Worker's World Today - Issue 52

INSIDE

January 2024

Filing for Bankruptcy in 2024: What You Need to Know ...15

Marrying as a Same-Sex Couple: 6 Financial Issues to Consider ...11

Issue #52

New Year, New Pay: Minimum-Wage Workers in New York Get a Boost

BY CHRIS TOBIAS WWT EXCLUSIVE

NYS Workers' Compensation Board Joins State Effort to Protect Undocumented Workers During Labor Investigations

A

s the calendar flipped to the new year, minimum-wage workers across New York are welcoming a significant pay increase.

With the implementation of adjusted minimum wage rates, many workers are starting the year with a higher paycheck, providing a glimmer of hope and financial relief amidst ongoing economic challenges.

The decision to increase the minimum wage reflects a commitment to address income incontinued on page 4

Editorial credit: a katz / Shutterstock.com

Hot Topics and News You Should Know About

T

he New York State Workers' Compensation Board (Board) has joined a wider state effort in shielding noncitizen workers from retaliation and deportation during labor disputes, an extension of the protections implemented in 2023 by the Biden administration. continued on page 10

January is Divorce Month Congress is Close to Expanding the Child Tax Credit Again ...7

Unemployment is Coming Down – Not for Older Workers ...21

Understanding the Second Wave of the Tripledemic RSV ...16

Editorial credit: The Worker Institute

Introducing the Retail Worker Safety Act ...9

...18

Naturalization Helps Immigrants and the United States Reach Full Potential

Labor-Related News - Nationally & Locally

Take Action: Labor for Tom Suozzi! ...5

Excellent Job Outlook for Paralegals ...20

Launch of the EdVargas Labor Community Legacy Fund ...22

BY KAREN AHO & ANNA SHEPPERSON

W

hen Sri Lankan business analyst Dinesh Prabaharan became a U.S. citizen in December of 2023, he expressed his gratitude at finally being able to call America his home “without restriction.” continued on page 13

Brian Figeroux, Esq.

Jan 2024

Workers’ World Today - Jan 2024

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NYC Food Delivery Workers’ Rights

If you do restaurant deliveries for an app, you have rights regardless of your immigration status.

Your Rights Free insulated food delivery bag after 6 deliveries Apps must give you a bag. You can decide whether to use it.

More control over your deliveries • You can limit how far you will go from restaurants and pick which bridges or tunnels you will use.

• Apps cannot offer you trips outside the limits you set, and you have the right to change your limits.

No Retaliation It is illegal to punish or deactivate workers for exercising their rights.

Workers should immediately contact DCWP about retaliation.

Advance notice of delivery details Apps must tell you the pickup address, estimated time and distance for trip, tip, and pay before you accept a trip.

File a Complaint The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) enforces the law. For more information or to file a complaint:

Better access to restaurant bathrooms when you pick up orders Exceptions apply. Contact DCWP. More information about your pay Apps that take customer orders directly must tell you how much the customer tips for each delivery and your total pay and tips for the previous day. Exceptions apply.

Contact DCWP. Payment at least once a week Apps cannot charge a fee to process your payment.

Minimum pay rate (Effective 1/1/2023) New York City will set a minimum pay rate and may update it from time to time.

• Visit nyc.gov/DeliveryApps • Email OLPS@dcwp.nyc.gov • Call 311 (212-NEW-YORK outside NYC) and ask for “Delivery Worker” DCWP will not share your identity without your prior consent.

You can also file a case in court.

However, you cannot have a complaint with DCWP and a claim in court at the same time.

This information is brought to your courtesy of THE ASK THE LAWYER Radio Program For a legal consultation on these and other issues, please call 855-768-8845 or schedule an appointment at www.askthelawyer.us

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Jan 2024

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In Solidarity

Struggling NYC Delivery Workers Finally Got a Raise— And App Companies Are Punishing Us For It

BY YERZHAN ABDILDIN

A 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

t the end of 2023, New York food delivery workers won a huge victory with an increase in our minimum wage. In response, app companies immediately conspired to push us back down. Now, customer tips we rely on to survive are on the line.

The State Supreme Court’s November decision to uphold the city’s new law to raise the minimum wage for delivery workers to $17.96 an hour immediately—and nearly $20 by April 2025—was met with celebration from workers, and outrage from app companies.

In response to the ruling, UberEats and DoorDash announced that New York City customers will no longer be prompted to tip couriers during checkout.

Before the ruling, delivery workers in New York City made on average $11 an hour after expenses, far below the city’s minimum wage of $16 an hour or a livable wage. Securing our wage increase this fall was life-changing—making the new campaign by the delivery companies to stop our tips especially mean-spirited.

Because of UberEats and DoorDash’s cruelty, customers in New York City will no longer have the option to tip couriers when placing their order. Instead, a tipping option will only appear after an order has been delivered and completed—meaning that wellmeaning customers won’t tip as often or as much, if they tip at all. It also will end delivery workers’ ability to see how

TEAM Publisher Workers’ World Today, Inc Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip Contributing Writers Linda Nwoke Victoria Falk Travis Morales Mary Campbell Janet Howard JR Holguin Chris Tobias Erin Telesford Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq.

much a delivery will pay them before agreeing to take it, a practice known as bidding that’s incredibly important to how we plan our workdays.

I have been a food delivery worker in New York City for UberEats and DoorDash for over a year and a half. Our work provides a needed service to the people of New York City. Since the pandemic, we have been essential to the city’s constant need for food and medicine delivery. But despite our impact, we struggle to survive. Many of us can barely pay rent. The possibility of an injury or illness that we can’t afford to treat is downright terrifying.

Tips from customers are crucial to us. I work 70-hour weeks on this job, in the snow and the rain, biking on icy roads, and it is barely enough to ensure that if someone in my family falls sick, I can help them. I cannot afford for my tips to go away. And I am one of the lucky ones who hasn’t yet dealt with a serious injury that prevents me from working—but there are no guarantees in this business.

In 2017, 62 percent of delivery workers reported experiencing a collision with a motor vehicle while working and 30 percent reported taking time off work due to injury in the past year. Worse, 33 delivery workers have been killed on

the job in the last three years, making delivery work one of the deadliest jobs in New York City.

Delivery work is very dangerous, and we have virtually no protections. The very least app companies can do is promote tipping by making it an up-front, clear option for customers. UberEats and DoorDash must reverse this new policy if they want to continue making deliveries in this city.

Like me, many of my fellow delivery workers are immigrants and people of color. My wife and teenage son still live in Kazakhstan—where I’m from—and I do my best to support them. We deserve to be paid and treated fairly so that we can give ourselves and our families good lives.

As a member of the Justice for App Workers coalition and the delivery workers group NOMAD, I am fighting alongside my coworkers to improve our pay and make our lives safer. But at every turn, the app companies try to defeat us.

Besides the disappearance of the tip option, we’re up against another huge obstacle: lockouts. Lockouts prevent workers from accessing the app during certain times, meaning you can’t work whenever you log onto the app. And these lockouts are already beginning in New York City. It is devastating to get locked out. Deliv-

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

ery workers not only work week to week, but DAY TO DAY. My family depends on the money we get from one shift. If we can no longer turn on our apps and have the ability to work, the consequences for working immigrant families will be catastrophic.

Delivery workers provide a valuable service for the people of New York City. By organizing together, we’ve improved what were until recently poverty wages—but now, the app companies are punishing us for having the audacity to fight for a workplace where we can provide for our families with dignity.

We’re asking New Yorkers to put pressure on lawmakers and app companies to better protect us financially so that we can continue to provide a service that benefits so many.

And, of course, to seek out that tip button!p Yerzhan Abdildin is a Brooklyn-based delivery worker and a member of Justice for App Workers coalition and NOMAD. This Op-Ed was first published on January 17, 2024 in City Limits.

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Jan 2024

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New Year, New Pay/ continued from page 1 equality and ensure that all workers earn a fair and livable wage. In New York City, where the cost of living is notoriously high, the minimum wage has gradually risen, reaching $15.00 per hour for large employers and fast-food workers. This increase improves workers' living standards and contributes to reducing poverty and stimulating economic growth.

