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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Armary Perez, Program Director of Workers Justice Project
5:59:26
·
3 min
Armary Perez, Program Director of Workers Justice Project, testified about the challenges faced by immigrant workers in New York City and requested funding for various programs to support these workers. She highlighted issues such as wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and criminalization of delivery workers by the NYPD.
- Perez requested specific funding amounts for programs including Protect NYC and Maryland Families ($200,000), citywide delivery staff outreach and safety training ($100,000), and the Day Labor Workforce Initiative ($4,907,000).
- She emphasized the importance of OSHA construction safety trainings and discretionary funding to support job training and healthcare access for immigrant workers.
- Perez stressed that these programs represent hope, dignity, and the chance for a better life for thousands of workers who contribute to the city's functioning.
Armary Perez
5:59:26
Good afternoon Chair Abiles and members of the committee.
5:59:31
My name is Aromari Perez and I'm a program director of Workers Justice Project.
5:59:36
I'm honored to speak today on behalf of WJP members who are delivery workers, day laborers, and domestic workers.
5:59:45
People who have work keeps this city alive every single day.
5:59:53
I've seen firsthand the struggles our members face.
5:59:57
Stolen wage, unsafe jobs.
6:00:00
And now, something even more frightening.
6:00:03
They are being criminalized by the NYPD just for doing their jobs.
6:00:08
These essential workers risk their health and safety to keep New Yorkers fit and cared for.
6:00:16
But instead of protection, they life in daily fear.
6:00:22
Fear of immigration, rates, at court, at work, even in their own neighborhoods.
6:00:31
This fear is real and it tears family apart.
6:00:35
At Workers Justice Project, we stand alongside our members.
6:00:40
We help them secure fair wage, fair working conditions, and dignity.
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We work with city agencies to provide the services they desperately need.
6:00:51
But now, under NYPD and NYC Major's Adult Policy, delivery workers are being targeted with criminal services.
6:01:00
Into a confusing criminal system with little to no support.
6:01:07
It's heartbreaking, no witness.
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For five years, we have received no new fundings even as demand grows.
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We've stretched every dollars to the limit doing everything we can to support newly arrived immigrants and delivery workers.
6:01:24
But the needs are overwhelming.
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And without new resources, we cannot protect this community.
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Today, I ask you to stand with us.
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Support these vital programs that mean the word to our members.
6:01:40
$200,000 for protect NYC and Maryland families, helping immigrant workers fight back against informants.
6:01:48
One hundred thousand for citywide delivery staff outreach and safety training.
Justin Brannan
6:01:54
Hang on.
6:01:55
Need to get quiet in the chamber please while people are testifying.
6:01:59
Thank you.
Armary Perez
6:02:00
Thank you.
6:02:02
$4,907,000 for the Day Labor Workforce Initiative.
6:02:08
A coalition that supports every single worker in the day labor centers, connecting workers with living wage jobs and training.
6:02:18
Dollars 115,000 for OSHA thirty construction safety trainings, ensuring immigrant workers can work safely.
6:02:25
And $10,000 in discretionary funding, supporting every from job training to healthcare access.
6:02:32
This dollar represents more than programs.
6:02:35
They represent hope, dignity, and the chance for better life for thousand of workers who make this city round.
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Together we can build a new New York.
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And this values protects all the city and all our workers.
6:02:51
Thank you for listening and for your support.