PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Brendan Griffith, Chief of Staff and Mobilizing Director of New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO on Intro 865
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Brendan Griffith, representing the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, testified in support of Intro 865, which would create a public database of workplace fatalities in NYC. He emphasized the importance of tracking and reporting workplace fatalities to honor fallen workers and improve workplace safety.
- Highlighted the difficulty in finding comprehensive and timely information about workplace fatalities
- Stressed the need for better data to effectively prevent future fatalities
- Urged the council to pass the legislation for the sake of workers, their families, and future generations
Brendan Griffith
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Good morning.
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My name is Brendan Griffith, and I'm the chief of staff and mobilizing director at the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL CIO.
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Thank you, Chairman and the other members of the Consumer And Worker Protection Committee for the opportunity to testify today.
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I am here to speak in support of intro 865.
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As an organization representing more than 1,000,000 workers in New York City, the Central Labor Council is committed to honoring and remembering all in workers who have lost their lives on the job.
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Even this week, we mourned the loss of Richard Eureko, a fifty four year old veteran of the Department of Sanitation who was killed in the line of duty and queens.
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Richard gave his life in service to our city, keeping it clean, safe and healthy, and he deserves our collective gratitude.
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For many years, the CLC has collaborated with the New York Committee for Occupational Safety And Health, NIOSH, on an annual workers Memorial Day commemoration, which takes place on April 28th.
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We also coordinate with the speakers office to make sure that workers we know have died on the job during the previous month are recognized at a stated meeting.
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Through that process, what has become clear is the difficulty in finding information about a workplace fatality.
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Unfortunately, there is no one agency responsible for track that information.
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Our sources include media reports, reports from affiliate unions and labor partners, and social media.
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Although we are able to collect some data from government agencies, those reports are often incomplete and not inclusive of all worker faith fatalities, and they are dramatically delayed compared to what this bill will accomplish.
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Despite our efforts, we are certain there are many fatalities that we have missed.
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Tracking and reporting workplace fatalities is a vital step toward honoring the sacrifices of New York City worker.
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These fallen workers were family, they were coworkers, they were friends, and they played a vital role in our broader New York City community.
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When a worker is killed on the job, it is their loved ones who endure the tragic loss and unimaginable grief.
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Those losses should be recognized.
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Work plus workplaces must be safe and secure.
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The choice to come to work each day should not be a life or death decision, but for too many it is.
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Without comprehensive and timely data, we cannot effectively track, report, or prevent fatalities.
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This legislation represents a proactive approach to preventing workplace injuries and deaths, helping to ensure safe and healthy work environments.
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By gaining a clear understanding of where, how, and how many workplace fatalities occur, advocates can develop effective solutions to solving these critical and urgent issues.
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At the end of the day, intro 865 is very simple.
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It ensures that we honor the lives of the fallen and recognize their service while paving the way for improved safety and protection for city's workers.
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For the sake of our city's workers, their families, and for the safety of workers for generations to come, I urge the council to pass this essential piece of legislation.
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Thank you for the opportunity to address the committee today.