Beyond the bustling streets of New York City, the wage increase extends to other regions of the state. In Long Island and Westchester, where living expenses rival those of the city, the minimum wage has also climbed to$15.00 per hour.

Meanwhile, in the rest of New York State, the minimum wage has reached $12.50 per hour, offering much-needed support to workers in less urbanized areas.

According to the Economic Policy Institute's analysis: •Women make up more than half (57.9%) of workers getting an increase on January 1.

•The minimum wage increases

will also disproportionately benefit Black and Hispanic workers. Black workers make up 9.0% of the wage-earning workforce in the states with increases but are 11.1% of the affected workers. Similarly, Hispanic workers are 19.6% of the workforce in these states, but 37.9% of the workers receive wage increases.

•These increases will also bring important benefits to working families. More than a quarter (25.8%) of affected workers are parents, or more than 2.5 million people. In total, 5.6 million children live in households where an individual will receive a minimum wage increase.

•The increases will provide critical support to workers and families in need. Almost one in five (19.7%) workers getting a raise have incomes below the poverty line, and nearly half (47.4%) have incomes below twice the poverty line.

•More than half (51%) of workers getting minimum wage increases are in California, Hawaii, and New York, all high-cost-of-living states.

Editorial credit: Steve Sanchez Photos / Shutterstock.com

Workers’ Rights

Impact of Increase The impact of this pay bump extends far beyond individual workers. Higher wages mean increased purchasing power for low-income households, which can boost consumer spending and drive demand for goods and services. Additionally, when workers earn a livable wage, they are less reliant on public assistance programs, alleviating the burden on taxpayers and government resources.

Critics of minimum wage increases often argue that higher labor costs could lead to job

losses or business closures, particularly for small businesses. However, studies have shown that moderate increases in the minimum wage has minimal adverse effects on employment while benefiting workers and stimulating economic activity.

By ensuring workers earn a fair wage, businesses can benefit from improved productivity, reduced turnover, and increased consumer purchasing power.

Moreover, the fight for fair wages is not just an economic issue but also a matter of social

justice. Many minimum-wage workers are essential workers who have played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, risking their health and safety to provide essential services. Recognizing their contributions with a livable wage is not only fair but also a moral imperative.

While the increase in minimum wage rates is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, advocates continue to push for further progress.

Some argue that $15.00 per hour, while an improvement, still falls short of a true living wage in high-cost areas like New York City. Calls for additional increases and broader policies to address income inequality remain at the forefront of the debate.

Shining a Light on the U.S. Workers Paid the Least Millions of workers are held back from achieving the American Dream because they are paid low hourly wages. This reality threatens their ability to support themselves and their families. Low pay is a widespread problem, resulting from outdated minimum wages that don't keep up with the cost of living and a weakening of workers' bargaining power, suppressing wage growth.

Minimum wage increases are also vital to many workers who are more vulnerable to exploitation, whether it's because of immigration status, disability, or place of work.

As New York's minimumwage workers start the new year with a pay bump, it's a reminder of the progress that can be achieved through collective action and advocacy. By prioritizing fair wages and economic justice, policymakers can create a more equitable society where all workers have the opportunity to thrive. As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the future, let us continue to work towards a brighter and more inclusive economy for all.p

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Jan 2024

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Union In Action

Teachers Union Files Lawsuit to Halt Congestion Pricing

BY AMY ZIMMER, CHALKBEAT AND ALEX ZIMMERMAN, CHALKBEAT

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ew York City’s teachers union is trying to halt this spring’s planned implementation of congestion pricing, joining a lawsuit on Thursday with the Staten Island borough president.

The lawsuit claims that the congestion pricing plan — which will toll drivers who enter a swath of Manhattan to help finance public transit improvements — was created in a “rushed and hurried process that violated the comprehensive review requirements that a federal agency must take under federal law.” Seven teachers, who are plaintiffs in the suit, alleged that the “regressive and discriminatory pricing” of the tolls violates their constitutional rights.

Transit advocates blasted the

lawsuit, arguing that congestion pricing will improve commutes for school staff and families.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s board voted to approve tolls last month for vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street, including a $15 daily fee on cars between 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. (Under the proposed tolling structure, low-income drivers will receive a discount on the congestion charges.)

After a 60-day comment period, including public hearings from Feb. 29 through March 4, the MTA’s board will take a final vote.

“Teachers, firefighters, police officers, EMS workers, sanitation workers and other public sector workers who are essential to the fabric of New York City would be forced to shoulder the burden of the MTA’s

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The toll system and equipment needed to make congestion pricing operational by next spring has been installed near Columbus Circle, Aug. 8, 2023. Credit: Jose Martinez/THE CITY

latest fundraising gambit,” the lawsuit claims.

The suit, filed in the U.S. Court for the Eastern District of New York, also claims that parts of Staten Island as well as the Bronx will see more pollution as some drivers divert around the congestion zone.

For years, New York City transit and environmental advocates along with elected officials have pushed for a

congestion pricing program to reduce gridlock and pollution as well as raise revenue for the MTA. The program is required to raise enough money to finance at least $15 billion in capital projects for public transit.

The program would be the first of its kind in the United States, though other countries have successfully deployed the model.

The environmental review process involved four years of consultation with government agencies, public outreach, and impacts on traffic and air quality detailed in “hundreds of pages of painstaking detail,” said MTA spokesperson John McCarthy.

“If we really want to combat ever-worsening clogged streets we must adequately fund a public transit system that will bring safer and less congested streets, cleaner air, and better transit for the vast majority of students and teachers who take mass transit to school,” McCarthy said in a statement.

Staten Island teachers share concerns about the plan The plan has long had its share of opponents, including some teachers who drive to work or are based at campuses where locals worry the traffic could increase. Troy McGhie, a plaincontinued on page 6

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Jan 2024

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Union In Action Teachers Union/ continued from page 5 tiff in the suit and a ninth grade special education teacher at Staten Island’s Curtis High School, worried that increased traffic to the Staten Island ferry will bring more vehicles and air pollution around his school.

Maria Mazier, a Staten Island resident and speech pathologist who drives to the Children’s Workshop School in the East Village, said commuting on public transit would take nearly two hours each day. Because of the $15 fee, she is planning to transfer to a school in Brooklyn, according to the lawsuit. Plaintiff Hannah Choi, another Staten Island resident and third grade teacher at Chelsea’s P.S. 33, said public transit would take her nearly three hours, and she, too, is looking to transfer to a school in Brooklyn or her home borough. About 11,515 of the teachers union’s members live in Staten Island, according to the lawsuit. That represents about 6% of the union’s membership.

Still, advocates contend that

congestion pricing would benefit commuters on Staten Island. The fees would help reduce travel times for those who continue to drive and speed up express buses that run from Staten Island into Manhattan. Plus, the MTA is planning to use some of the revenue from the tolling program to address pollution caused by diverted traffic in other communities.

“The teachers that are diehards that stick to driving will have shorter commutes,” said Danny Pearlstein, the policy and communications director for Riders Alliance, an advocacy group that supports congestion pricing. “This is a program that will bring in billions of dollars to fix a subway that is used by hundreds of thousands more riders when school is in session.”

Teachers union joins fray late in the game Transit advocates also pointed out that the teachers union, a powerful political player in Albany, had not previously weighed in on the proposal — including when it was passed

Eric Adams said he supports congestion pricing but has also pushed for some exemptions to the plan, including for taxis and school buses.

in the state’s 2019 budget.

Union officials said they were waiting for details about how the plan would be implemented before taking a position.

Policies that make it easier for educators to drive to school have long been controversial.

Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg reduced the number of parking permits issued to educators, a move that drew a legal challenge, while former Mayor Bill de Blasio reinstated

Compensation for Victims & Families of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

tens of thousands of them.

The availability of free parking may give teachers an extra incentive to drive, though the majority of commuters who travel into Manhattan use public transportation. A 2022 study by the Community Service Society found those who commute to Manhattan by car are more likely to have higher incomes and the new tolls were likely to affect a tiny share of low-income residents.

A spokesperson for Mayor

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THE CITY on January 4, 2024.

Reprinted with permission.p

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The union’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges against the plan: New Jersey’s Gov. Phil Murphy sued the federal government in the summer over its approval of the plan, and the mayor of Fort Lee, New Jersey, filed a lawsuit in November, because of concerns about increased traffic near the George Washington Bridge.

