Comptroller Stringer Calls On NYC Health + Hospitals to Ensure Fair Working Conditions and COVID-19 Protections for Laundry Workers

 

Urges H+H to support laundry workers in ongoing labor dispute with their employer, Unitex, which has refused to commit to basic COVID protections in its laundry processing facilities and is demanding an end to pension benefits for future employees

Stringer: “These essential workers, mostly Latinx immigrants, have worked bravely throughout the pandemic, risking their own safety to clean, process, and deliver linens for patients at hospitals and nursing homes across New York City, including H+H hospitals. They deserve a fair contract – one which includes a commitment to COVID-19 safety, a modest wage increase, and the continuation of the pension plan for current and future employees.”

 Today, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer sent a letter to President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mitchell Katz calling on NYC Health + Hospitals to ensure fair working conditions and COVID-19 protections for laundry workers in its facilities. Comptroller Stringer urged H+H to support laundry workers in an ongoing labor dispute with their employer, Unitex, which has refused to commit to basic COVID protections in its laundry processing facilities and is also demanding an end to pension benefits for future employees.

Comptroller Stringer emphasized that these essential workers, represented by Laundry Distribution & Food Service Joint Board of Workers United/SEIU, have kept H+H hospitals running through the pandemic and deserve a fair contract that includes a commitment to COVID-19 safety, a wage increase, and continued pension benefits.

The full letter is available below and here.

Dear Dr. Katz:

First, I am writing to express my deep appreciation for your leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been instrumental in helping our city confront the overwhelming challenges posed by the pandemic, especially in communities of color that rely so heavily on H+H facilities. That said, I am also writing to urge you to extend your managerial focus to help resolve an ongoing labor dispute between the laundry workers who provide clean linens to H+H patients every day and their employer, Unitex.

These essential workers, mostly Latinx immigrants, have worked bravely throughout the pandemic, risking their own safety to clean, process, and deliver linens for patients at hospitals and nursing homes across New York City, including H+H hospitals. They deserve a fair contract – one which includes a commitment to COVID-19 safety, a modest wage increase, and the continuation of the pension plan for current and future employees.

Sadly, it is my understanding that instead of rewarding workers for their sacrifices during the pandemic, Unitex has refused to commit to basic COVID protections in its laundry processing facilities and is also demanding an end to a modest pension benefit for future employees that would cost just 30 cents an hour. Unitex is also under investigation by Region 22 of the National Labor Relations Board for numerous alleged violations of federal labor law, including illegally threatening to fire workers for striking.

As you know, Unitex benefits from a lucrative sole-source contract worth up to $50 million over three years between Sodexo and H+H, wherein Unitex is the subcontractor processing the laundry for H+H hospitals. While H+H is not a party to the current contract talks, I believe a strong statement from the leadership of H+H that expresses support for the workers of the Laundry Distribution & Food Service Joint Board of Workers United/SEIU – and their right to fair working conditions – would go a long way toward driving an amicable resolution to the current situation.

We have all borne witness to the heroism of our frontline medical workers this past year – no one more so than you – but we need to make sure that our collective appreciation extends to those less visible, like our laundry workers, who make sure that hospital staff and patients have clean linens, garments and other supplies they need to do their jobs to the best of their abilities.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Scott M. Stringer

New York City Comptroller

Permits Filed For 1616 Crosby Avenue In Pelham Bay, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for an eight-story residential building at 1616 Crosby Avenue in Pelham Bay, The Bronx. Located between Middletown Road and Daniel Street, the lot is two blocks south of the Buhre Avenue subway station, serviced by the 6 train. Alfred Mitaj under the First Structure LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 74-foot-tall development will yield 26,797 square feet, with 21,433 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 31 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 691 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar and a 45-foot-long rear yard.

Badaly Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet for the three-story residential structure on the lot. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

NYS COMPTROLLER DiNAPOLI: STATE PENSION FUND CALLS ON COMPANIES TO ADDRESS CLIMATE RISK, TRANSITION TO CLEANER OPERATIONS

 

The New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) has reached agreements with five major U.S. companies, including Domino’s Pizza Inc., to set targets to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), adopt new energy efficiency measures and increase their use of renewable energy, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, trustee of the Fund, announced today. In response to the agreements, the Fund withdrew the shareholder resolutions with the companies.

