Categories: New York City
05.26.2023
On May 25th the Network joined the Human Services Coalition (HSC) alongside over 6,000 human services workers for a #JustPay rally to advocate for a 6.5% COLA for the sector in the City’s final budget. The rally took place as part of HSC’s Day Without Human Services where organizations across the City shut down 30% of their programs to demonstrate solidarity in advocating for the COLA after the administration had been unresponsive to the calls of the sector.
Maria Lizardo, Executive Director of Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation and HSC Board member emceed the rally, kicking it off stating, “Mr. Mayor, our sector is essential to New York City. We support New York’s most vulnerable and yet you don’t see it fit to support us with a COLA for our workers. Who’s essential? We’re essential!”
“This is about all of you who sacrifice every day. If you have a full-time job you should not have to have a part-time job just to make ends meet,” said Damyn Kelly, President & CEO of Lutheran Social Services who also emceed.
“We represent 125,000 workers who provide social services on city contracts. This city does not function without you. We have to keep fighting for #JustPay,” said Melissa Aase CEO at University Settlement Society of New York.
“This is a sea of people who make this City the City that it is, and ensure individuals and families can thrive. All human services workers deserve dignity and fair pay,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander
“Who runs this city? Who shows up time and time again? We are sick of being out here fighting for our money. Every crisis we’ve had in this city, you have shown up and done the work. So why do we have to be out here saying pay us our money? The city should be embarrassed,” said Council Member Althea Stevens.
“We know that a 6.5% COLA is a drop in the bucket. Today we recognize your work, labor and sacrifices, of mostly women and workers or color who continue to be on the front lines of the crises we’re facing right now,” said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa
“Imagine if the 125,000 workers who keep our communities safe were no longer here? We take care of New Yorkers every single day, but who takes care of us? I call on Mayor Adams to include a 6.5% COLA so every day doesn’t become a day without human services workers,” said Chan Henry, Housing Specialist at Urban Pathways.
Remarks were also given by additional HSC members as well as Council Members Sandy Nurse, Jennifer Gutierrez and Chi Ossé.
Thank you to HSC for such incredible organization and to all our members for showing up and fighting for our community.
Press coverage:
https://pix11.com/news/local-news/nyc-human-services-workers-demand-better-pay/
https://www.gothamgazette.com/city/12023-human-services-contracts-city-funding-nyc