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Jan 2024

7

Family Matters

Congress is Close to Expanding the Child Tax Credit Again − With a Smaller Boost for Families This Time

BY NATASHA PILKAUSKAS & KATHERINE MICHELMORE THE CONVERSATION

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nfluential lawmakers have struck a deal that could increase the extent to which low-income U.S. families can benefit from the child tax credit for three years. This article explains what may change and why.

Why does Congress want to expand the child tax credit?

The child tax credit, first enacted in 1997, was originally designed to help middle-class families with the costs of raising kids by giving them and upper-class families a tax credit of US$400 per child.

After several changes, this credit grew to as much as $2,000. Then the government temporarily expanded the

credit in two main ways for the 2021 tax year.

Families could get up to $3,600 for each child, and nearly all low-income families could obtain it. In addition, half of this money was disbursed in monthly payments in the second half of 2021.

In 2022, the credit reverted to its previous terms, in accordance with the tax reform package that President Donald Trump signed into law in late 2017.

The maximum credit is currently worth $2,000. Families must earn at least $2,500 to claim any credit, but their earnings must be higher to get the full credit. For example, a family with two children must earn at least about $40,000 to receive the full $4,000 in child tax credits. Families with three or more children have to earn

even more to get the full benefits.

What could change this time?

A bipartisan group of House and Senate lawmakers agreed on Jan. 16, 2024, to expand the credit again. If Congress passes the $33 billion measure and President Joe Biden signs it into law, the credit would still be smaller than the 2021 version, and it would not be avail-

able to all low-income families.

The new proposal would adjust the earnings requirements.

These changes would make it easier for many lower-income families – those earning roughly between $10,000 and $50,000 – to get the full credit.

These families would get an average credit that is about $1,130 higher than in 2022.

Families with higher incomes will also see larger benefits in

future years if this expansion is passed, because the credit would be indexed to inflation to help families keep pace with rising expenses.

Unlike the 2021 expansion, which gave families monthly checks for six months, this credit would come only at tax time as a lump sum.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities projects that this policy would boost benefits for 16 million kids. That’s more than 1 in 5 of the nation’s 72 million children.

Families who would not otherwise have to file their taxes will need to do so to claim the child tax credit. In our own research, we found that almost 25% of lower-income families didn’t receive any of the monthly child tax credits, perhaps because they didn’t file continued on page 8

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Jan 2024

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Family Matters Child Tax Credit/ continued from page 7 their taxes.

For parents who worked in 2023 and have kids younger than 17 who live with them, it may be worth filing taxes in 2024.

What’s the rationale for this expansion?

Raising children can be very expensive.

Consider a mother who is working year-round in a fulltime, minimum-wage job who has two kids. Assuming she earns the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, she would earn just over $15,000 each year. Once she pays her rent, food and utility bills, she likely has very little money left for other important expenses like child care or school fees.

For this woman, getting a bigger check at tax time could really help her make ends meet. This new plan would nearly double her child tax credit from about $1,875 to $3,600.

There’s also widespread support to expand the child tax credit because the 2021 child tax credit lifted 3 million children out of poverty.

New York, NY - July 8, 2021: U. S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks during press conference on expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) at Ted Weiss Federal Building.

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Should Congress pass the tax package and Biden sign it by Jan. 29, American families would be able to claim this expanded credit in 2024 on their 2023 taxes.

Many researchers, including us, have found that most families with low incomes spent the 2021 credit on bills, rent, food and clothing.

We also determined that the expanded child tax credit made parents less anxious and depressed.

Who wants this expansion to go into effect?

In the past, bipartisan coalitions have voted to expand the child tax credit. Republicans and Democrats alike have pro-

posed making it more generous over the years.

The current expansion also has bipartisan support, even though progressive lawmakers would have preferred a return to the 2021 version of the credit, which was larger, available to more low-income families and disbursed in monthly installments.

Some conservatives worry that bigger credits make people less likely to work. There’s not much evidence to support that claim.

Instead, there’s ample evidence that the 2021 tax credit expansion didn’t make parents less likely to earn money.

And it’s important to remember that families will still have to work in order to receive any benefit from the child tax credit under this proposal.

subject to other partisan battles.

Should Congress pass the tax package and Biden sign it by Jan. 29, American families would be able to claim this expanded credit in 2024 on their 2023 taxes.

Even so, this expansion would be short-lived. The current child tax credit is slated to become smaller after the 2025 tax year unless Congress takes further action. It’s one of the many 2017 tax reforms that will expire in 2026.

After that point, the child tax credit will decline to a maximum of $1,000 per child.p

How long would the expansion last?

To be clear, there is no guarantee that Congress will approve this measure. It’s part of a larger array of tax changes

Natasha Pilkauskas is an Associate Professor of Public Policy, University of Michigan and Katherine Michelmore is an Associate Professor of Public Policy, University of Michigan

COVID or a cold?

You have the right to Safe and Sick Leave

It’s the Law. If you work for a private employer, including as a domestic worker, you can get up to 40 or 56 hours of leave a year to care for yourself or family. For COVID-19 or other health or safety reasons.

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This information is brought to your courtesy of THE ASK THE LAWYER Radio Program. For a legal consultation on these and other issues, please call 855-768-8845 or schedule an appointment at www.askthelawyer.us

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Jan 2024

9

Workers’ Safety

RWDSU Members Rally for Worker Safety

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EW YORK CITY, NY: Retail worker members of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) rallied with elected allies in Herald Square on January 25 for a rally announcing the Retail Worker Safety Act. For the retail workers toiling on the front lines, retail violence is a growing workplace issue. RWDSU conducted a survey of their members related to workplace violence and found the following: •Over 80% of respondents are worried about an active shooter coming into their workplace •Nearly ⅔ of respondents experienced verbal harassment or intimidating conduct from a customer, co-worker, or manager within the last year.

•More than half of respondents have received no training from their employer about how to respond to shoplifters •Only 5% of respondents agreed with the following statement: My employer has made changes in the workplace after a violent incident in order to make my work safer.

•Nearly ¾ of respondents would feel safer if they received regular training on how to be safe in the workplace, including understanding the risks, how to reduce those risks and what to do in the event violence occurs.

Based on these findings, as well as the reality of mass shootings in retail settings and the increase in daily violence, it is clear that we have reached a crisis point in this industry and its the time to act.

To address this problem, the RWDSU is working with Senate Labor Chair Jessica Ramos and Assemblymember Karines Reyes, Chair of the Subcommittee on Workplace Safety, to introduce a bill at the state level in New York called the Retail Worker Safety Act (S.8358/Assembly number forthcoming). This bill will require retail employers to create

Assembly Member Karine Reyes, RN Editorial credit: Office of AM Reyes

safe working conditions for their employees by implementing ongoing preventative trainings, conducting regular risk assessments, and keeping detailed records of incidents of workplace violence.

“There has already been a lot of discussion of retail theft, and increasing penalties for organized perpetrators in this budget cycle,” said State Senator Jessica Ramos (D, SD-13).

“But we have yet to hear any worker-focused angle in this conversation. Retail workers are often on the frontline of dealing with many concurrent policy failures: the mental health crisis, poverty, and a lack of common-sense gun control. Union retail workers have the opportunity to negotiate for improved safety measures, and with this legislation we are hoping to extend that same level of safety to all retail workers.”

“Retail theft is negatively impacting business practices and creating more unsafe environments for New Yorkers,” said Assembly Member Karines Reyes, R.N. “As the Governor and the Legislature mull the possibility of stiffening criminal penalties for organized groups engaging in retail theft, we cannot miss the opportunity to comprehensively address this issue. That’s why I am proud to introduce the Retail Worker Security Act with Senator Ramos and have the support of the RWDSU. This legislation would prepare em-

State Senator Jessica Ramos Editorial credit: John Nacion / Shutterstock.com

ployers and workers, by mandating adequate training, threat assessments and transparency in the incidents that occur. I am hopeful that we can pass this legislation and provide a holistic response to make consumers, workers, employers and their property safer.”

