To the untrained eye, imperceptions of socioeconomic conflict and the need for adaptations in order to accommodate survival and eventual prosperity might make it seem as if the COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing more than an inconvenience. However, the reality is that this public health crisis has forced our communities, our country, and even our entire world to look at social and economic issues in an entirely new way with a special focus on improvements, especially with regards to labor. From labor conditions, wages, and unemployment rates to healthcare and housing, there is nothing that this pandemic has not touched in some way. In that sense, people organizing to achieve a greater good in these turbulent times is critical, be it through something as massive as social justice movements or something as simple as labor union memberships. Keeping this in mind, here is a look at how the pandemic has made labor unions more proactive and more willing to pursue labor arbitration, collective bargaining, and other civil litigation.
New York Is Still Alive—and So Are Labor Unions
With the latest news from Governor Cuomo requiring all bars and restaurants to close up shop early and Mayor Bill de Blasio in NYC warning of further restrictions as a result of the pandemic, more block-by-block lockdowns could be on the horizon. As the state of New York—and even the entire country—braces itself for yet another major wave of the pandemic, with infections and deaths already spiking every day, we are seeing more and more of the ever-present iniquities in our society that we have not seen so clearly before. No organizations know such things better than labor unions, many of whom have been actively fighting for improvements in their work lives for decades.
While it seems as if New York City is becoming a ghost town, the truth is that the city is still alive; it is buzzing with people organizing for a better, fairer, and more equitable society. Major social justice movements prove this, but labor unions themselves play a part as well. These days, we are seeing that the best way to enact change is to proactively solicit change. That means taking action.
Groups across the nation are organizing for better opportunities and improved work, life, and home situations. Consider the recent efforts of COBA NYC to help raise awareness for the correctional officers being hit with “chronic absence” labels that posed a threat to their careers. Proactive approaches led to the publicity that sparked legislation. If that is not a strong enough example for you, consider the Bargaining for the Common Good Mapping Project, which uses the Internet to connect unions and other organizing efforts across the nation as they aim to use this moment in history as a time to create massive change in society.
Contact a New York Employee Defense Lawyer
Does any of the above information inspire you? If you are part of a labor union and believe the current conditions borne out of the COVID-19 pandemic have left you and your fellow union members with very few options in the way of collective bargaining, labor arbitration, or other employment concerns, consider hiring a reputable Brooklyn civil service job defense attorney. Call the talented team from JOEY JACKSON LAW, PLLC, at 1-833-JOEYJACKSON or 833-563-9522 to learn all about what we can do for you and your union.
Sources:
https://labornotes.org/2020/10/citys-economic-future-doubt-can-new-york-unions-stop-cuts
https://www.spglobal.com/ratings/en/research/articles/201110-sustainable-finance-addresses-social-justice-as-covid-19-raises-the-stakes-11715625