Seven security officers at NYC shelters die from COVID-19
New York city NY August 6 2020
Seven security officers who worked at city-run shelters have died from causes related to COVID19, as has at least one security officer at a privately-run shelter according to their union representative.
“Our union has been fighting to improve conditions for officers working at shelters run by private non-profit entities,” 32BJ Vice President Denis Johnston said.
“These officers working in an environment that is challenging even in the best of times should not have to bear the extra burden of worrying whether their wages can support their families, whether they can get medical care in the middle of a pandemic, or whether they have the tools to manage situations that arise with residents in crisis.”
A new measure is being introduced by Councilman Francisco Moya and Councilwoman Diana Ayala that would provide much-needed training, better wages and benefits for officers at privately-run shelters under contract with the city.
