Workers discuss wages, ICE presence and local job opportunities

A labor town hall meeting was held in the Sunset Park High School cafeteria April 29. Shortly after 6 p.m., community members started to arrive at the venue. The cafeteria was transformed into a town square, with a panel stage, tables for English-, Spanish- and Chinese-speaking attendees, and tables hosted by representatives from more than 14 government agencies, labor unions and community organizations. These included the New York State Department of Labor, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the United Food and Commercial Workers union and Mixteca.

The town hall began with a 30-minute panel discussion with union organizers and community members, followed by a listening session where attendees shared their thoughts and concerns on labor issues.

The panelists included Teamsters organizer Antonio Rosario, Sunset Park High School senior Natalie Galan, Workers Justice Project program director Armary Perez, and teacher and UFT member Paul DeMuro. Council Member Alexa Avilés opened the panel by asking what they believe is the state of labor in the city.

Rosario said he believes employment conditions are worse now than 30 years ago, when he first joined the labor movement as a UPS truck driver. He said Amazon workers doing the same job as couriers are not getting the same pay or benefits. Galan agreed, noting that as a high school senior, she and her classmates are worried about diminishing internship openings. Perez added that immigrant labor also deserves basic rights, noting that she frequently encounters cases where workers’ health and safety are at risk. DeMuro agreed and added that he sees an awakening happening among workers.

Avilés asked what gave the panelists hope around labor issues. Perez said that people showing up for events like this gave her hope. Rosario said labor organizing and strikes, including a nurses’ strike earlier this year that panelists described as the largest and longest in New York, showed hope for future labor movements.

Galan said she was excited about green internship opportunities at the offshore wind port at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal and welcomed organizations and companies to connect students with employment opportunities.

Before closing the panel, the participants were asked what New Yorkers can do to fight for positive changes. Rosario encouraged people to join the labor movement regardless of background or profession.

“Yes, I’m just a truck driver, and I can speak up about issues,” he said.

After the panel, attendees at each table shared their reflections. Volunteer and facilitator Alex Rivera said people at his table were genuinely concerned about rising prices, increased ICE presence in the neighborhood and affordability. They expressed a desire for good-paying jobs in the neighborhood and asked the city to provide English classes for seniors to help them communicate with other community members.

Other attendees said empathy and solidarity are needed to bring the community together.

Winnie Marion, Avilés’ deputy chief of staff, said the idea for the town hall originated from conversations with neighbors facing labor issues and the various union struggles the office has supported over the past year.

“Immigrant workers are facing vast challenges under the federal administration and the increasing role of app-based gig work that limits protections for workers,” Marion said.

After the town hall, Avilés said she was heartened to see community members coming together.

“I was so heartened to see our community members coming together to discuss shared experiences and how we can overcome them in tandem,” Avilés said. “I want all of my constituents who are workers to know that they are not alone in struggle. We all benefit from moving together, sharing information, and organizing.”

Avilés added that while the political moment can feel harrowing, she encouraged District 38 residents to seek support from her office. Marion said the office hopes to continue the town halls and expand the community’s understanding of its ability to organize.