“Retail workers should not have to go to work each day worried about their safety,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, RWDSU. “Retail work is already stressful enough. But then add on top of that the constant threat of being harassed, assaulted or even killed, and the job becomes significantly more stressful. Employers must take full responsibility to protect their workers from violence. And it’s not that hard to do: conduct a risk assessment of the workplace, mitigate as many risks as possible and train workers to understand and prepare for the risks that remain for them and their customers. And this is not just about worker safety; it’s also about protecting customers. A 2022 nationwide study showed that the majority of retail fatalities were actually customers simply running errands. Creating a safe workplace for workers makes everyone in our community safer. Let’s pass the Retail Worker Safety Act now.”

“The Retail Worker Safety

Act is a critical piece of legislation that will hold companies accountable and require them to take the safety and wellbeing of their workers into consideration,” said John R. Durso, President, Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW. “Protecting retail workers is not up for debate, we need to be doing more to keep them safe. This legislation will provide workers with trainings on de-escalation and active shooters, preparing them for the unfortunate realities of the world we live in today. Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW has not been immune from the tragedy of workplace violence and that is why we must not delay passing this legislation – it could save someone’s life and will ensure that all workers have the protections they need to do their jobs safely.”

“Retail workers have a right to go to work each day and not worry about whether they will make it back home at the end of the day to their family,” said Felix Ocasio, President of Local 1-S RWDSU/UFCW. “As the union representing the workers at Macy’s flagship Herald Square location, we see day in and day out how the challenges of our society show up in the workplace. Despite Macy’s doing more than most employers to train and prepare workers for challenging customers and even violence, it is still not enough. We look forward to passing the Retail Worker Safety Act to

ensure all retail workers in New York are supported and protected while on the job.”

RWDSU Local 1-S represents workers at Macy’s flagship Herald Square store in Manhattan and workers at Macy’s Queens and Parkchester stores.

“There are a lot of solutions being proposed to address theft and violence in retail stores, but no one, except our unions, are actually asking workers what needs to be done,” said Shaun Kavanaugh, President, Local 3 RWDSU/UFCW. “Our workers live the reality day in and day out of the threat of violence in the workplace. These workers are just trying to do their jobs, earn a living and care for their families. Employers should do their fair share to create safe workplaces and the Retail Worker Safety Act would make that happen.

That’s all we’re asking for.”

Local 3 represents workers at Bloomingdale’s flagship 59th Street store in New York City, with extended protection to workers at the Bloomingdale’s SoHo store.

“Rarely does a week go by when we are not speaking with retail workers who are genuinely afraid to come to work,” said Eileen Crosby, Retail Director, Local 1102 RWDSU/UFCW. “This is unacceptable. Retail workers have become subject to such high levels of harassment and violence that it has become the ‘norm’ when it needs to be the exception. We know that employers are not doing enough to keep workers safe. They focus on protecting merchandise more than people, which is sad because the workers are a company’s primary asset.

Local 1102 hopes the Retail Worker Safety Act gets passed right away so we can focus on keeping workers safe.” Local 1102 represents workers at fast fashion retailers throughout New York.p

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Jan 2024

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Workers’ Matters Labor Investigations/ continued from page 1 Through an interagency partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Board will now work with noncitizen workers (including undocumented workers) and their advocates to gain temporary protection from prosecution and potential deportation, as well as the ability to work legally in the U.S., if the worker is party to a workers' compensation claim.

This action will protect noncitizen workers from unscrupulous employers who threaten them with removal or other forms of retaliation for cooperating with a Board investigation or exercising their right to file a workers' compensation claim for a work-related injury or illness.

"The Board is committed to protecting all workers in New York State, including lowwage and immigrant workers who are among the most atrisk of being victimized by employer violations of the Workers' Compensation Law," said Board Chair Clarissa Rodriguez. "In meeting that commitment, we must guard

against the use of immigration status as a tool for retaliation against workers asserting their legal rights."

Low-wage and immigrant workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation in the workplace because they are often reluctant to report injuries, speak out on behalf of fellow workers who have been injured at work, or cooperate in investigations of their employers for fear of potential consequences if they do.

Under the Board's plan, the Board will submit a letter to DHS in support of any request for prosecutorial discretion including, but not limited to, deferred action or parole, as well as work authorization, on behalf of undocumented workers affected by workers' compensation employer investigations.

Granting such relief is needed to assure these workers of the safety and security of cooperating with Board investigations, to combat the fear of retaliation against them, and to ensure the Board can hold employers accountable for noncompliance with the law.

Elizabeth Jordan, Co-Legal Director of Make the Road

For immigrant workers, the stakes can be even higher, with `unscrupulous employers threatening to call ICE.

New York, said, "We strongly support the Workers' Compensation Board's participation in the Department of Homeland Security worker protection program. Immigrant workers are disproportionately injured in the workplace because of the industries in which they work and their vulnerability to exploitation. Often employers intimidate their immigrant employees to deter them from making a claim with the Board.

The impact of this deterrence leads to dangerous workplaces, and the extended if not permanent removal of injured workers from the workforce."

Charlene Obernauer, Executive Director of the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health, said, "For too long, immigrant workers without status have been too intimidated by risks of deportation to file workers' compensation claims. This new collaboration between agencies will empower workers to stand up for their rights and get the compensation that they deserve if they're injured on the job."

Maureen Hussain, Legal Director, Worker Justice Center of New York, said, "Too often, we hear that workers have

been threatened with losing their jobs if they report a workplace accident or try to take time off for an injury to heal.

For immigrant workers, the stakes can be even higher, with unscrupulous employers threatening to call ICE. The Board's support of deferred action helps defang these threats, which often keep workers from asserting their rights."

The actions announced by the Board align with a series of efforts by Governor Kathy Hochul to protect and support immigrants across New York State and prevent unscrupulous employers from using removal to evade state labor laws. In May, the Governor called on the federal government to expedite work authorization for asylum seekers. In February, Governor Hochul announced the expansion of the New York State Professional Pathways for HighSkilled Immigrants Program, which helps new Americans find jobs that match their skills and experience. In October 2021, she signed legislation protecting undocumented immigrants from threats to report their immigration status.p

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Jan 2024

11

Tax Matters

Marrying as a Same-Sex Couple: 6 Financial Issues to Consider

BY TAXGUY.NYC

B

efore the year 2015, when the right to marry was extended to samesex couples, they didn’t have the same financial concerns as married hetero couples. With marriage now a reality, many gay and lesbian couples need to consider financial decisions that weren’t previously on their radar. If you’re considering entering a same-sex marriage, you need to think about a few important financial issues.

Discuss your taxes Getting married can have a direct effect on the taxes you pay.

You can end up paying more or less. If one partner brings in all or most of the money in the marriage, it could result in a lower tax bill overall. When

both spouses are high earners, however, fewer deductions are available, and you can end up paying thousands more to the IRS. It’s essential to make an appointment with an accountant to discuss how your taxes will be affected once you marry.

Talk about your government benefits People in same-sex marriages are eligible to receive Social Security benefits based on what their spouses make. These benefits can be incredibly advantageous for couples whose partners don’t make as much as the other.

On the other hand, if one spouse only makes a small income, marrying could raise your social security taxes as a couple. Also, if one spouse is on disability or welfare, they

could lose their benefits when marriage raises the household income level.

Think about your health insurance Most health insurance plans that employers offer come with spousal coverage. If one spouse has generous health coverage at work, it would also extend to the other spouse. Marrying can mean significant health insurance savings.

Think about financial aid If both partners are legal parents to a child, you need to report both incomes on the FAFSA application for financial aid for college, even if you’re not married. If you’re not married, and only one partner is a legal parent to the child, you only need to report the legal parent’s income.

Whether it’s you going to college or your child, financial aid becomes more challenging when you’re married.

Discuss gifts of money When you are a married couple, there are no limits to the gifts and cash you can give each other. If you aren’t married, however, the IRS requires that you pay a gift tax on gifts over $14,000 a year. While it’s rare for people to get caught not paying gift taxes, it can be problematic if you are caught.

A domestic partnership may be an option When you get legally married, more than 1,100 legal rights and responsibilities apply to you. If the ideas above show you that you would be financially worse off if you got married, you could choose a domestic partnership instead of marriage.

When you record your relacontinued on page 14

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Jan 2024

12

Be Equity Smart

Down Payments 101: Is It Worth It to Put More Than 20 Percent Down?

