In Action

N

ew York, NY: Unionized employees of HarperCollins Publishers voted by 99% to authorize a strike if the publisher does not agree to a fair contract.

The union, Local 2110 of the UAW, represents 250+ employees in editorial, sales, publicity, design, legal, and marketing departments. The union is bargaining for higher pay, improved family leave benefits, a greater commitment to diversifying staff, and stronger union protection.

The mainly women workers average $55,000 annually, with a starting salary of $45,000.

Many employees cite pressure to work extra hours without additional compensation. The company, one of the top five book publishers globally, reported record-setting profits in the past two years.

“Most of us earn low salaries that are unlivable in major cities like New York and Boston," said Laura Harshberger, a Senior Production Editor in Children’s Books and the Union Chairperson. “Our compensation doesn’t reflect our education and skills, or our contributions to the financial success of the company.”

Last year, HarperCollins absorbed the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) Books and Media division. The union is disputing the company’s refusal to include former HMH

Boston-based employees in the bargaining unit or to recognize the seniority of former HMH New York-based staff who now work for HarperCollins.

“I worked at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for two years before HarperCollins bought my division in 2021,” said Carly Katz, Audio Coordinator. “The company's current offer isn't even coming close to accounting for the current rate of inflation. If they can buy a whole division and still have record setting profits, they can raise salaries to match the cost of living.”

The union also cites the lack of racial and ethnic diversity at

the company, attributing this to historically low wages and the lack of real commitment to diversifying.

“All of our proposals are to make HarperCollins a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace,” Harshberger stated. “The company says publicly it supports diversifying the industry but management is refusing to meaningfully address the low pay rates or codify policy changes in our union contract.

Our members are tired of empty gestures. They want meaningful change.”

“Our strike vote shows that the company needs to take our

demands for better compensation and union rights seriously,” said Stephanie Guerdan, an Associate Editor in Children’s Books who has worked at HarperCollins since 2017. “Our members are prepared to strike for a fair contract if they have to.”

HarperCollins employees have had a union for more than 80 years and it is one of the earliest unions of “white collar” workers in the country.

It is part of Technical, Office and Professonal Union UAW Local 2110. Contract negotiations with HarperCollins management began in December 2021 when a one-year pandemic extension of the contract was set to expire. Currently, HarperCollins is the only major book publisher in the U.S. to be unionized, though many publishers in other countries have unions, and our counterparts at newspapers and magazines in the U.S. are organized.

Local 2110 UAW also represents workers at the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Columbia University, Film Forum, Teachers College, ACLU, Center for Reproductive Rights, The New Press, and many more. The union has a reputation for aggressive organizing and bargaining and progressive politics.p

Take Action: Guttmacher Institute Fires Union Organizer One Hour After Successful NLRB Vote

O

Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

HarperCollins Workers Authorize a Strike

n Wednesday, less than an hour after Guttmacher Employees United won their union with OPEIU Local 153 by an overwhelming margin of 61-2, the Guttmacher Institute fired Sam Heyne, a leading organizing committee member at the NYC-based nonprofit research and policy organization committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in the United States and globally. Sam was pulled into an impromptu meeting by human resource director Lisa Blain, as well as Guttmacher’s Vice President for Finance & Administration, Maureen Burnley, denied her Weingarten rights, and fired on the spot.p

Finishing Trades Recruit Apprentices

L

ong Island City, NY: Finishing Trades Institute of New York will conduct a recruitment from August 16, 2022, through August 29, 2022, for 50 Painter, Decorator, and Paperhanger apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today.

Applications can be obtained, in person only, from Finishing Trades Institute of New York, 45-15 36th Street, Long Island City, NY, from 9:00 a.m. to 3: 30 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the recruitment period. This is a limited-application recruitment. Only 500 applications will be distributed, on a first-come, firstserved basis. The recruitment will be offered for 10 business

days or until 500 applications have been issued, whichever comes first.

The Committee requires that applicants: •Must be at least 18 years old.

•Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as GED or TASC). Proof of high school diploma or equivalent will be required at the time of enrollment in apprenticeship.

•Must be physically able to perform the work of a painter, decorator, paperhanger as determined by site evaluations and personal statement (more information will be provided during a mandatory orientation).

•Must take a drug test prior to enrollment in apprenticeship

and random throughout the apprenticeship program, at the expense of sponsor.

•Must be able to read, hear, understand instructions and warnings in English.

•Must sign an affidavit attesting to: *Lifting and carrying material

and equipment up to 70 pounds. *Working from ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and suspended scaffolds.

For further information, applicants should contact Finishing Trades Institute of New York at (718) 937-7440. Addi-

tional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/career-centers).

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status.

Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities. p

www.workersworldtoday.com

July 2022

12

Old & New Immigrants: Their Rights

New DOL Immigrant Whistleblower Policy

T

he U.S. Department of Labor recentlyposted a Frequently Asked Questions document to provide workers experiencing a worksite labor dispute with guidance on how to seek the department’s support for their requests to the Department of Homeland Security for immigration-related prosecutorial discretion.

For the Department of Labor to carry out the laws its enforces, workers must feel free to participate in its investigations and proceedings without fear of retaliation or consequences related to their immigration status.

The department has long supported DHS’ use of prosecutorial discretion – on a case-by-case basis – for certain workers subjected to abusive and exploitative labor practices.

For decades, the department has memorialized this relationship through agreements with immigration officials.

The most recent 2011 Memo-

randum of Understanding between the departments of Labor and Homeland Security set forth ways in which the departments will work together to ensure that their respective civil worksite enforcement activities do not conflict, and ultimately advance each department’s mission. The MOU recognizes that effective enforcement of labor law is essential to ensure proper wages and working conditions for all covered workers regardless of immigration status, and that effective enforcement of immigration law is essential to protect the employment rights of lawful U.S. workers.

In response to the announcement of a new workers rights policy by the US Department of Labor, groups from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Immigrant Work released the following statements below workers and members of the Blue Ribbon Commission: “For over a year, we have fought to win these protections for workers in Las Vegas.

GA Familias Unidas.

Editorial credit: Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.com

Today we lift up DOL’s announcement, that many more workers across the nation can access the same much-needed and long-awaited protections,” said Rosario Ortiz, worker and member of the Arriba Las Vegas Workers Center.