“More and more companies understand that addressing climate change, by reducing their carbon emissions, helps their long-term success and benefits investors," DiNapoli said. “The transition to a low carbon future and meeting our country’s renewed commitment to the Paris Agreement present enormous opportunities for smart, sustainable investments. My thanks to these companies for recognizing their role in building a lower-carbon economy and their responsibility to shareholders’ concerns about climate risk.”

The agreements announced today include:

• Domino’s pledged to adopt GHG targets;
• Steel maker Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. has set GHG targets and committed to co-funding a green hydrogen project;
• Chemical maker Albemarle Corp. has committed to adopting GHG targets;
• Water treatment company Pentair Plc has agreed to commit to setting GHG and clean energy targets; and
• Commercial property owner Realty Income Corp. has agreed to commit to adopting GHG targets by engaging with its clients.

In addition to agreeing to increased targets for renewable energy use, emission reductions and energy efficiency, the companies indicated they would regularly report on their progress in meeting those goals.

Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has been recognized as a global leader for his efforts to protect the Fund’s investments, address material risks from climate change and pursue sustainable opportunities for the Fund’s investments. As part of his comprehensive Climate Action Plan to protect investments, DiNapoli uses the Fund’s voice and shareholder voting power by calling on companies to focus on the climate change risks they face, to report on and reduce their GHG emissions and to acknowledge the business opportunities and risks in the emerging low carbon economy.

The Fund has filed more than 150 climate-change-related shareholder resolutions and reached 77 agreements with portfolio companies to analyze climate risks, set GHG reduction targets and renewable energy and energy efficiency goals, prevent deforestation, publish sustainability reports and appoint directors with environmental expertise.

In December, DiNapoli announced the Fund has adopted a goal to transition its portfolio to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. 

New York State Common Retirement Fund

The New York State Common Retirement Fund is the third largest public pension fund in the United States with assets of approximately $247.7 billion as of Dec. 31, 2020. The Fund holds and invests the assets of the New York State and Local Retirement System on behalf of more than one million state and local government employees and retirees and their beneficiaries. It has consistently been ranked as one of the best managed and best funded plans in the nation.

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Find out how your government money is spent at Open Book New York. Track municipal spending, the state's 180,000 contracts, billions in state payments and public authority data. Visit the Reading Room for contract FOIL requests, bid protest decisions and commonly requested data.

303 Days and Counting

 

Even I could not have pulled off an acting job like you Andrew, but you forgot about all the nursing home deaths.

Governor Cuomo Announces Event, Arts and Entertainment Venues Can Reopen at 33 Percent Capacity Beginning April 2 and COVID-19 Indicators March 3, 2021

 

Venues Will Be Able to Host Up to 100 People Indoors and Up to 200 People Outdoors; With Testing, Up to 150 People Indoors and Up to 500 People Outdoors; Social Distancing and Face Coverings Required

Domestic Travelers No Longer Required to Quarantine or Test-Out Within 90 Days of Full Vaccination; International Travelers Must Continue to Follow CDC Guidance

Beginning March 22, Outdoor Residential Gatherings Expanded to 25 People; 

Non-Residential Social Gatherings Expanded to 100 People Indoors and 200 People Outdoors

5,323 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

1,047 Patients in the ICU; 735 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 3.53%

75 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo also announced that beginning April 2, event, arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33 percent capacity, up to 100 people indoors and up to 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of negative test prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors and up to 500 people outdoors. Social distancing and face coverings will be required by all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable Department of Health guidance.

The Governor also announced domestic travelers to New York State who have been vaccinated no longer have to quarantine or test out within 90 days of their full vaccination.  