BY EQUITY SMART REALTY INC

A

re you thinking of buying a new home this spring or summer? If so, you're not alone. Many thousands of individuals and families alike will become homeowners this year.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned veteran of the housing market, you probably know there are significant choices to make. One of the big decisions you will have to ponder is how much you want to invest in your down payment.

With that in mind, let's try to answer the question of whether or not it is worth it to put more than 20 percent of the home's price in your down payment.

Ask Yourself: How Liquid Are You? Before you can decide how much to put down, you first need to determine how liquid your finances are. That is, how

much cash do you have access to? For example, if you are considering a $300,000 home, a 20 percent down payment is $60,000. If you have more than $60,000, fantastic. However, if you have less than that, you might have to do a bit of work to save up the remainder.

Even if you do have enough available cash now, you won't have access to it once you take possession of the home. It is important to leave yourself with some cash in case of emergencies or for other uses.

Higher Down Payment, Lower Interest Rate If you do choose to invest more than 20 percent in your

down payment, it's possible that you will gain access to a lower interest rate for your mortgage. Many lenders look favorably on homebuyers that are investing more of their own money and borrowing less. Be sure to check with your mortgage advisor to find out if you qualify for lower rates.

Lower Monthly Payments Await Finally, choosing a down payment higher than 20 percent means that you will have lower monthly mortgage payments in the future. You are borrowing less, so you will

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

owe less. This can provide a nice boost to your monthly budget moving forward as you will have more free cash flow each month.

In closing, try to keep in mind that there is no perfect answer to the question of how big your down payment should be.

Choosing the best course of action means taking a good, long look at your current financial situation and deciding what your goals are. When you're ready to discuss buying a new home and your down payment, contact us. Our professional team is happy to share our experience to help you make the best buying decision. Call us 888-6706791.p

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

Minorities continue to be the target of the predatory practices by real estate and mortgage brokers and the man who comes knocking on your door with a bag of cash. To save your home, call us now for a consultation at 855-768-8845.

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Jan 2024

13

Old & New Immigrants: Their Rights Naturalization continued from page 1 “As newly minted citizens,” he added, “we not only have a duty, but the unique privilege to make our new home a better place than when we were first welcomed into it.”

Hundreds of thousands of immigrants become naturalized U.S. citizens every year, with many sharing similar sentiments of gratitude and a desire to give back to the country that they now call home. Still, nearly a quarter (23.4%) of immigrants who are eligible to naturalize, or 7.4 million immigrants, have not yet done so.

By naturalizing, immigrants are not only protected from deportation but can also more actively engage in civic life, qualify for certain government jobs, and better attain economic security—factors that stand to benefit immigrants and American communities at large.

The United States is home to more than 46.1 million immigrants, according to American Community Survey data from 2022. Of those, a total of 31.6 million have either naturalized

(24.2 million, or 76.6%) or are eligible to naturalize. About 14.5 million do not meet the requirements to become a U.S. citizen, such as age, English language proficiency, legal status, or length of stay in the country.

Of the 7.4 million immigrants who are eligible to naturalize but have not done so, the largest numbers reside in California (1.9 million), Texas (789,500), New York (714,200), Florida (574,800), and Illinois (290,800).

Mexican immigrants make up over 1 out of every 4 naturalization-eligible individuals, or about 2.2 million people.

The other top countries of origin for eligible immigrants include India, China, El Salvador, and Cuba.

The rates at which immigrants naturalize varies by state. Naturalization rates are highest in Florida (82.7%), West Virginia (82.1%), Vermont (81.8%), and New Jersey (81.7%). Naturalization rates are the lowest in Arkansas (65.3%), New Mexico (66.4%), Indiana (70.1%), and Kansas (70.2%).

Immigrants from the following countries have the highest naturalization rates: Lebanon (93.3%), Hong Kong (92.8%), Yugoslavia (92.3%), Bulgaria (90.5%), Taiwan (90.2%), and Cambodia (90.1%). Immigrants from the following countries have the lowest naturalization rates: Japan (52.2%), Mongolia (56.7%), Australia (57.5%), and the Republic of the Congo (58.4%).

When immigrants naturalize, they become eligible to vote and run for certain government offices, giving them a critical voice in shaping their communities.

While immigrants make up 13.8% of the U.S. population, they make up just 10.0% of eligible voters, 2022 American Community Survey data shows. If the 7.4 million immigrants who are eligible to naturalize did so, their votes could have a profound effect on local and national elections.

In eight states, including several battleground states such as Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, the number of non-citizens likely eligible to naturalize is larger than the margin of victory was in the 2020 election.

When immigrants naturalize,

there are economic benefits to themselves, their communities, and the nation. In 2022, immigrant households earned $2.1 trillion in total income, allowing them to pay $382.8 billion in federal taxes and $196.3 billion in state and local taxes, and leaving them with$1.6 trillion in spending power. Past research has found that when immigrants naturalize, their individual earnings increase by an average of 8.9%, providing a boost to the tax base and the amount they can spend locally. Obtaining U.S. citizenship — and the power to vote — will also give immigrants a voice in how their tax dollars are spent.

Naturalization benefits everyone—from the immigrants themselves to the communities in which they live. Ensuring that the process to become a U.S. citizen is smooth and free of unnecessary barriers strengthens America, our economy, and democracy as a whole. p Karen Aho is a Consultant and Anna Shepperson a Research Associate at the American Immigration Council.

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Jan 2024

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Old & New Immigrants: Their Rights

USCIS Issues Policy Guidance on “Ability to Pay” Requirement When Adjustment of Status Applicants Change Employers Editorial credit: Artiom Photo / Shutterstock.com

U

.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today issued policy guidance on how we analyze an employer’s ability to pay the proffered wage for immigrant petitions in certain first, second, and third preference employment-based immigrant visa classifications, including instances when the sponsored worker is changing employers.

Generally, employers seeking to classify prospective or current employees under the first, second-, and third-preference employment-based immigrant visa classifications that require a job offer must demonstrate their continuing ability to pay the proffered wage to the beneficiary as of the priority date of the immigrant petition until

the beneficiary obtains lawful permanent residence.

The updated guidance explains that when the beneficiary of a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, moves (or “ports”) to a new

employer under the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act of 2000 (AC21) while the Form I140 is pending, USCIS determines whether the petitioner meets the ability to pay re-

quirements only by reviewing the facts in existence from the priority date until the filing of the Form I-140. USCIS is also making other minor technical revisions to improve clarity and readability, and otherwise streamline existing guidance.

This guidance, contained in Volume 6, Part E, Chapter 4 of the Policy Manual, is effective immediately upon publication and applies prospectively to petitions filed on or after that date. It builds on previous guidance from March 15, 2023, on how USCIS analyzes employers’ ability to pay the proffered wage, and is one of many recent actions to support adjustment of status applicants.p

Same-Sex Couple continued from page 11

tionship with your employer as a domestic partnership, you usually receive your partner’s health insurance from work and gain the right to inherit their property or visit them in hospital. A domestic partnership must be legally dissolved if you wish to marry someone else.

It’s important to weigh the benefits of marrying against what you lose. Rather than rush into marriage, it may make sense, in individual cases, to wait for a while and marry only when the time is right!p

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Jan 2024

15

Money Matters

Filing for Bankruptcy in 2024: What You Need to Know BY 311BANKRUPTCY.COM

W

hen thinking of filing for bankruptcy, understanding the bankruptcy process and the available options can be challenging. This article provides general information, not legal advice, to simplify things for you.

What Is Bankruptcy?

This is a common question when facing financial challenges. Life happens, and factors such as illness, divorce, foreclosure, or job loss create financial hardship. Filing for bankruptcy is a significant financial decision that can have long-term consequences. Before proceeding, it's crucial to understand several key aspects: Types of Bankruptcy: There are different types of bankruptcy, but the most common

ones for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 involves liquidating assets to pay off debts, while Chapter 13 involves creating a repayment plan to settle debts over time.

Impact on Credit: Bankruptcy can severely impact your credit score and ability to obtain credit in the future. A bankruptcy record typically stays on your credit report for several years, making it harder to qualify for loans, credit cards, or favorable interest rates.