“We are grateful for the courage of workers across Mississippi who have helped make this possible, speaking out, denouncing workplace abuse. But today, our question remains, how and when will Mississippi workers benefit from this policy?” said Lorena Quiroz, Executive Director of the Immigrant Alliance for Justice & Equity of Missis-

sippi.

“After losing six of our community members last year in a preventable nitrogen leak, we are happy DOL has listened to the advocacy of worker groups in the Blue Ribbon Commission. We will continue to push as formerly undocumented workers and their children in GAFU for the protection of workers who have made places like Gainesville, GA the poultry capitol of the world. I eagerly await President Biden to further this initiative so our hardworking manufacturing community can step out of the shadows,” said Maria del Rosario Palacios, Co-founder

On behalf of the full Blue Ribbon Commission: “If there is progress today it is because immigrant workers in Mississippi, Nevada, Georgia, Connecticut, New Jersey, California, NY, and across the country have been ringing the alarm, and demanding respect and recognition for their labor.

Today, our work has only just begun to turn the tide on the crisis of exploitation in the US. “This policy will only be effective if workers are aware that it exists and if they are able to understand and engage in the process that it lays out.

We will evaluate this policy based on the results for the many day laborers, poultry workers, and others who face workplace abuse every day.

We expect President Biden and his administration knows this, and we welcome DHS Secretary Mayorkas and Secretary Marty Walsh to meet directly with workers to tell them about this policy.” p

www.workersworldtoday.com

July 2022

13

Old & New Immigrants: Their Rights Immigrants’ Role in the US Workforce/continued from page 1 Meanwhile, immigrants are playing an increasingly important role in filling these jobs that are critical to U.S. innovation and the American economy.

To attract more international STEM talent and strengthen the country’s global competitiveness, the White House announced a series of administrative actions earlier this year. These policy changes provide more opportunities for American institutions and businesses to connect with STEM researchers, professionals, and students around the world.

Aiming to unpack these policy changes, the American Immigration Council has released five STEM guides with lists of frequently asked questions. The guides explore how different groups can participate in the initiatives—as institutions, employers, or individuals.

The guides have covered these five federal STEM initiatives: •An Early Career STEM Re-

search Initiative, aiming to match U.S. companies interested in hosting nonimmigrant J-1 exchange visitors in STEM fields with program sponsors.

•The inclusion of 22 new fields of study in the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.

•An update to the USCIS policy manual on the O-1 visa category regarding how the agency determines eligibility.

•An update to the USCIS policy manual on national interest waivers (NIWs) in the immigrant category for people with advanced degrees in STEM fields, with letters from U.S. government agencies of quasigovernmental entities, or are entrepreneurs.

•An extension of academic training of up to 36 months for

J-1 exchange visitors in STEM fields.

Along with the launch of the STEM guide, the Council has also released a factsheet that provides the latest data on the characteristics and contributions of foreign-born STEM Workers in the United States.

Using data from the American Community Survey, the fact sheet—focused on a set of 70 STEM occupations—shows that immigrants made up almost one-fourth, or 23.1%, of all STEM workers in the United States in 2019. This is a large jump from their share of 16.4% in 2000. Between 2000 and 2019, the number of immigrant STEM workers in the country more than doubled— from 1.2 million to 2.5 million—as the number of all

STEM workers grew 44.5% during this period.

While STEM workers tend to be highly educated, immigrant STEM workers still stand out in their level of educational attainment. About 86.5% of immigrant STEM workers held at least a bachelor’s degree in 2019, compared to 67.3% of U.S.-born STEM workers.

Nearly half, or 49.3%, of immigrant STEM workers had an advanced degree in 2019.

Since immigrant STEM workers have skills that tend to complement those of their U.S.-born co-workers, they play a significant role in increasing productivity and innovation in the workplace.

This raises the revenue of their companies and allows their employers to hire more workers locally in the United States.

Previous research found that every additional 100 foreignborn workers with advanced degrees in STEM fields create roughly 86 jobs for U.S.-born workers.

The data shows that more than one in four immigrant STEM workers came from India, followed by China, Mexico, and Vietnam.

The computer and math fields, which have the largest number of STEM workers, experienced the biggest increase in the foreign-born share of its workforce, from 17.7% in 2000 to 26.1% in 2019. The engineering group also saw a growing share of immigrants in its workforce, from 14.8% in 2000 to 19.5% in 2019.

During this same period, the share of STEM workers who are female has increased slightly, but women remain underrepresented among STEM workers. In 2019, women made up only 26.8% of all STEM workers and 27.2% of all immigrant STEM workers.

The factsheet provides more state-level analysis of the foreign-born STEM workforce. In total, there were 15 states in which immigrants made up at least one-fifth of all STEM workers in 2019.

More institutions, employers, and individuals should engage with the White House STEM Initiatives to strengthen the country’s STEM workforce, boost U.S. innovation, and create more jobs for American workers.p

www.workersworldtoday.com

July 2022

14

Jobs & Recession

What Services Can a Paralegal Provide?

BY THE CHAMBER COALITION

T

he legal profession includes many individuals who are not actually lawyers. This, however, doesn't mean that they cannot do any legal work. There are plenty of services that can be provided by a paralegal, and these services can make all the difference in your case.

Paralegals can perform substantive legal work that has been delegated to them by a lawyer. They often have a mix of work experience, education, and professional training that qualifies them for this job.

Below are some of the services that you can request from a paralegal.

Preparation of Documents Have you ever wondered how a lawyer is able to show up to different court cases on the same day and still have all the documents they need? This is usually because they have a team of paralegals to whom they delegate this work. Indi-

viduals in this profession are very good at preparing legal documents. From briefs and contracts to agreements, paralegals have the knowledge and experience to get these documents ready in a short amount of time.

Providing Legal Information to a General Audience Paralegals can't offer legal advice to someone. However, they can provide legal information to a general audience.

There are many individuals around the country who are unaware of their legal rights in various situations. Employees, tenants, and other parties might be forced to endure certain conditions simply because they are unaware that the law is on their side.

