New York CIty Council Member Ben Kallos

BEN VERDE

AM New York Tuesday hearing eyes combat pay for New York’s essential workers during pandemic by BEN VERDE

Tuesday hearing eyes combat pay for New York’s essential workers during pandemic

“If I had to go out to work, I would have to pay for childcare that I normally would not have to pay for because my child would be at school,” she said. “That is an essential cost.” 

Also included in the package is a bill sponsored by Lander, with Councilman Ben Kallos and Council Speaker Corey Johnson, that would require businesses to provide just cause when firing essential workers, in the hopes that workers do not feel intimidated to speak up against workplace conditions or organize with other employees. 

The trio’s legislation comes after Staten Island Amazon warehouse worker Chris Smalls was fired by the e-commerce giant after organizing a protest of conditions at his facility.