Assets and Exemptions: Certain assets may be liquidated to pay off debts, depending on the type of bankruptcy you file.

However, some exemptions allow you to keep essential assets like your home, car, and personal belongings. Understanding these exemptions is crucial to protecting your property.

Legal Process: Filing for bank-

Credit Counseling: Before filing for bankruptcy, you may be required to undergo credit counseling from an approved agency. This counseling aims to evaluate your financial situation, explore alternative options to bankruptcy, and provide education on managing finances effectively. ruptcy involves complex legal procedures and paperwork. It's advisable to consult with a bankruptcy attorney who can guide you through the process, explain your rights, and represent you in court if necessary.

Debts Discharged: Not all debts can be discharged through bankruptcy. For example, certain tax debts, student loans, and child support payments are usually not eligible for discharge. Understanding which debts can be eliminated and which cannot is essential for managing your financial expectations.

Long-Term Consequences: Bankruptcy can have longlasting consequences beyond the immediate discharge of debts. It may affect your ability to rent an apartment, qualify for specific jobs, or obtain insurance at favorable rates.

Considering these implications is essential when weighing the decision to file for bankruptcy.

Means Test: For Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may need to pass a means test to determine your eligibility. This test evaluates your income and ex-

penses to assess whether you qualify for Chapter 7 or if Chapter 13 is more suitable.

Post-Bankruptcy Financial Planning: After filing for bankruptcy, engaging in responsible financial planning is crucial to rebuild your credit and regain financial stability. This may include budgeting, saving, and establishing positive credit habits.

Before making any decisions regarding bankruptcy, it's essential to thoroughly educate yourself, seek professional advice, and carefully evaluate your options based on your financial circumstances.

Legal Guidance Ready to see if bankruptcy is right for you? Consult the Bankruptcy Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates. Call 855-7688845 to schedule an appointment. p

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Jan 2024

16

Love, Health & Travel

Understanding the Second Wave of the Tripledemic-COVID 19, Flu and RSV

BY LINDA NWOKE WWT EXCLUSIVE

T

he United States is observing a concurrent surge of COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), called a "triple demic" or "tri-demic" by medical experts. The situation consists of an escalation of respiratory illnesses that pose a significant threat to an already strained healthcare system, resulting in a potential lapse in care for vulnerable communities.

The Ethnic Media Services gathered medical experts such as Dr. Benjamin Newman from Texas A&M University, Dr. Manisha Oscar from Stanford Children's Health, and Dr. Jose Perez, Chief Medical Officer at South Central Family Health Center in LA, to discuss the unprecedented rise in infections. They explored various issues, providing valu-

able insights into the continued use of vaccines and masks.

Dr. Jose Perez, Chief Medical Officer at South Central Family Health Center, shared that over 100 viruses are causing upper respiratory infections, including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). He explained that the recurring nature of

RSV results in illness for young children, resulting in symptoms that range from upper respiratory problems to lower respiratory infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia. "All three viruses invade the human body by coming into contact with body fluids from an infected individual," says Dr. Perez. He ex-

plains that the infections are more prevalent in the winter due to increased indoor activities and holiday celebrations.

Generally, the method of transmission involves infected individuals spreading mucus particles through coughing and sneezing, contaminating surfaces like counters and doorknobs. Dr. Perez says the ease of transmission allows the virus to enter through the nose or mouth when uninfected individuals touch infected surfaces and their faces.

He notes, "It is tough to tell which virus affects the patient based on symptoms alone."

Managing the Symptoms The experts explained that there are simple ways of managing what is commonly referred to as a cold, which is best treated with "Rest, lots of fluid, some chicken soup, ibuprofen for pain and fever, and sometimes a cough syrup

is all that is necessary to get the patient through the symptoms that can last up to 7 to 10 days," says Dr. Perez.

According to Dr. Perez, respiratory infections have a universal risk: "Everyone is at risk; if you're human and alive, you can catch it." He identifies those at higher risk, including individuals with lung diseases like asthma and COPD, obesity, immunosuppression, diabetes, and HIV. Patients undergoing cancer treatment are also considered immunosuppressed.

Additionally, for RSV, infants under 12 months, premature babies, and the elderly 65 years and older are deemed particularly vulnerable. Dr. Perez provided a national overview, noting that in week 51 of 2023, there were about 6,600 COVID tests with a 17% positivity rate. There was a peak in week 50 for RSV, with continued on page 17

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17

Love, Health & Travel high-risk infants. The expert highlighted the recent FDA approval of nirsevimab (B46), another passive antibody recommended for all infants below eight months and older children with high-risk conditions. She noted its effectiveness in preventing RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infections, hospitalization, and ICU admission. However, she acknowledged the implementation challenges for the treatment option, including cost barriers and limited supply.

Second Wave of the Tripledemic continued from page 16 a subsequent decrease to a 12– 13% positivity rate in week 51.

Measures of Prevention According to Dr. Perez, some of the measures for prevention include: "Watch your distance; staying away from someone who seems to be sick about six feet will help minimize your risk." He emphasized that wearing masks, handwashing, and staying home if feeling sick are essential ways of managing the situation. Moreover, the expert highlighted the ongoing importance of vaccination, stating, "Vaccines are still essential." Despite ending the federal government's funded free vaccine program in May, individuals can access vaccines through health plans or specific programs in their states. On vaccine availability, Dr. Perez stated, "The COVID19 vaccine is available to all people five years and older."

Dr. Perez explains the contagious period: "7 to 10 days is what we believe when you're contagious." He emphasized that symptoms indicate a week or more of infection, highlighting the gradual process of the virus multiplying and overcoming the immune system before symptoms emerge. Dr. Perez succinctly notes, "You don't get sick from one day to the next; it takes time for the virus to grow, incubate, and make you sick."

The New COVID 19 Variant - JN1 Dr. Newman reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated, irrespective of the variant. He stated, "It doesn't matter which variant you have when you're lying in a hospital bed or a medically induced coma. Suppose any one of these gets through your defenses. In that case, there is an increased risk of hospitalization and death, and the vaccines mitigate that. They make it less likely, but it is still possible."

The expert highlighted the significance of the JN1 variant, noting that it accounts for 50% of global cases and spreads rapidly. He explains its unique challenge: "Now, with this new strain, it looks as though the virus has forked or split.

There are two very different lineages; one vaccine does not protect against both now.

There's some protection, but it is relatively minor, "says Dr.

The situation consists of an escalation of respiratory illnesses that pose a significant threat to an already strained healthcare system, resulting in a potential lapse in care for vulnerable communities.

Newman.

Furthermore, the JN1 variant does not grow faster than the other existing strains; instead, it changes its form.

"This new strain is as different from the current vaccine strain as that strain was from the vaccine strain before it," says Dr. Newman. Discussing the broader impact of COVID, he noted that "COVID has slipped down to number seven on the CDC's most updated list of causes of death." However, there is concern that it contributes to other categories of neurological challenges, such as anxiety and sleeplessness, through long COVID. Dr. Newman highlighted the similarities between Jn1 and previous strains, stating, "This virus is very much the same as all the ones that came before, just a little bit better at growing and evading immune defenses."

Discussion on RSV-Transmission Methods and Preventive Measures Dr. Manisha Oscar, a pediatric pulmonologist at Stanford and one of the experts, spoke about RSV. She explained the differences observed in RSV season since the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the severity in infants, with symptoms like trouble breathing, wheezing, and decreased oxygen levels. "The leading cause of bronchiolitis in children is RSV," she stated, with millions of outpatient visits, hospital admissions, and deaths annually. The most vulnerable to this disease are premature infants and immunocompromised individuals.

The expert also noted that it is as common as other respiratory problems, stating, "Nearly all children get infected with RSV before their second birthday." Furthermore, she explained that transmission occurs through contact and droplets, especially surfaces.

Therefore, there is a need for vigilant cleaning to prevent RSV. Dr. Oscar also highlighted that there is no specific antiviral medication for RSV in children. According to her, "Right now, there are no specific antiviral medications available to give to children who have RSV illness." However, supportive treatment was emphasized, especially managing the

fever with Tylenol and addressing infant nasal congestion. In severe cases, she recommended hospitalization and a variation of treatment with intravenous fluids and mechanical ventilation.