A paralegal can be brought in to provide some legal information to such an audience so they are more aware of where the law stands when it comes to certain issues or how they can go about getting legal aid if they need it.

ing. Paralegals are no longer simply lawyer's assistants; they assume corporate management roles, leadership roles in law firms, and entrepreneurial roles in independent paralegal businesses. Over the years, paralegals have transcended the image of glorified legal secretaries to become respected legal team members.

Explaining Procedural Issues of Law Many people who have never been to court before will be surprised at how certain things are handled. You could spend a day getting ready to argue your case only for proceedings to be postponed. One reason for this is court procedures. There are many procedures that courts are required to follow and paralegals can explain these to you.

Orientation is Monday, August 8, 2022

Join us via Zoom at 6pm

Representing Parties in Administrative Law Hearings An administrative agency can allow a paralegal to represent you at an administrative hearing. However, if the case is appealed to a court, you'll have to find a lawyer to represent you.

Rising Prestige As paralegals perform more complex and challenging work, paralegal prestige is ris-

Ready to Take the Leap?

A career as a paralegal can be rewarding professionally and personally and offers a unique opportunity to help others; options vary, depending on the paralegal's practice area. Paralegals in the public interest sector help poor and disadvantaged segments of the population with legal issues ranging from protection from domestic abuse to assistance preparing wills. Ready to take the leap, the next step? Call us at 718-722-9217 or visit www.freeparalegal.org to complete your registration which includes payment.p

www.workersworldtoday.com

July 2022

15

No. 35

2022: Fire Your Landlord and Become a Homeowner

BY CHEREEN JAMES

D

o you find yourself moving from apartment to apartment within one and two years, just to pack up and move again? Do you get annoyed with disruptive knocking, texting or calling every first day of the month for the rent? You need to fire your landlord today. How? By becoming a homeowner. When you are a homeowner, you are in charge of whether you stay for decades, pass on generational wealth, or earn profits in equity and rental income. Here are some key things to know before you fire your landlord.

Know your financial situation Before you toss your keys to your landlord, you need to know your financial situation. This will help you make a decision about what type of property you can afford and where you may want to live. You should have money saved up for the down payment on a home, at least 3.5% of the desired price. If

credit before you can purchase a home.

you’ve saved enough cash to purchase a home without a mortgage, then you can close faster. Just be aware that you will need room in your budget for any additional fees, such as legal and title fees.

If you need a mortgage, you may speak to several lenders about your options and interest rates before you commit to a mortgage. You may be able to purchase a home that brings enough rental income to help pay the mortgage, so that your wages stay in your pocket. Once it is clear that you can

purchase a home, you will receive a pre-approval from the mortgage lender.

Fix your credit In order to be granted a pre-approval, you need a good source of income and good credit. Mortgage lenders will ask for documents showing your income, like taxes and pay stubs, and they will need your credit score. If you are in serious debt, you may consider a credit repair program or speak to a bankruptcy attorney about resolving your

What to Expect When Facing Judicial or Non-Judicial Home Foreclosure

BY JANET HOWARD

R

ecent surveys show that a significant number of Americans are unprepared to handle an unexpected bill of $500. As many as 80% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. A sudden job loss, illness or accident can create financial chaos.

For anyone paying off a home mortgage, foreclosure and the impending loss of their home can quickly become a reality.

State foreclosure laws vary, and a homeowner facing foreclosure should quickly become familiar with state and federal laws outlining procedures and requirements. Both the process and length of time involved will depend on the type of foreclosure allowed by state law and documents that were signed to finance the home purchase.

Judicial vs. Non-Judicial Foreclo-

sure Just under half the states employ judicial foreclosure in which the foreclosing party must begin a lawsuit to regain the property.

A complaint and summons are filed in court and then served on the homeowner. The remaining states use non-judicial foreclosure, a process that generally works more quickly and begins when the homeowner receives a notice of default from the loan servicer that foreclosure and sale of the home is imminent.

Judicial foreclosures are more common

when a mortgage is involved. Non-judicial foreclosures are most common where ownership involves a deed of trust which includes a power of sale clause.

Judicial foreclosures tend to take longer for several reasons. First, federal law requires homeowners to be 120 days in arrears before a foreclosure suit may be filed. Second, the court process is slow due to crowded dockets, required hearings and a limited number of available judges. Once a homeowner has been served with a complaint, he or she usually has 20-30 days to file an answer which either admits or denies the allegations, raises potential defenses and tells the court why foreclosure is improper. Filing an answer prevents the lender from obtaining a default judgment and automatically winning. continued on page 7

Decide what type of home to purchase Now that you’re pre-approved for a loan, you will be shown your loan amount, the home size that you may purchase, and the property taxes that you can afford to pay. If you’re purchasing with cash only, then the ultimate decision on the type of home is yours. There are condos, single family, multiple dwellings, and co-ops that you may choose from based on your loan amount and market value of the desired property. Co-ops are not considered to be real property but are shares in a cooperative stock. When you purchase co-op shares, you own the share; you must adhere to the

continued on page 4

INSIDE: Do You Need an Agent?

The Answer Is Yes! ...............................2 Divorce and Foreclosure: What You Need to Know ......................3 What Kinds of Property Deeds Are There? ............................................5 Beware of Mortgage Scams ...................................................5 Avoid Surprises at the Closing Table .......................................6 Real Estate Careers for People Who Don’t Want to Buy or Sell Homes ..........................8

Call Equity Smart Realty at 888-670-6791 for a consultation.

2

EQUITY SMART REALTY

Do You Need an Agent? The Answer Is Yes!

Tristian Phillip

Wayne Jordan

I

f you’ve bought or sold a house before, it may be tempting to decide to go through the process without the help of a real estate agent and their fee.

Know what you’re getting into before taking on this responsibility.

For both buyers and sellers, an agent is an important ally who can handle the paperwork and negotiating, which can get tricky, and make the process much less stressful for you. Here’s what to know when you’re considering an agent: Sellers Time Magazine reported that 90 percent of home sellers use a real estate agent.

The agent understands the market and the appraisal process and can provide expert advice on how to move a home more quickly, how to market it effectively and more. Knowing market trends, they often are better able to negotiate the details of the contract. Your agent handles all of the walk-throughs and open houses as well, making them particularly helpful for sellers with inflexible work schedules.

