Workplace Deaths Too High - Says AFLCIO

May 20, 2013
By Neal Tepel

Washington DC - A recent AFL-CIO report, "Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect," said in 2011, 4,693 workers were killed on the job and about 50,000 die every year from occupational diseases. The report noted that an average of 13 U.S. workers die on the job every day while an additional estimated 137 die each day from occupational diseases.

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body

May 16, 2013
By Dr. William A. Gillespie, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, EmblemHealth

In keeping with EmblemHealth’s longstanding commitment to the health and well-being of New York’s working men and women, I have written Health and Wellness Tips, an article series dedicated to helping you stay healthy, get well and live better. We hope you’ll find the health information in these articles useful to you and your welfare fund members. Look for Health and Wellness Tipsarticles in future editions of LaborPress. 

UFCW NY Local 348-S Americare Workers Ratify New Contract

May 13, 2013
By Stephanie West

New York NY - Thousands of Americare workers from UFCW Local 348-S in New York City ratified a new contract in an overwhelming city-wide vote.. The new contract includes a new system that ensures worker seniority when it assigns cases. Members also have improved bereavement leave.

Bill to Protect Environment against Hydrofracking Introduced in the Assembly

May 10, 2013
By Stephanie West

An Assembly Bill to Protect Environment against Dangerous Hydrofracking has  been introduced by Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell on Tuesday May 8, 2013. Assembly Bill A3561 is designed to Protect the Environment against Dangerous Hydrofracking so the Water Supply of New Yorkers remain the finest in the United States. Bill A3561, will prohibit the use of hydrofracking “flowback” water on our roads and highways.

UFCW Local 348-S Americare Workers Ratify New Contract

http://www.ufcw.org

Thousands of Americare workers from UFCW Local 348-S in New York City ratified a new contract in an overwhelming city-wide vote on Saturday. The new contract includes a new system that ensures worker seniority when it assigns cases. Members also have improved bereavement leave and secured leave for union stewards. Americare home health aides take care of and assist elderly and disabled patients in their homes.

Healing Our Healthcare System

April 30, 2013
By Randi Weingarten President, American Federation of Teachers

I have yet to see a perfect piece of legislation, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), often referred to as Obamacare, has real flaws. But even at this early stage, its accomplishments are important. Millions of previously uninsured people have gained healthcare coverage; the law has begun to rein in healthcare costs; consumers are starting to realize savings; patients have greater access to preventive care; and carrots and sticks throughout the healthcare industry are spurring moves to improve quality.

Long Island College Hospital Closure Plan Withdrawn

April 29, 2013
By Neal Tepel

Brooklyn NY - An important victory for quality public health in New York City had taken place Friday April 26, 2013. SUNY Downstate has withdrawn its closure plan for Long Island College Hospital in downtown Brooklyn. The decision from SUNY removes the immediate threat of closure.

Phoenix Houses Used Taxpayer Money for Executive Perks

April 26, 2013
By Stephanie West

Phoenix Houses of New York, Inc. provided inappropriate perks to its executives exceeding $223,000 while under contract with the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), according to a report released today by State Comptroller