Regarding the importance of prevention among infants and older adults, she stated, "Prevention is the best treatment for RSV at this time." She mentioned Synagis (palivizumab), an antibody given to prevent severe RSV disease in specific

Development of RSV Vaccines for Adults Dr. Oscar also discussed the development of RSV vaccines for adults aged 60 and above, stating that the vaccines, administered as a single dose before the fall-winter season, have proven highly effective and reduced lower respiratory tract infections by almost 82%. Pregnant women in their third trimester are approved to take RSV F, which also protects newborns against severe RSV disease. "It reduced the risk of severe RSV disease by 82% within three months and by 69% by six months after birth, and the risk of hospitalization also significantly decreased."

Presently, individuals aged 60 and above are being targeted for vaccination; due to their elevated risk, it is essential to expand the intervention into other age groups that have high-risk conditions such as asthma or diabetes in the future.p

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Jan 2024

18

Love, Health & Travel

January is Divorce Month

BY LINDA NWOKE

T

he United States ranks as the country with the sixth highest divorce rate in the world, with an average of over 2 million divorces per year, calculated at the rate of 200 dissolved marriages per hour, granted every 13 seconds.

Did you also know that individual states and not federal law apply to divorce within the United States? For instance, there are variations by the state in the divorce process serving requirements, waiting periods/cooling-off periods, property distribution, divorce filing fees, child support, legal separation requirements, and so on.

California insists on six months and a one-day coolingoff period. Nevada can dissolve a marriage within six weeks. Florida has one of the highest filing fees for divorce in America and New York bars serving divorce papers on Saturday and Sunday if the couple observes a religious holiday.

Divorce Trends There is evidence that divorce rates have significantly dropped over the years by 8%, according to CDC; specifically, there have been fewer divorces and annulments between 2007 and 2017. Plausible explanations for this observation are the changes in attitudes towards marriage, especially between the Baby Boomers generation and the millennial/generation X. However, one trend that has not declined is the high volume of divorce filings that takes place within January every year. Online

media sites like Google trends and Pinterest reveal a significant increase in divorce, especially within the first two weeks of January.

Possible Reasons for January Divorces Anecdotal data have shown that dates between January 6th and January 12th record the highest days for divorce filings, which has led to January identified within legal circles as the month of divorce. Divorce does not take place overnight, and most divorced couples started pursuing the

dissolution of their marriage before the time of filing the papers. The myth surrounding January as a divorce month can be associated with a few considerations from the emotional, logical, psychological, and economic perspectives.

Consistent with the findings of some researchers, cultural celebrations and expectations often influence the decision to delay taking a decisive action to dissolve a marriage. Researchers like Julie Brines and Brian Serafini found what to be the first evidence of a pattern of filing for divorce and seasons. In their study, they found a significant increase in divorce filing cases between March and August, specifically the periods after winter and summer holidays; however, after August, the number of divorce filings dropped until after December. They claim that the winter and summer holidays are culturally sacred times for most families. Therefore, most couples with children often delay filing for a divorce until after festivities like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, which are all family celebrations.

They do this for emotional reasons since they want to give their children their last memory as a happy family.

Similarly, the associated high-stress level caused by the financial demand and incompatibility endured during the Christmas festivities often serves as a trigger for the actual action to file for divorce among strained couples. For couples who are thinking about divorce, the most plausible time to file a divorce falls within the week of January 5th up to two weeks after. Typically, this is the period when professionals such as lawyers, judges, and other agencies required to initiate the divorce process, return to work after the festivities. Consequently, practical/logistic reasons contribute to the timing.

Another possible explanation is the psychological association between the beginning of the year and our desire to have a new start. The New Year is a time when we make resolutions, and often, people resolve to live a better life, with a focus on eliminating stress. Relationships are considered a stressor, and most emotionally strained couples usually identify their relationship with a partner as a stressful situation. Thus, the beginning of the year serves as an excellent time to start anew, when people work towards eliminating any obstacle towards their happiness. The filing of divorce papers often serves as a determined effort towards achieving the desire to live a happier and fulfilling life.

Finally, financial gains from payments and tax cuts can be of consideration to either couple seeking for dissolution; consequently, the economic benefit might be a marginal reason.

Causes of Divorce While any or some of these factors might be contributing to the high rise of divorce filings in January, several factors lead to divorce. Research findings show that most marriages after eight years are more likely to end in a divorce; issues like absence of commitment (identified as the most common reason for a divorce), constant arguments, and accusations of infidelity were also frequently identified. Other matters, such as having unrealistic expectations, getting married too young, feelings of inequality within the relationship, and not being adequately prepared for marriage, are also contributing factors. Interestingly, domestic violence or abuse was the least ranked factor mentioned. Also, other sociocultural factors that influence divorce include the couple’s level of religiosity/morality.

Couples who consider themselves liberal-minded are more likely to get divorced quicker than others. Furthermore, couples who are products of broken homes and the couple’s age before marriage also indicated as factors. The younger the couple is at the time of marriage, the more likely they will file for a divorce as the marriage progresses, not to mention the level of compatibility. continued on page 19

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Love, Health & Travel Divorce Month/ continued from page 18 Effect of Divorce In the event of a divorce, issues may include child custody, child support, alimony/spousal support, and in some cases, distribution of joint property, to mention a few problems that are addressed by the presiding judge. In most cases, the dissolution of marriages often leaves scars that vary in magnitude on the couple and their children.

While some people may be able to move on after a divorce without regrets or scars, no divorce can take place without leaving a mark. Economically, most women are often hard hit by most divorces, especially among low-income socioeconomic class families. Women, left with the custody of their children from the marriage, struggle financially, despite the payment of child support.

The family never remains the same; the quality of life for the woman and her children declines.

Psychologically, the children

Join CIR Doctors and Allies in their Fight for a Fair Contract! are often the worst hit. Most times, they contend with suppressed feelings of anger, guilt, and sadness. Such feelings are often unresolved and remain with the children as they grow and become adults. Unresolved emotions manifest in relationships and can lead to a repeat of the past in the form of failed relationships and, eventually, their divorces.

Conclusively, irrespective of the month a couple decides to file for divorce, divorce is expensive, not just in terms of the financial cost as emotional, psychological, and other effects have a far-reaching impact that goes beyond January or any other month. The price paid by all involved goes beyond the individual into the

community and the larger society. Before seeking a divorce, couples should explore other options like counseling, therapy, and temporary separation. Only after these and other options have been explored, should divorce be considered as a last resort.

Legal Guidance In the event, that you do need a divorce, it’s important to hire the right attorney whether the divorce is amicable or not. Rest assured, your spouse will be hiring an attorney to seek their best interest. The Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates reminds you: Don’t divorce your money or your kids; divorce your spouse. p

855-768-8845

C

IR members at NYC H+H are in contract negotiations with the city and haven't seen any movement that would give members a fair contract. The current proposal on the table would make CIR members in NYC's public sector hospitals the lowest-paid resident physicians in the city. The impacts that will have on patient care and the

ability to keep Health+Hospitals as a competitive site to complete residency will be felt.

CIR members are demanding that the city give our members what they deserve.

CIR will hold a series of events beginning January 30 at hospital locations across NYC.p Read more at www.workersworldtoday.com

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Jan 2024

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Jobs & Recession

Aspiring Paralegals Enjoy an Excellent Employment Outlook

BY FREEPARALEGAL.ORG

S

ome individuals considering various career possibilities are troubled when they hear about technological advancements eliminating jobs because of automation and artificial intelligence.

Many occupations are not easily automated, though. Attorneys, for example, hire support staffers to manage a broad range of duties. This allows the lawyers to focus on more complicated tasks. They hire paralegals as well as clerical staff.

A person can start a paralegal career by completing the educational requirements. People who are interested in the law and legal work may find this job an ideal fit.

Employment Outlook Law firms employ most paralegals. Others find work with large corporations and government agencies, such as with a district attorney’s office or the

Social Security Administration.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects rapid growth in the occupation until at least 2031. Organizations wanting to reduce costs are hiring fewer legal clerical workers. They fill the gaps with paralegals, who can manage some of the secretarial tasks while also performing higher-level duties.

In addition, many openings occur because of men and women leaving the occupation. Many people in the workforce are reaching retirement age or choosing to retire early.