If you’re not sure about your agent or having an agent at all, consider signing a short-term contract, so you can reevaluate how well the relationship is working.

Buyers

Call 888-670-6791 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Downtown Brooklyn

An agent can help you find a lender, a title company and an assessor and answer questions about the types of loans available, different down payment assistance programs in your area, how much you can afford based on your budget and the benefits and drawbacks of different neighborhoods, although many aren’t allowed to directly tell you yes or no about a neighborhood.

Agents also know what to look for when you’re walking through the house.

You may not notice a slight hump in the floor, but an experienced agent will and knows to ask the owner what caused it.

They know possible issues to look for

and questions to ask depending on the neighborhood (traffic patterns, persistent noises, if a family of raccoons lives nearby, and what electricity usage is like).

Your agent works for you, so do your homework and find one you’re comfortable with. You can ask for recommendations and check online reviews. The buyer’s agent is paid through the sale of the home, not out of your pocket.

We are happy to help and share our insight and experience to help you with the real estate investing process. Schedule an appointment today. Call 888-670-6791. n

3

HOME OWNERSHIP

Divorce and Foreclosure: What You Need to Know

BY VICTORIA FALK

W

hat do you do when "I do" turns into "I don't," and you can no longer stand to be in the presence of the person that you imagined you would spend the rest of your life with? You vowed to be together "…for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health…." However, the sight of this person now 'makes you sick,' and you wonder if things can get any worse. Divorce becomes inevitable.

Divorce can be devastating, as two people who legally joined their lives together return to living separate lives. Gone are the hopes and dreams of "forever," and in many cases, there may be a loss of income. As a result of divorce, individuals who enjoyed, in many cases, shared savings and shared living expenses are now faced with the challenge of maintaining a household without the same level benefit of financial assistance from another person that was previously received. It may be a financial challenge for one spouse to purchase the house from the other or maintain the full responsibility of taking care of the homeowner's expenses on their own.

The relationship between the divorce rate and the foreclosure rate is evident, with the

foreclosure rate increasing as the divorce rate increases. According to a study conducted by Citywide Home Loans, divorce is one of the most common foreclosure causes. "Frequently, divorce means that one person is designated as responsible for making mortgage payments. This can put financial stress on the individual making mortgage payments, especially if there are missed spousal support payments. The stress that the divorce process brings ( both emotional and financial), along with impaired communication, can also mean missed mortgage payments," found City-

wide Home Loans.

However, divorce does not have to lead to foreclosure. There are things for the divorcing couple to consider. According to AllLaw, "A couple going through foreclosure at the same time they are going through a divorce should be aware of several issues such as: Who is responsible for the remaining debt on the home? How will the debt be repaid? What will happen to the house?" They may decide that one spouse may 'become the sole owner' of the property, or if neither of them wants the house, …they can attempt a short sale or deed in

lieu of foreclosure. If one spouse will take over the property and the mortgage, that spouse can then apply on their own for a modification or refinance."

Most divorcing couples cannot communicate on the level needed to come to a compromise regarding the home and the mortgage on their own due to the deterioration of their marital relationship. As a matter of fact, it is not uncommon for one spouse to want the other "to get out of the house" and/or to accuse the other person of wanting to miss required mortgage payments to spite the other spouse intentionally. Thus, increasing the likelihood of foreclosure.

An experienced divorce attorney and real estate expert, such as Mr. Brian Figeroux, of Figeroux and Associates, can assist those going through a divorce who are also facing foreclosure. Missed mortgage payments and foreclosure can affect your credit history years after the divorce. So, know your rights and responsibilities.

Legal Assistance If you or someone you know is in the process of divorce and facing foreclosure, then it is a critical time to speak to a lawyer.

Visit www.AskTheLawyer.us to get expert legal advice today or call 855-768-8845. n

4

HOME OWNERSHIP

Fire Your Landlord/ continued from page 1 house rules of the cooperative and pay maintenance fees. Condos are real property, and you have full rights of ownership—you just have to pay the common charges. Single and multiple dwellings are real property. You should familiarize yourself with any local rules and codes that apply to your type of home.

Understand the loan closing process Since you received your pre-approval and offered to purchase a home, you should have a contract reviewed by an attorney and you should have signed it after reviewing it. You will need to speak to the lender about your next steps toward a loan commitment. The lender will order an appraisal of the property. If the property is appraised at a higher value or at an equal value to your offer, then you will be cleared to receive funds towards the purchase of the home. If the appraisal is lower than your offer, you will have to contribute the difference between the lender’s appraised value and your offer. At times, the lender may not approve because of your financial situation. So it is important that you research the home’s value when making an offer with a mortgage.

Understand your legal rights and responsibilities Once you receive the commitment for the loan, your lender will work with you on closing the transaction on your new home.

You are now a homeowner. You should understand your rights and responsibilities.

Know your property. There may be easements that you share with your neighbors; you may share a fence or a driveway. Understand your rights to use those easements. You typically find out your home’s survey and easements on the title report before closing.

As a homeowner, you should know your local rules, such as building permits to make certain renovations and even garbage disposal rules. You should also be aware of whether you need to register your home with your local administrators; for instance, multiple dwellings in New York City must register with HPD. Knowing your local rules is important because they may result in fines. As a homeowner, you need to be aware of any liens placed on your property and whether any fraudulent transactions, such as fraudulent deeds, are being made against your property. Speak to a real estate attorney on your legal rights and responsibilities.

Take control of your taxes As a homeowner, you should be aware of tax incentives and deductions. You can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage as well as the points you were charged. If you use part of your home as an office, you can deduct the cost associated with it. Check your locality for any tax abatements for low- income earners. In New York City, low- income earners can receive STAR abatement. Homeowners should speak to a tax representative on your tax options.

When you find yourself cramped in your tiny apartment or room, you should fire your landlord. Speak to a real estate broker, real estate attorney and a mortgage lender about your options and your rights. There are programs that can help you with the home-buying process and those representatives can inform you. Fire your landlord and enjoy the benefits of homeownership.

Questions? Help is just a phone call away. Call us at 888-670-6791. n

Call Equity Smart Realty at 888-670-6791 for a FREE consultation.

