The following article was published on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 by our friends from the National Day Laborer Organizing Network
New York City — On Monday, March 6, morning traffic on the Brooklyn bound side of the Manhattan bridge was shut down by a group of more than 500 workers and community advocates from all over New York State to call for a safety net fund that would support workers who currently do not qualify for unemployment benefits.
This mobilization was led as a push for the Unemployment Bridge Fund, which would set up a $500 million dollar fund as a lifeline for freelancers, self employed workers, & those ineligible for unemployment benefits due to a criminal record or due to their immigration status. If passed by the New York State legislature, this fund can end decades of exclusions and give workers access to the support they need in times of crisis.
“On the week of International Women’s Day, hundreds of workers marched towards the Manhattan Bridge – many of whom are women who work in different types of labor and who continue to be left out of any safety net relief. We urge Governor Kathy Hochul to act on the best interests of women & their families who continue to face labor abuse and discrimination. By supporting the Unemployment Bridge Fund, our families can live a better quality of life & will be more than prepared for the next crisis” said Diana Sanchez, Regional Organizer for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network
The march was led by members of the FEW Coalition, which include organizations such as Make the Road New York, Street Vendor Project, NY Taxi Workers, Laborers Local 79, New Immigrant Community Empowerment, Desis Rising Up, Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.
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