Workers rejoice
Law adds protection vs. spread of viruses
ALBANY — A newly enacted law will set enforceable health and safety standards for businesses in New York in an effort to protect workers against COVID or other airborne infectious diseases.
Gov. Cuomo signed the New York Health and Essential Rights Act, or NY HERO Act, into law late Wednesday, a major win for union supporters and essential workers who said the pandemic exposed the need for more stringent safety protocols.
Sponsored by state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes (D-Bronx), the measure will see fines levied against businesses that fail to adopt and enact new standards to protect workers and stem the spread of coronavirus or other airborne diseases.
“Too many workers have already sacrificed their health for our community’s benefit. The New York HERO Act will honor their efforts by giving workers the tools to protect themselves while on the job,” Gianaris said. ”I appreciate the efforts of so many advocates and organizers who made this success possible.”
The union-backed law directs the Department of Labor to issue airborne infectious disease standards for businesses that will include protocols on testing, face masks, personal protective equipment, social distancing and other measures.
The bill, which faced fierce backlash from the business community, also includes strong anti-retaliation provisions that allow workers to call out employers without fear of reprisal.
New York State AFL-CIO president Mario Cilento said the measure is “critically important.”
“It will help ensure a safer working environment moving forward,” he said. “This pandemic exposed the weaknesses in workplace safety. This legislation will help ensure that employers take every reasonable measure necessary to keep workers safe on the job.”
Cuomo did ask that the law be amended slightly to allow businesses time to correct violations before facing sanctions. The Legislature will take up the changes, which also give businesses more time before the law takes effect, later this session.
“I have secured an agreement with the Legislature to make technical changes to the bill, including giving the department of labor and employers more specific instructions in developing and implementing the workplace standards,” the governor wrote.
Union officials and lawmakers also rallied Thursday in support of another measure that would help prevent wage theft in the construction industry.