To register: Email: info@mynacc.org Visit: www.nacc.nyc Seminar date: Wednesday July 27 @6pm Via Zoom Can’t make it? Call 888-670-6791

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Beware of What Kinds of Property Deeds Mortgage Are There?

Scams

BY SUSAN M. KEENAN

T I

t's easy to be enthusiastic and excited about the prospect of home ownership, but it's important to be aware that there are many ways potential buyers can be taken advantage of. From courses for homeowners to companies trying to make a quick buck, there are many things to avoid. If you're on the market for a home and are trying to find the mortgage that will best benefit you, here are some of the tricks you may want to be wary of.

Forgetting About the Finances The amount of home you can afford and will be approved for largely comes down to your debt-to-income ratio and your credit history, so if you're not getting the tough questions about money, this may be a bad sign. While it's not the lender's job to make a budget for you and decide your month-tomonth expenses, if they're embellishing your financial well-being and presuming you can take on more house, you may want to look into another lender.

High Loan Costs Since a mortgage generally requires the homebuyer to borrow money, there is an associated interest rate on the loan that is a percentage of the total price. While this is the cost of doing business, rates that exceed more than 5% should be questioned to determine what they're made up of. While there can be a legitimate reason for a higher cost, it's important to understand your options and costs with a variety of lenders so you can make an informed, financially-wise decision.

Mortgage Offers for Everyone For those who have a poor credit history and do not have any savings, the idea of home ownership can seem like a pipe dream. Unfortunately, there are lenders that are willing to capitalize on this hope and will feed people – particularly those at high risk – the idea that they have the ability to buy. Instead of relying on a company that may take advantage and charge high interest rates, research the lender you're dealing with to ensure they're known on the market and have your best interests in mind.

Assistance The ultimate dream for many people is to own a home of their own, but it's important to be aware of your mortgage options and your financial stability so you can avoid a bad experience. If you're currently on the market for a home, you may want to contact one of our mortgage professionals for more information. We will be happy to meet with you and share our guidance. Schedule an appointment today. Call 888-670-6791. n

he legal documents used to transfer titles to real estate are referred to as property deeds. The names of the legal owners to the real estate are placed directly onto the property deeds. Each time a piece of real estate is sold, a new property deed must be issued. The two most commonly used types of property deeds are warranty and quit claim deeds.

Warranty Deeds Commonly used in most real estate transactions, warranty deeds provide guarantees that the property being sold is free and clear of any encumbrances or claims. The grantor, or seller of the property, warrants that he is the rightful owner of said property and that he holds the title to it. Therefore, he offers the assurance that he has the right to transfer the title to the property.

The guarantee that the property is free and clear is limited to that particular transaction only. Each time a property is sold, a new deed must be issued.

Quit Claim Deeds Used when special circumstances exist, quit claim deeds do not offer any guarantees that the property is free and clear.

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Need a deed transfer?

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However, the grantor of the real estate guarantees that he owns the property and has the right to transfer it with a quit claim.

Circumstances when quit claim deeds are used include: •Property ownership is transferred into a living trust.

•A spouse is removed from inclusion on the deed.

•A property is transferred as part of an inheritance.

Survivorship Deeds A survivorship deed is used to transfer ownership of a property to a surviving spouse. It is used most commonly when property is purchased by couples and one of the spouses dies. This type of property deed allows the surviving spouse to avoid

probate.

Life Estate Deeds A life-estate deed is designed to transfer the title to real estate directly to a new owner upon the previous owner’s death. It is sometimes used when a parent promises a child that he will receive the property when the parent dies. A life-estate deed includes the stipulation that the parent can remain in the home until the time of his death. Life estate deeds are utilized less frequently than other types of property deeds.

If you have questions or want to set up a deed transfer, consult with a well-qualified real estate lawyer. Help is just a phone call away. Call us at 855-768-8845.n

6

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

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 bor-

rower 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 unknown 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.n

7

SAVING YOUR HOME Judicial or Non-Judicial Home Foreclosure/continued from page 1

proves impractical in the end.

In non-judicial foreclosures the homeowner must initiate court proceedings by filing the complaint. The initial filing should also request a temporary restraining order (TRO) and a preliminary injunction to prevent the foreclosure action from proceeding pending court action. Obtaining a TRO requires the person seeking it to show he or she will suffer irreparable harm unless the order is granted. The potential loss of a family home usually meets that requirement.

Once the matter is in court, the foreclosure process naturally slows down. If a homeowner can survive a motion for summary judgment in which the lender wins by showing there is no legitimate dispute regarding a material fact, the discovery and trial preparation process will likely take months to complete.

The discovery process allows both sides to request information from the other including property and financing records.

Depositions may be taken or written questions may require answering as each party tries to obtain further evidence to justify or defend against foreclosure.

Judicial foreclosures are less expensive for the homeowner since the owner is not the one starting the lawsuit. Judicial foreclosures place the burden on the lender to prove the foreclosure is justified and that applicable laws have been followed. Conversely, the homeowner must pay to start a

lawsuit in non-judicial foreclosures. The lender, at least initially, does not need to prove anything. The homeowner has the burden to show the foreclosure action is improper.

Remaining in the Home A homeowner can remain in the home without making payment at least until the foreclosure process is completed. In fact, the homeowner should remain in the home since the owner is ultimately responsible for the home and any damage to the property until required to vacate. Remaining in the home is often a requirement to take advantage of a loan modification program.

Staying without paying also provides the opportunity to save money to put toward a new, less costly residence if saving the current home proves to be impossible.

The homeowner should explore options which can prevent loss of the home or which might, at least, minimize the damage

to the owner's credit report. Losing a home through foreclosure will appear on a credit report and will typically prevent purchase of a home for the following 3-5 years. Options to foreclosure include loan modification, short sales and surrendering the deed to the property in lieu of foreclosure.

If a court determines a judicial foreclosure is appropriate, the homeowner still has time before being required to vacate the property. The lender must schedule a date for the home sale and publicize the sale. Notice often requires several weeks of publication in a local newspaper. State law may also require a current home appraisal be performed.

Some states also provide for a redemption period following foreclosure during which the homeowners can buy back the property.