Governor Cuomo also announced that beginning March 22, residential gatherings of up to 25 people can be held outdoors. Indoor residential gatherings remain capped at 10 people to reduce the continued risk of spread. Also, non-residential social gatherings of up to 100 people can occur indoors and up to 200 people can occur outdoors.

"New Yorkers have done a tremendous job working to defeat COVID, and we're gradually loosening restrictions as the numbers reduce and the public health improves. It's clear that if we remain vigilant, we will reach the light at the end of the tunnel," Governor Cuomo said. "While we continue to expand access to the vaccine throughout the state, New Yorkers should double down on the behaviors that make such an important different fighting this pandemic—washing hands, wearing masks and social distancing. This is a tough footrace, but the infection rate is down and the vaccination rate is up, and New Yorkers will get through this together as long as we stay touch and keep this momentum heading in the right direction."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 218,069
• Total Positive - 7,704
• Percent Positive - 3.53%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.18%
• Patient Hospitalization - 5,323 (-46)
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -553
• Patients Newly Admitted - 689
• Hospital Counties - 54
• Number ICU - 1,047 (-29)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 735 (-12)
• Total Discharges - 147,730 (+581)
• Deaths - 75
• Total Deaths - 38,735

Attorney General James Provides $2.4 Million to Brooklyn Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

 

Funds Derived from Fraudulent Charity Shut Down by AG’s Office

 New York Attorney General Letitia James provided more than $2.4 million to the Brooklyn Community Foundation (BCF) to fund substance abuse treatment programs throughout Brooklyn. The funds are derived from charitable assets that remained after the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) dissolved Canarsie A.W.A.R.E., Inc. for its participation in a scheme that exploited some of New York’s most vulnerable residents and defrauded Medicaid.

“Substance abuse is a harmful and pervasive issue in so many of our communities,” said Attorney General James. “Although recovery is never an easy journey, it can be a lot easier with access to reliable treatment programs. Today's agreement ensures that these funds will finally be used in the manner in which they were intended — to support some of our most vulnerable communities. I thank the Brooklyn Community Foundation for their partnership and dedication to helping New Yorkers access these lifesaving treatment services.”

“We are deeply honored and excited to partner with the Office of the Attorney General to redistribute these funds in a way that will repair harm and provide vital resources to trusted and thoroughly vetted community-based health providers,” said Cecilia Clarke, president and CEO of Brooklyn Community Foundation (BCF). “Brooklyn Community Foundation’s approach centers community members as key decision-makers to invest in organizations that share our commitment to racial justice. We hope this partnership will serve as a powerful new model for government and foundation collaboration.”

In 2016, as a part of the OAG’s investigation into fraudulent substance abuse providers and their exploitation of individuals living in substance abuse transitional housing — also known as “three-quarter houses” — the OAG indicted Canarsie A.W.A.R.E. Inc. — a New York not-for-profit organization that provided substance abuse treatment services — and its owner for defrauding Medicaid. In September 2018, Canarsie A.W.A.R.E. pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the first degree. In 2019, the OAG won a New York Supreme Court order to dissolve Canarsie A.W.A.R.E. and distribute its assets for use by other substance abuse treatment programs. Today’s agreement between the OAG and the BCF is in connection with the OAG’s settlement of its claims against Canarsie A.W.A.R.E. Inc.

Under New York’s Not-for Profit Corporation Law, assets remaining after the dissolution of a non-profit organization must be distributed to another non-profit organization engaged in similar activities to those of the dissolving nonprofit. The BCF — a well-established grant-making organization dedicated to mobilizing people, funds, and expertise for a fair Brooklyn — will award grants to Brooklyn not-for-profit providers of substance abuse treatment. The funds will support treatment programs providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to the grant recipients, including assistance with fundraising, financial management, and strategic planning. The BCF will also conduct site visits to the grant recipients, and monitor the recipients’ use of funds through regular reporting requirements and communications. The BCF will award the grants in each of three successive years, beginning in 2021.

