It’s hard to believe we are approaching one year since the start of the pandemic that has forever changed how we live our lives, both at home and at work.
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on New York City’s budget as well. Of course, officials are targeting city workers to help erase the growing deficit. Last year, we successfully saved the jobs of 22,000 city workers … but more still needs to be done so we do not face this problem again.
There is a bill in Albany that you probably are familiar with – the Early Retirement Incentive – that would allow certain members of
the city’s three pension systems to retire early without a financial penalty. Local 1180 has been doing all we can to make sure our Senators and Assemblymembers know we are counting on them to vote YES to this bill.
But we need YOUR help, too. You recently received an email from Local 1180 about the ERI, asking you to sign a letter to your State Representatives. That email provided you with your Senate and Assembly districts and a link to our website where we have already written that letter on your behalf. All you need to do is type in your name and hit send.
If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to sign it now. Albany needs to know that 365,000 workers who kept New York City operational throughout the pandemic are expecting them to support the ERI. The combined effort of ALL Local 1180 members will ensure that Albany gets the message.
We know the last year has been difficult for everyone. With the new COVID vaccination, however, we are hopeful for a return to some sort of normal. We have received many questions from members about the vaccine – when am I able to get it – where can I get vaccinated – why isn’t there enough for everyone. We know there is a tremendous shortage of vaccines, and that communities of color have less access to the vaccines. This has been voiced through our legislatures and with the 3rd vaccine being approved, hopefully these communities will be able to receive the vaccines more equitably.
It should be noted that many locations have unused vaccines toward the end of the day. If you have the time and patience, consider waiting in line at a vaccination site near you toward its closing time. There are no guarantees, but it might be worth a shot. Hopefully with enough New Yorkers vaccinated and I had mine, we will get back to some sort of normalcy.
Please, as always, stay safe!!