Depending on state law, the homeowner may be able to live in the home during the redemption period even if the buyback

Length of the Foreclosure Process In 2019, the average foreclosure took more than 800 days from the time of first notice to end of the foreclosure process. In many states the actual process may take more than a year, and in a handful of states the foreclosure process often takes several years. Hawaii, Nevada, Georgia and New Jersey foreclosures statistically take the longest time to complete ranging from an average of three to four and a half years.

Alaska, Oregon, Mississippi and Montana are among states with the shortest timelines often coming in at less than one year.

California, Colorado, Nevada and other states have recently enacted laws that provide added protections for homeowners facing foreclosure. Some states require lenders and homeowners to attempt mediation prior to moving ahead with foreclosure proceedings. Compliance with these laws often results in extending the time needed to complete foreclosure.

Receiving notice of foreclosure does not mean loss of a home is inevitable. A number of defenses may be available to prevent the loss. Actions can be taken to slow down the process, minimize the anxiety and even save the home under the right circumstances. Consultation with an experienced real estate attorney should be among the first steps taken for anyone facing foreclosure. n

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REAL ESTATE CAREERS

Real Estate Careers for People Who Don’t Want to Buy or Sell Homes

W

hen you think of a real estate professional, you likely get a very specific image of a residential real estate agent, helping people buy and sell their homes and performing all of the related tasks. That is definitely the bestknown real estate career, but it’s not the only one.

If there are some aspects of a residential real estate sales career that are attractive to you and others that are not, perhaps you would be better suited for a different career path in real estate. In this article, we explore some of the lesser-known real estate careers available and help you find one that is the right fit for you.

Commercial Real Estate Salesperson Commercial real estate agents help clients lease, buy, and sell commercial property.

There are many similarities between commercial and residential agents, but there are some unique differences as well. For one, the commercial real estate sales process often takes longer than the residential process. And the needs and concerns of the clients you will serve are not the same.

Both residential and commercial real estate careers require that you earn your real estate salesperson’s license. Legally, there is no post-secondary education required to become a commercial real estate agent in

most states. However, most commercial brokerages expect their candidates to at least have a bachelor’s degree. Like a residential agent, commercial agents must “hang their license” with (work beneath) a broker. You can learn more about the commercial real estate career path in this article.

Real Estate Broker A real estate broker owns and runs a real estate brokerage company. To become a broker, you must earn an advanced license.

Every state’s rules are different, but most require that you log a prescribed amount of time as a licensed agent before you can earn

a broker’s license. Real estate brokers operate independently, which means they keep 100% of their commission split. They often also have real estate agents working under them in their office, who they hire, support, and manage. There is a significant amount of responsibility that comes with running a brokerage. As a result, some brokers choose not to represent clients in the sale or purchase of real estate and dedicate all of their energy to running a successful brokerage.

Business Broker Business brokers aid and assist buyers and sellers in the purchase of businesses. At first glance, this might seem like the same job as a commercial real estate agent, but it’s not. For example, commercial agents might be responsible for selling a dental office.

But a business broker would sell the business that occupies that office along with the property. Some states require a license to become a business broker. Even if you live in a state that does not require one, it’s recommended that real estate professionals complete specialized business broker training to be successful at it.

Loan Officer Loan officers play a critical role in the real estate transaction process, since most buyers will require a loan to make a real estate purchase. There are loan officers who specialize in both mortgage (residential) and commercial lending. They work for lending institutions, like banks, and act as an intermediary between the consumer and the lending institution. They work to understand their clients’ needs and provide lending solutions tailored to the individual or company they’re serving. When an ideal option is identified, they also assist individuals in the loan application process.

Home Inspector It is incredibly rare today for a house to sell without a home inspection. Home inspectors examine, analyze, and report on the physical condition of a property. They play a critical role in presenting all of the information about the property, so the buyers can make a decision about whether or not to move forward with their planned purchase.

Home inspection professionals often (but not always) begin their career in one of the building trades. When they make the decision to become a home inspector, they typically complete their education to learn more about home systems they are unfamiliar with and the ins and outs of running a home inspection business. Some states require home inspectors to complete their education and become licensed, while other states do not.

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Real Estate Appraiser Real estate appraisers provide an estimate of land and building value before real estate

is sold, developed, mortgaged, taxed, or insured. Because there are so many factors that influence the value of property, including specific local market conditions, real estate appraisers typically practice in a very specific and defined geographic location.

Real estate appraisers are required to complete specific education and meet licensure requirements to practice in their profession.

Real Estate Assistant Real estate assistants work with agents and brokers to serve clients and manage the day-to-day tasks associated with helping them buy and sell real estate. The level of service an assistant can provide without a license varies from state to state. For that reason, some agents and brokers prefer to hire assistants who have earned their license. Real estate practitioners vary in how they pay their real estate assistants. Some pay a predictable hourly wage or salary.

Others offer a commission split.

Real Estate Developer Real estate development is a career field that requires the vision to look at a blank canvas of land and imagine what it could be. Many tasks fall under the umbrella of real estate development, and most developers do some combination of them. Developers purchase land, finance deals, and manage the development plan for a given piece of real estate from beginning to end.

Real estate development is typically a highrisk, high-reward career. Developers shoulder all of the front-end investment, but ultimately maximize the value of the land before taking that space to market. If they’ve done their homework and demand is there for the specific property they’ve developed, there’s a significant financial opportunity waiting for them on the back end.

House Flipper Reality television has made the phrase “flipping a house” something we all understand. And if you’re the right person for this line of work, it can be quite lucrative. However, as we’ve also learned from reality television, the number of people who are actually good at flipping houses is significantly smaller than the number of people who think they’re good at it. House flippers typically purchase a house based on potential. They invest in improving the property through their own (or hired) labor and ultimately aim to resell the property for a profit.

Landlord or Property Manager Landlords own property they rent to tenants. That property can consist of land, commercial buildings, apartments, and houses. Property managers work on behalf of a landlord to perform a variety of services that can include marketing rentals, maintenance and upkeep, rent collection, responding to tenant concerns, and even handling evictions. It is also not uncommon for a landlord to act as their own property manager. n

Source: Kaplan Real Estate Education

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July 2022

Avoid Fires!

