Check out the NEW MassCOSH website!
Public Hearing on Floor Finishing Safety Bill
Teens Mobilize for Health & Safety
MassCOSH Releases 3-year Action Agenda
Check out the NEW MassCOSH Website!
We've got a new look and have been working hard to make it easier for you to stay connected. Visit us at the same address- www.masscosh.org- and check out our improved resources, updates on meetings and legislation and user-friendly navigation!
Public Hearing on Floor Finishing Safety Bill
An unusual coalition of safety, community, labor and industry leaders will head to the State House this Wednesday, January 16 to urge the legislature to halt the use of highly flammable wood floor finishing products, responsible for several worker deaths and numerous fires. The legislature’s Public Safety Committee will consider the floor finishing safety bill (HB2407) at a public hearing, to be held Wednesday at 1 PM in Room 1A.
“This issue affects so many members of our community,” said Hiep Chu, Viet AID’s executive director and a member of the task force. “The state must take immediate steps to end not only the urgent tragedies from fires but also the long-term health problems that come from working with these highly toxic chemicals.” Read More…
A labor leader, a community activist, a clergyman, a state representative and a lawyer in Massachusetts all stepped forward last year to volunteer in a nationwide test for toxic chemicals. According to a newly released report-- Is it In Us: Toxic Trespass, Regulatory Failure and Opportunities for Action, all 35 volunteers in this new bio-monitoring project had three toxic chemicals used in many everyday products, in their bodies. Each of these chemicals is found in products we use in hospitals, schools, homes and other workplaces… they’ve been found in such items as computers, baby bottles, medical tubing and devises, shower curtains, cleaners, cosmetics and personal care products, furnishings and toys.
“I now see that these chemicals are hard to avoid in my everyday life but we shouldn’t just accept that these toxins have to be in us for generations," said Jerry Fishbein, vice president of SEIU 1199 and one of the test volunteers. "Our members have been struggling for years for safer workplaces. The breadth of this survey indicates that we need to continue that struggle beyond our workplaces to include exposures we get from products all around us. We can be leaders in promoting safer products and work conditions in the healthcare industry that will not just protect our members, but our patients and consumers too.”
Currently, Massachusetts lawmakers are considering An Act for a Healthy Massachusetts: Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals now before the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The bill, co-sponsored by Senator Steven Tolman (D-Brighton) and Rep. Jay Kaufman (D-Lexington), would replace toxic chemicals like the ones featured in this report with safer alternatives where feasible. MassCOSH urges all our members and supporters to get involved... the bill is co-sponsored by over half the legislature, and has successfully gone through two committees. Unfortunately, the chemical industry is stepping up its opposition and has delayed a vote by the Senate. Currently the vote is set to take place next Thursday, January 17th. Please contact your state senator to urge their support for the Safer Alternatives Bill and for an immediate vote!
- CLICK HERE TO CONTACT YOUR SENATOR -
Jin Restaurant- What Happened?
After a fierce struggle and a lot of hard work, Jin Asian Restaurant workers gained a partial victory in their fight for justice. Latino workers, who
lodged a class action lawsuit for a host of wage violations, won a settlement
from the owner in late October. But Chinese wait-staff are still seeking
restitution for stolen tips and improper pay deductions, and ask the community
to support their effort.
Workers from the Saugus Chinese restaurant, the largest in Massachusetts, had approached MassCOSH last year with concerns about dangerous conditions, injuries and wage violations. A strong campaign of picketing and letter-writing by community and labor supporters combined with the wage lawsuit finally brought the owner to the table.
“This settlement should send a powerful message to employers about the consequences of disregarding workers’ rights,” said Isabel Lopez, a MassCOSH organizer. But, Lopez added, with a late January mediation scheduled for the Chinese workers, our message still needs to be sent to Jin’s owner urging him to respond to the Chinese workers.
“We hope the restaurant will settle favorably with the workers soon,” said Amee Chew, from the Chinese Progressive Association, who is assisting the Chinese workers. “Such a large business should be treating workers with respect.”
- CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT JIN WORKERS -
Workers from the national
car wash chain Simoniz, in Everett, are taking action to
address widespread concerns about health and safety and other unfair labor
practices, with support from MassCOSH and a coalition of community and labor
supporters.
Several workers were fired and others had their hours cut after sending Simoniz
management a letter to draw attention to these abuses. MassCOSH, the Chelsea
Latino Committee and community and labor supporters have rallied to support the
workers – holding a demonstration and petition signing at the Simoniz Car Wash
in Everett.
The coalition, with legal support from Greater Boston Legal Services, will
continue to fight, champion and assist in these worker's efforts to win safe,
healthy and fair working conditions!
Through the MassCOSH worker center, workers like those from Simoniz, are
uniting with other immigrant workers to learn how to organize to defend
their right to safe jobs. To learn more about how to get involved, please
call Isabel Lopez or Jonny Arevalo at 617-825-7233 ext.18.
Teens Mobilize for Health & Safety 
TL@W peer leaders and staff are fully engaged in a brand new effort to prevent workplace violence and promote action for young worker safety in communities throughout Eastern Massachusetts! Leadership Education and Action to Promote Safety (LEAPS) for Young Workers is a three-day, education/action conference that will bring together teams of youth to develop and implement projects focusing on young worker safety in their communities.
The conference, slated for April, will involve hands-on activities and teen-led workshops. Working up to the conference, peer leaders will conduct community-based outreach to 100 youth in six targeted neighborhoods through workshops for working teens. Throughout the next months peer leaders will also be reaching out to the MassCOSH community for suggestions, volunteers, and resources. Peer leaders are looking forward to the challenge and ready to apply their leadership skills to make this initiative another TL@W success!
To support LEAPS, schedule a workshop, or learn more about Teens Lead at Work click here or contact Nancy Luc at nancy.luc@masscosh.org or Ying Tao at ying.tao@masscosh.org.
MassCOSH Releases 3-Year Action Agenda
At our 31st Anniversary Celebration, MassCOSH announced the release of a new three year strategic plan, expanding and linking our union, immigrant worker, youth and labor environmental health efforts. The plan, MassCOSH Action Agenda: 2008 – 2010, is the culmination of a year-long planning process, which involved more than 50 representatives of our many constituencies.
SEIU Local 615 President Rocio Saenz, emphasized the importance of providing unions with the tools and support to organize for health and safety. “They help us with organizing in very concrete ways,” said Saenz. “Health and safety became a place where people could fight back, they felt so empowered.”
The MassCOSH Action Agenda reflects the priorities of our members, supporters and friends. Throughout the next three years we’ll be using it to guide our actions and strengthen the movement for just, safe and healthy working conditions! Click here for the MassCOSH Action Agenda: 2008–2010. To learn how you can help to implement the plan, contact Whitney Soenksen at whitney.soenksen@masscosh.org or 617-825-7233x14
Whether you are interested in joining us as a member, supporting workers on the front lines, donating money or your time... MassCOSH wants you to get involved! And we want to make it easier for you to know what we are up to. Only with your help can we build the power of workers to demand that employers uphold their responsibilities!
Check out our new
and improved, interactive website for ways to support MassCOSH as well as loads
of resources and information about the health and safety movement. None
of us can win this fight alone and your
contribution helps us support workers, their families and
communities in achieving safe, healthy and fair workplace conditions.
Your financial support and personal involvement are critical to the
success of our struggle. Visit us today and add
your voice to the thousands across Massachusetts
working together for Health and Safety!
Contact us for other ways to get involved
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MassCOSH | 42 Charles St. Suite F | Dorchester, MA 02122
(617) 825.SAFE (7233)