Some paralegals decide to pursue further education and become lawyers.

Job Duties Paralegals can legally do most of the work of licensed lawyers. There are only a few duties that these employees are not allowed to do by law. They cannot sign legal documents, accept cases, or counsel and

represent clients. However, they can interview clients and witnesses, draft pleadings and other documents and conduct legal research. They help attorneys with case planning and management and assist during trials.

Paralegals employed in an office that has minimized its clerical staffing perform some administrative work as well.

The same is true for those employed with small law firms and solo practitioners. They may need to do word processing, spreadsheet data entry, scanning and photocopying documents, and billing clients.

Qualifications The most common route to becoming a paralegal is completing a two-year associate degree in this field. These opportunities are provided at technical schools, community colleges, and four-year universities that offer associate degrees.

Orientation is Monday, Feb 5, 2024

Join us via Zoom at 6pm

The Chamber Coalition offers an affordable online Paralegal Certificate Program. The Program is highly regarded and has existed for over ten years. Additional certificates include Lexis-Nexis and CLIO. Students have access to CALI, which is in law schools.

Included are CALI, CLIO, and a Paralegal Certificate from Lexis Nexis.

Visit www.freeparalegal.org

hour, according to the BLS. That translates to around $56,000 for those who work full-time, which is typically the case. Some receive salaries while others are paid an hourly wage. Candidates considering jobs where more than 40 hours weekly is routinely expected may prefer organizations that pay per hour unless the salary makes the average pay comparable.

Specialties Aspiring paralegals may decide to specialize in a certain area of the law. They might want to work for a family law firm or divorce attorney, for instance. Individuals can choose many other specialties as well, such as corporate, bankruptcy, personal injury, and immigration law.

Concluding Thoughts Individuals who are interested in the law and the work of attorneys may find the career of paralegal to be an excellent choice. An excellent employment outlook means job security and a broad range of possibilities.

There are free orientations every month. The next orientation is Monday, February 5, 2024 at 6pm via Zoom.

Register at www.chambercoalition.org today.p

Income The median pay for paralegals as of 2021 was about $27 per

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Jan 2024

21

Conversations

Unemployment is Coming Down – But Not as Much for Older Workers

W

hen policymakers and economic researchers refer to “discouraged workers,” they’re describing the unemployed who want jobs, but who’ve given up their job searches – often, during recessions or recession-recovery periods. Such discouragement also frequently shows up among stigmatized groups.

Black and Hispanic workers are consistently over-represented in counts of discouraged workers.

So are older workers, as my new report, published by the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis (SCEPA) at The New School, shows.

To understand the dimensions of this problem, SCEPA has established a statistical category that builds and expands on those used by the

Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in reporting on unemployment. This additional measure takes in the “long-term discouraged unemployed”: those who want a job but have given up looking for work in the past 12 months.

In November, 2023, that described some three million Americans – 35 percent of whom were age 55 or older.

Ominously, more and more older workers find themselves in this distressing boat. SCEPA has been tracking trends on long-term discouraged workers since 2010. Over those past 13 years, the number of these older long-term discouraged workers grew by 23 percent – even as the number of workers 25-54 in this category declined by seven percent.

This trend has clearly disturbing implications for the economic security of older workers. Before we describe

In short, the overall picture shows two opposing long-term trajectories, with younger and older workers moving in opposite directions.

them, let’s first take a dive into the numbers.

BLS publishes six different counts of the unemployed, assigning them to categories “U1” to “U-6.” The standard and most familiar category (“U-3”) measures those without jobs who have actively looked for work in the past four weeks and who describe themselves as available to work. The category U-6 expands on U-3 by adding involuntary part-time

or underemployed workers and also "marginally attached" workers to the tally of the unemployed. (Marginally attached workers want to work, and while they haven’t looked for work in the past four weeks, they have looked in the past 12 months.)

SCEPA’s additional “U-7” measure of more long-term discouragement in job-seeking provides information especially important both during

recessions and when focusing on stigmatized workers.

For November 2023, the BLS U-3 reported 5.8 million unemployed workers, and the U-6 counted 11.3 million unemployed, by also including 3.9 million people working parttime for economic reasons, and 1.6 million workers who were marginally attached.

For the same period, SCEPA’s U-7 adds three million longterm discouraged workers, creating a revised – and we think more inclusive and realistic – count of some 14.3 million total unemployed in America.

In January 2010, the “official” U-3 unemployment rate was 10.6 percent – a high figure, reflecting the very halting jobs recovery from the 2008-09 Great Recession. While the U-3 rate spiked again during the Covid-19 recession, it has since fallen sharply to a November 2023 rate of 3.5 percent.

Photo courtesy: NYC CLC

BY DRYSTAN PHILLIPS URBAN MATTERS

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Conversations Unemployment/ continued from page 21 Returning again to January 2010, workers 55 and older made up 16 percent of the unemployed, using SCEPA’s U-7 measurement. In November 2023, that figure stood at 23 percent. Much, but not all, of this change can be attributed to the general aging of the labor force.

Feeding this trend is rising representation of older workers in all four types of unemployment included in categories U-3, U-6, and U-7.

In particular, the age shifts in official (U-3) unemployment and long-term discouraged workers (U-7) have been dramatic.

There’s also been a notably smaller reduction in the U-6 count of “marginally attached” older workers over the past 13 years than in the workforce as a whole, as well as a smaller reduction in the U-6 number of older part-time workers.

In short, the overall picture shows two opposing longterm trajectories, with younger and older workers moving in opposite directions. Job gains haven’t been experienced equally, leading to an unemployed labor force that is dis-

proportionately older today than it was at the end of the Great Recession.

This persistent and hidden unemployment affects many facets of life. For older workers who are employed, it may diminish their bargaining power with employers as they seek fair wages and acceptable working conditions. Many older households also have very little capacity to cope with prolonged unemployment. When faced with significant financial hardship they may start claiming Social Security earlier to replace their lost wages. This early claiming will reduce their guaranteed lifetime income and increase their financial fragility throughout their remaining lives.

This research highlights the need for targeted policies and support for older individuals in the workforce, ensuring that the benefits of a recovering economy are distributed more evenly across all age groups.p Drystan Phillips is a research associate at the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis and a PhD student at The New School for Social Research. Reprinted with permission.

Read more stories at www.workersworldtoday.com

Launch of the Ed Vargas Labor Community Legacy Fund

T

he Worker Institute’s Ed Vargas Labor Community Legacy Fund seeks to honor the life and legacy of Ed Vargas, a veteran labor leader in New York City with more than 40 years of commitment to economic, political, and social justice for working families in New York, nationally, and internationally.

Ed started his career as an organizer for the ILGWU, Local 23-25, and held many positions in its successor unions. At the end of his long career, he served as Director of Labor Relations at the New York State Department of Labor.

Throughout, he was a charismatic political leader who was active in labor and Latino efforts, and he was known for spearheading the annual ceremony honoring the victims of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire over many decades. He always uplifted working families and Latino communities and leaders in New York City and New York State, and he was proud to work with his lifelong friend, Luis Garden Acosta, as a founding Board officer of El

Editorial credit: The Worker Institute

Puente, a social and environmental justice organization Garden Acosta located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Ed was a proud native of the Ft. Greene Projects (Ingersoll Houses) in downtown Brooklyn and was a Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

The purpose of the Worker Institute’s Ed Vargas Labor Community Legacy Fund is to continue Ed’s work bringing community and labor together to advance economic and social justice for workers. The scholarship will support leaders from El Puente selected by the fund’s representatives to attend the NYS AFL-CIO Cornell Union Leadership Insti-

tute annually. Funds will also be used to offer additional training opportunities for community leaders at El Puente and other Latino-serving, community-based organizations in New York City, enhancing their critical skills for building networks and strengthening communities and workers’ rights.

In this way, the Ed Vargas Labor Community Legacy Fund will reflect Ed’s core values, linking his love of community and mentoring young leaders to his commitment to the labor movement in New York and beyond.p Visit Visit: https://shorturl.at/alIO2

Jan 2024

23 Workers’ World Today - Jan 2024

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The lawyer you hire, does make a difference!

Workers’ World Today - Jan 2024