Lithium-ion Batteries in Electronic Bikes and Scooters Can Cause Serious Fires Safe Usage

Safe Charging

Safe Storage

• Check that devices meet fire safety standards—look for the (UL) trademark.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Do not place devices in direct sunlight—keep at room temperature.

• Do not block doorways and windows with devices.

• Do not charge near beds and couches, or charge overnight or unattended.

• Do not store near anything flammable or combustible.

Safe Disposal • It is illegal to discard rechargeable batteries in the trash or recycling.

• Visit nyc.gov/batteries for disposal options.

• If you notice changes in the batteries of your electroninc bikes, scooters, or hoverboards (odor, change in shape/color, leaking or odd noises), call 911 immediately.

In Case of Explosion or Fire 1. Evacuate immediately 2. Close the door behind you 3. Call 911

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sanitation

23

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July 2022

24

Love, Health & Travel

More Monkeypox Vaccines Are Coming to NYC. Should You Get Vaccinated — And How?

BY SHANTEL DESTRA AND CANDACE PEDRAZA, THE CITY

T

he rollout of the monkeypox vaccine in New York City has been riddled with technical difficulties, communication issues and a major shortage of doses.

To date, New York City has received a total of 7,000 doses.

When the first 1,000 doses arrived at the Chelsea Sexual Health Clinic in early June, appointments were filled almost immediately while the people who booked those waited for hours in long lines at the clinic as the demand for the vaccine far exceeded the supply.

In early July, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene announced that 6,000 new doses of the vaccine had arrived — only to pause bookings because of appointment portal glitches.

Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan tweeted an apology for the tech mess-up, and said the

city would “do better in the days and weeks ahead.”

On July 14, the health department tweeted that, over the next several weeks, 8,000 appointments for the first dose of the monkeypox vaccine would become available to eligible New Yorkers.

The first round of appointments will open on July 15 at 6 p.m., this time through the city’s own vaccine appointment portal, Vax4NYC.gov.

The change comes after previously contracted site MedRite experienced major problems.

New Yorkers can also now text the word “MONKEYPOX” to 692692 to receive updates on vaccine appointment availability.

New York City currently has the highest number of monkeypox cases in the country, and an additional 14,000 vaccine doses are expected to be sent here by mid-July, health department officials said at a July 11 town hall on the outbreak.

Workers sign in patients waiting to get a monkeypox vaccine at the Chelsea Sexual Health Clinic, July 11, 2022.Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY State and city health officials have urged the federal government for more monkey vaccines because of rising cases; Mayor Eric Adams pushed for additional doses in a letter sent to President Biden on July 11.

To cope with the shortage, the health department on July 15 said it would start administering the vaccine — which would ideally be given in two shots, four weeks apart — in just one dose per patient.

With all the confusion, you may be wondering about the specifics of the contagious viral disease, who’s at risk, how concerned you should be and how to access the vaccine.

We’re here to help. Here’s a guide on what to know about the monkeypox outbreak:

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What Is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox isn’t new. It was first discovered in the 1970s, according to the World Health Organization and since then, cases have primarily been linked to international travel to places where

the disease is common, including central and west Africa.

The cause of the disease — which is part of the orthopoxvirus family along with smallpox — is unknown.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified fever, headache, chills, and swollen lymph nodes as symptoms of monkeypox.

Those infected are also known to have pimple-like rashes that may appear on the face, hands, feet, and inside of the mouth.

The infection can last anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.

How Does Monkeypox Spread?

Monkeypox can spread through direct contact with infected skin, bodily fluids, and intimate physical contact as outlined by the CDC. The disease can also spread through indirect contact with fabric — such as bedding, clothing, and linen — that has been on infected areas of the skin.

As of July 12, the number of people who’ve tested positive for monkeypox in New York City is low, with around 267 cases. But that’s up from around 100 cases just a week before.

Many experts said the increase is a cause for concern.

“Any number of health experts will tell you they could see the writing on the wall to know that increased community spread was going to happen,” Christian Grov, professor at CUNY School of Public Health.

That spread, in turn, is an opportunity for the disease to “become better adapted to humans, and transmit more efficiently,” said Stephen Morse, a Professor of Epidemiology at

the Columbia University Medical Center.

“These numbers are usually the tip of the iceberg,” said Wafaa El-Sadr, professor of epidemiology and medicine at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health.

“In all likelihood there are probably more people that are infected who haven’t been tested.”

Experts told THE CITY that more vaccine doses are needed, with El-Sadr adding that there’s a pressing need to inform the public about the ways the disease is transmitted and its symptoms.

“We cannot allow complacency from people thinking it’s just a few hundred cases,” she said.

Who’s Most At Risk?

The CDC has identified gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men as making up a high number of cases, based on early data.

Vasan said at the July 11 town hall that there is “nothing intrinsic about the disease” that makes it a bigger risk for those men, but rather that “this current outbreak happens to be concentrated at the moment — and that started this way — amongst social networks and sexual networks of gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with other men.”

Experts who spoke with THE CITY agree that having a targeted approach to vaccinate groups presently at a higher risk for contracting monkeypox may slow the spread of the disease.

According to El-Sadr, the city health department should “think creatively” in expanding vaccine distribution to sexual health clinics and other locations across the city, building off of lessons learned from the COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

“You can’t expect people to go to you. You’ve got to meet people where they are,” she said.

Where Can I Get the Monkeypox Vaccine?

As of the second week of July, monkeypox vaccines in New York City are being offered by appointment from the health department to people who meet all of the following criteria: continued on page 25

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July 2022

25

Love, Health & Travel Monkeypox Vaccines continued from page 24 •Gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men and/or transgender, gender non-conforming and non-binary people.

•Those who are 18 years or older.

•Those who have had “multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days,” the health department said.

The vaccine is also being offered to people who’ve been informed by the health department that they’ve been in contact with someone with monkeypox.

To schedule an appointment, visit the NYC Department of Health website. Be warned, however: the site has repeatedly gone down as it’s been overwhelmed by traffic.