NEW YORK CITY ANNOUNCES NEW MEASURES TO HOLD LANDLORDS ACCOUNTABLE FOR DANGEROUS CONDITIONS

 

New Department of Buildings regulation blocks owners of residential buildings with a high proportion of hazardous violations from obtaining new construction permits

 Mayor de Blasio joined Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Melanie E. La Rocca today to announce new restrictions for landlords with multiple violations for unsafe or hazardous conditions. This new measure allows DOB to deny new construction permit applications at properties where landlords may be using poor building maintenance as a tool to harass their tenants.

 

These changes build off the legislation sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan and passed by the Council, Local Law 104 of 2019.

 

DOB will create and maintain a list of multiple dwellings in New York City with excessive, open, and hazardous DOB and Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) violations in relation to the number of residential units. The list will be updated daily. Buildings placed on this list will be prevented from obtaining new permits until the violations are resolved and the conditions are corrected, except in situations where permits are necessary to correct a violation or other select circumstances.

 

“Safe, livable, fair housing starts with accountability – and New York City will not let landlords take advantage of their tenants without consequences,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “These restrictions will encourage faster and more thorough fixes to poor building maintenance. This city is proud to stand with tenants who deserve responsive management.”

 

“We are looking out for tenants and pushing landlords to take responsibility for their properties,” said Buildings Commissioner Melanie E. La Rocca. “This new measure sends a clear message to bad actors: No more business as usual. It’s past time to bring your existing buildings into compliance and derelict buildings up to code.”

 

“This Administration is using all its tools to protect tenants and hold landlords accountable.  These new measures will help us ensure that owners are making necessary repairs for existing tenants before beginning other construction work,” said HPD Commissioner Louise Carroll. “We’re grateful to DOB for their ongoing partnership in protecting New Yorkers and making sure they have safe, quality housing.”

 

The permit restriction, which begins today, will apply to violations issued on or after January 4, 2020, the date Local Law 104 of 2019 went into effect. Restrictions will address violations that have not been certified as having been resolved with DOB or cleared by HPD. The permit denials will be applied to buildings with the following ratios of violations to dwelling units:

·         Buildings with 35 or more dwelling units and two or more violations for every unit;

·         Buildings with fewer than 35 dwelling units and three or more violations for every unit.

 

The permit restrictions will also be applied to submissions in the Department’s DOB NOW portal in the near future.

 

New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to report any hazardous living conditions or to report non-compliant or unsafe construction conditions. For more resources, tenants can also visit the Department’s Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) page.

Comptroller Stringer: Mayor Must Rescind Emergency Powers and Restore Full Charter-Mandated Oversight of Contracts and Procurement

 

Following the Mayor’s calls to revoke the Governor’s emergency powers, Comptroller Stringer calls on Mayor de Blasio to apply the same principle to his own administration by rescinding Emergency Executive Order 101, Section 2, which suspends procurement laws and regulations

Since March 2020, the City has entered into 1,238 contracts under EEO 101, Section 2 totaling more than $5.2 billion of City funds committed without appropriate oversight

Comptroller Stringer: “As we approach the one-year mark of the suspension of the checks and balances that govern our City’s emergency procurement process, the Executive can no longer use the pandemic as a shield to circumvent the independent oversight enshrined in long-standing statutes and rules.”

 New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer sent a letter to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio calling on City Hall to rescind Emergency Executive Order (EEO) 101, Section 2, which suspended laws and regulations related to procurement in the city since the shutdown on March 17, 2020. Following two letters sent to the Administration in August and October of 2020 yielding no results from the City, Comptroller Stringer underscored the need to finally rescind the Mayor’s emergency powers granted to City Hall just as the Mayor recently called on the New York State Legislature to immediately revoke the Governor’s emergency powers. The City has entered into 1,238 contracts under Mayor de Blasio’s emergency powers, totaling more than $5.2 billion in City-funded contracts since March 2020 — without the statutory oversight of the Comptroller’s Office.

As the one-year anniversary of the citywide shutdown approaches, Comptroller Stringer urged the Mayor to rescind EEO 101, Section 2, and restore the City’s system of checks and balances in the contracts and procurement process to ensure full accountability, transparency, and to protect taxpayers.

The full text of the letter can be found here.