Logo

The New York State Laborers' Union represents over 40,000 members employed in the construction industry and other fields throughout the state.

Our members are organized into more than 24 local unions and 5 district councils. We are a proud affiliate of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA).

COVID-19 Preparation and Response

COVID-19 Preparation and Response


New York State Laborers

A Message From The Tri-Fund Executive Directors

To Our Brothers and Sisters,

Throughout our 117 year history, it is during the most difficult and trying times that the men and women of LIUNA have stood together and shown what we are truly made of. Weathering the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and the unease and uncertainty surrounding it will be no different.

Responding to an event such as the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented for the entire nation, and how to do so appropriately is rapidly evolving. Please be assured that we are closely monitoring all recommendations from our International, the CDC, and restrictions and advisories put in place by our state and federal governments. We will communicate those updates to you as quickly as we are able.

The Tri-Funds remain an accessible resource for you, and we stand ready to assist you in every way possible. We strongly encourage you to reach out to us with any needs you may have.

We want to reiterate our commitment to working together to assist you. As the coming days and weeks unfold, we have no doubt that your needs and how we can help will change and expand.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or requests.

Fraternally,

Patrick J. Purcell
Executive Director
New York State Laborers' LECET

John Hutchings
Executive Director
New York State Laborers' Political Action Committee

Frank Marchese, Jr.
Executive Director and Administrator
New York State Laborers' Health & Safety Trust Fund

 


The Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America
COVID-19 Response Plan for Construction Employers

https://www.lhsfna.org/index.cfm/recommended-covid-19-response-plan-for-construction-employers/

Coronavirus & COVID-19: Preparation and Response

https://www.lhsfna.org/index.cfm/coronavirus-fact-sheet/

Federal Cares Act

The federal CARES Act was signed into law March 27, 2020. The Act provides enhanced Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for New Yorkers. Here’s what you need to know.

https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/cares-act.shtm

CARES Act  CARES Act  CARES Act 

 

Laborers' Local 79 COVID-19 Response

https://covid.local79.org/

COVID-19 Resources for Working People

https://nysaflcio.org/COVID19

GRAPHICS

Hand Sanitizing Station Directions

Download: PDF

Handwashing 101

Download: JPEG, PDF  

COVID-19 Protection:
N95s vs. Surgical Masks and Paper Masks

Download: JPEG, PDF

Help Flatten the Curve

Download: JPEG, PDF
 

 

 

What Is Social Distancing?

Download: JPEG, PDF

Comparing COVID-19
Symptoms to Flu, Cold and Allergies

Download: JPEG, PDF

 


Coronavirus (COVID-19): Contractors Guidance & Loan Resources

NYS LECET is committed to supporting our signatory contractors and affiliated contractor associations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page was created to provide you with important, current information to help you navigate the current business climate and understand what resources are available.
 

Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID-19 Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering two loan programs as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) to small businesses throughout New York State. See below for details of the SBA Paycheck Protection Program and SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.
 

SBA Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is part of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2 trillion federal stimulus package passed on March 27. The PPP provides loans of up to $10 million to support small businesses and other eligible entities to pay workers, interest on mortgage obligations, rent, insurance, paid sick or medical leave, utilities, and payroll related costs incurred from Feb. 15, 2020 – June 30, 2020.  Lenders will be accepting applications starting April 3, 2020.
 
Resource Link:
 
Application:
 

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program provides small businesses and non-profits with low-interest loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing due to COVID-19
 
Resource link:
 
 

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance

(EIDL Loan Advance)
This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application. This loan advance will not have to be repaid.
 
Resource link:
 
 

Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program 

Allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. 
 
Resource link:
 

Federal Families First Act Corona Response Act (FFCRA) 

The Families First Act has two main components:
Paid Sick Leave and an expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Employer receives 100% reimbursement for paid leave pursuant to the act, including health insurance costs. Employers face no payroll tax liability. Self-employed individuals received an equivalent credit.
 
Paid Family and Medical Leave
Employees who have expended their first ten days of emergency leave due to a need to care for a child whose school is closed, or whose child care provider is unavailable for reasons related to COVID-19 and are unable to work beyond those ten days for the same reason, may in some instances receive up to an additional ten weeks of expanded paid family and medical leave at 2/3 the employee's pay. Pay is capped at $200/day and $10,000 total.
 
Resource Link:
 
NYC Small Business Continuity Loan Fund
Businesses with fewer than 100 employees who have seen sales decreases of 25% or more will be eligible for zero interest loans of up to $75,000 to help retain employees and ensure business continuity.
 
Eligibility Criteria for the NYC Small Business Continuity Loan Fund
Businesses must:
• Be located within the five boroughs of New York City
• Demonstrate that the COVID-19 outbreak caused at least a 25% decrease in revenue
• Employ 99 employees or fewer in total across all locations
• Demonstrate ability to repay the loan
• Have no outstanding tax liens or legal judgements
 
Pre Application resource link:
 

NYC Employee Retention Grant Program

To help small businesses deal with the impact of COVID-19, the City has launched the Employee Retention Grant Program to help retain employees as businesses face decreased revenue. This program is available to New York City businesses with one to four employees that can demonstrate at least a 25% decrease in revenue as a result of COVID-19. Eligible businesses will receive a grant covering up to 40% of their payroll for two months. Businesses can access up to $27,000.
 
Resource Link:
 
Application Link: 

New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Pressroom

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news

New York State Department of Labor

Unemployment Insurance.
Governor Cuomo has waived the seven-day waiting period for new unemployment claims.

Eligible members can file claims here:
https://applications.labor.ny.gov/IndividualReg/

To that end, the DOL is implementing a new more efficient filing system based on the first letter of the applicant’s last name (alphabetical order).
A – F : Monday
G – N : Tuesday
O – Z : Wednesday
Missed your day : Thursday and Friday
Filing later in the week will not delay payments or affect the date of an individual’s claim, since all claims are effective on the Monday of the week in which they are filed.

DOL is also extending filing hours as follows:
Monday through Thursday 8 am to 7:30 pm.
Friday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Saturday 7:30 am to 8:00 pm.

https://www.labor.ny.gov/home/

https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/Unemployment-Filing-Instructions.pdf

Limited State Debt-Collection Relief

NY Attorney General James (“AG”) and Governor Cuomo announced that from March 16, 2020 through April 15, 2020, the AG will halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to the State of New York. People who owe other types of debts to the State of New York can file an application for relief with the AG’s office.

More information is available here:
https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2020/attorney-general-james-and-governor-cuomo-temporarily-suspend-state-debt

New York State Paid Family Leave

In response to the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in New York State, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has guaranteed workers job protection and financial compensation in the event they, or their minor dependent child, are subject to an order of mandatory or precautionary quarantine or isolation issued by the state of New York, the Department of Health, local board of health, or any government entity duly authorized to issue such order due to COVID-19.

Most employees will get financial compensation by using a combination of benefits. These benefits are not available to employees who are able to work through remote access or other means.

As always, Paid Family Leave can also be used to care for a family member with a serious health condition.

More information is available here:
https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/COVID19

New York State Agency Guidance Information

Guidance and updates from various New York State agencies can be found here:
https://nysaflcio.org/covid-19-nys-agency-guidance


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

World Health Organization (WHO)

www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

 www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/index.html

BUILDING COMMUNITIES ... BUILDING NEW YORK STATE