As of July 13the city health department said monkeypox vaccines will be available at the following locations: •Chelsea Sexual Health Clinic, 303 Ninth Ave. in Manhattan •Central Harlem Sexual Health Clinic, 2238 Fifth Ave. in Manhattan

•Corona Sexual Health Clinic, 34-33 Junction Blvd. in Queens Additionally, the city announced on July 13 it would establish four new vaccination sites in addition to the ones in Chelsea, Harlem and Corona.

The Bronx High School of Science in Bedford Park, the Bushwick Educational Campus in Brooklyn, and Aviation High School in Sunnyside, Queens will open for vaccinations for one day only, on Sunday, July 17, the health department said.

An additional location, NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health Vanderbilt on Staten Island, will be open on multiple days of the week to be an-

nounced soon.

Two Vaccines — What’s the Difference?

There are two types of vaccines used to treat monkeypox: JYNNEOS and ACAM2000. JYNNEOS is the vaccine that is being made available by the city. It is approved by the FDA for prevention of monkeypox for people over 18 years old and is typically administered in two doses, four weeks apart.

You are considered “fully vaccinated” two weeks after receiving the second dose.

However, as mentioned previously, New York City shifted to a “single-dose” strategy in mid-July to cope with a supply shortage.

The monkeypox vaccines, which are more commonly used to protect against smallpox, have been found to be very effective according to the CDC. Even if you have contracted monkeypox, the vaccine is still effective in preventing more severe symptoms.

The second vaccine sometimes used to treat monkeypox, known as ACAM2000, carries risks for pregnant and immunocompromised people, has serious side effects and requires multiple needle jabs, according to reporting by The Atlantic.

Why Are There So Few Vaccines Available?

The JYNNEOS vaccine is made by a small company in Denmark with a manufacturing facility that has been shut down since last August, The New York Times previously reported.

In late June, The White House released an outbreak response to distribute an initial 56,000 vaccines immediately to “jurisdictions with the highest num-

ber of cases and population at risk,” with 1.5 million vaccine doses following over the next few months.

On June 30, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that 8,165 doses would soon become available in New York State.

Just over a week later, the city’s health department announced the 6,000 vaccines.

At the town hall on July 11, Vasan and New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett and Vasan referred to New York City as the “epicenter for monkeypox” and complained that New York was not receiving an adequate supply of doses from Washington.

“We’ve gotten an allocation of 14% [of national vaccines] with 27% of the cases,” said Dr. Bassett. “But whatever these numbers are, there has not been enough vaccines. It’s clear that more vaccines are needed.”p This story was published by on July 15, 2022 by THE CITY. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Big protection for little New Yorkers.

COVID-19 vaccines now available for kids 6 months and older.

To learn more, visit nyc.gov/vaccine昀nder or call 877-VAX-4NYC.

Eric Adams Mayor Ashwin Vasan, MD, PhD Commissioner

July 2022

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26

Conversations

5 Ways to Deal with Burnout at Work

BY CLAUDINE MANGEN THE CONVERSATION

W

ork has become an around-the-clock activity, courtesy of the pandemic and technology that makes us reachable anytime, anywhere. Throw in expectations to deliver fast and create faster and it becomes hard to take a step back.

Not surprisingly, many of us are feeling burned out.

Burnout — which often affects women more than men — happens everywhere. Particularly challenged during the pandemic, however, are teachers and healthcare workers.

So we know burnout happens and that a lot of us are experiencing it, but how can we get out of it?

Burnout is a serious problem that deserves all of our attention. My research, which studies employees across various organizations and the work practices they engage in, helps me understand how to address common widespread

problems like burnout.

1. Set boundaries People need and are entitled to boundaries. We don’t have to avail ourselves 24/7 for work, despite societal pressures that make us feel like we do.

We must rest for the sake of our health, including our sleep, eating habits, physical well-being and quality of life.

It’s important to also remember that people around us can be affected when we don’t set boundaries. For example, burnout among nurses is associated with lower quality patient care and lower commitment to the workplace.

Loved ones can be affected too. We can take stress from work home and be angrier, less supportive to and more withdrawn from our spouses.

2. Stick to contractual engagements Check your employment contract or collective agreement.

Figure out how much you’re

expected to work, what you have to deliver and stick to it: work won’t love you back no matter how much you give.

If you’re entitled to vacation, take it. The same principle holds for sick leave: if you’re entitled to it, take it when you are unwell so you can get better.

3. Prioritize yourself You need to know and be mindful of who you are, what you want and how you spend your days.

Ask yourself why you do your work and what you wish to get out of it. What are you willing to sacrifice to get there, and what not? What else in your life is crucial? What do you not want to regret later?

Take time to think through these questions and how your life aligns with your priorities.

Do your days mirror your preferences? If not, why and how not?

Think about what you can change, try to spend your days differently and observe the re-

sult. If something works better, integrate it into your daily rituals; if not, try something new.

4. Talk about burnout at work There is only so much we can do individually to address burnout, which is far from a unique problem.

As employees we need to question, rethink and repair organizations that generate overwork — it is important to not only have these conversations with yourself, friends and family but in the workplace too.

Organizations should want to address burnout since it isn’t good for them and leads to higher employee turnover and lost revenue related to lower productivity. But organizations are difficult to fix.

They often can’t or don’t want to see how they’re the problem. And they respond by proposing individual solutions to what is a collective, systemic problem — wellness programs and yoga classes won’t help with overwork.

If you have the energy to try and address organizational overwork, start small. You can talk to trusted colleagues about their experiences and share stories, which helps raise

awareness about how burnout is a collective larger issue.

5. Acknowledge this isn’t a you problem A more significant role falls on leaders who have the power and resources to change work.

If their employees burn out, it’s because they are OK with it.

Responsible leaders should reach out to employees to inquire about burnout. They should understand how their organization contributes to it.

This might involve asking how work is set up, how information technology affects work and how employees are — or aren’t — supported.

Leaders set the tone and model what is acceptable — like overworking or taking time for yourself. Ultimately, if overwork is ingrained in company culture, we need to realize that the problem is the organization.

Burnout is serious problem that deserves all of our attention.p Claudine Mangen is a RBC Professor in Responsible Organizations and Associate Professor, Concordia University

www.workersworldtoday.com

July 2022

The lawyer you hire, does make a difference!

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