FWD.us wanted to:
Pass NYS legislation that would guarantee a safe and healthy workplace for essential workers, many of whom are immigrants.
Challenges FWD.us faced
FWD.us needed to build relationships with and garner support from key decision-makers on the state level, as well as other advocacy groups and business associations.
Capalino Assisted with
- Strategy
- Advocacy
- Government Relations
What we got done
By solidifying support from partners including business groups, the Governor’s Office and State Legislature, we helped FWD.us get the New York Health and Essential Rights Act (NYS HERO Act) passed into law in 2021. This law provides protections for private sector employees across the state, making New York the first in the nation to offer critical workplace safety protections to prevent the spread of airborne infectious diseases. It requires employers to adopt a plan for airborne infectious disease exposure prevention, creates a private right of action, permits the establishment of Labor-Management Workplace Safety Committees and required the NYS Department of Labor to release workplace standards in this area. This will have a profound and lasting impact on New York’s vibrant immigrant community, which powers every major sector of the state’s economy, as well as driving innovation and creating jobs.
