New York City is in the middle of an economic boom, breaking record after record when it comes to creating jobs and opportunity. Just last week, we celebrated another record high for private-sector jobs in our city, with unemployment falling to 4.8 percent. There is also good news on the equity front, with Black unemployment…
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) Harlem awarded Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degrees to 120 new doctors on Thursday, May 16, 2024. At festive ceremonies held at the famed Apollo Theater across the street from the medical school. The 14th annual commencement began with a welcome from Dean of Student Affairs Nadege Dady, EdD and…
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan today made an announcement. Since expanding access to doula and midwifery services two years ago, over 12,000 families have been served with home visits by the New Family Home Visits Initiative. The $34 million initiative offers support services and referrals…
Buying a new car is a pretty daunting prospect in this high-inflation world we now find ourselves in. It’s especially tricky if you are looking for a new set of wheels that won’t break the bank, is reliable enough to avoid the need to bring it into the garage every other month, and has all…
Windows plays a crucial role in the energy efficiency and comfort of a building. They are not merely portals for light and ventilation but also significant contributors to the overall thermal performance and ambiance indoors. In recent years, advancements in window technologies have brought about innovative solutions to conserve energy while enhancing occupants’ comfort. Understanding…
Your home’s siding plays a crucial role in protecting it from the elements, providing insulation, and enhancing its curb appeal. Over time, however, siding can deteriorate due to various factors like weather exposure, age, and maintenance neglect. Knowing when it’s time to upgrade your siding is essential to prevent further damage and maintain your home’s…
On Friday, May 10, 2024, the Studio Museum in Harlem welcomed more than 350 cultural leaders, art world luminaries, representatives of major media networks, business leaders and philanthropists to its annual spring luncheon. This year’s luncheon honored Marva Smalls, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Inclusion Strategy for Paramount, and Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the Nickelodeon…
By Senator Cordell Cleare As we continue to highlight our One Harlem unifying theme as a lifestyle, I am very pleased with the actualization of this in efforts like our 3rd Annual Eid celebration. There, hundreds of Muslims and inter-faith communities came together to enjoy great food, prayer, dance, and song. The outpouring of compassion…
Natural disasters like storms can wreak havoc on your home, leaving behind a trail of destruction that needs immediate attention. From minor damages like broken shingles to major structural issues, storm damage requires a systematic approach to repair and restore your home to its former glory. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore essential tips and…
After years of struggling to make ends meet in various jobs, my life changed when I joined the New York City Carpenters Union. Through the Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) and the BuildingWorks pre-apprenticeship programs, I’ve gained access to a stable career path with great pay and benefits that allows me to provide for my family. Without and the union, I wouldn’t be able to afford to live in the city I’m building. To maintain the lifeblood of New York City, we need to keep it livable for working people. I am proud to say that and the union and working for a union contractor are helping make that goal become a reality.
I’m a proud second year apprentice now, gaining all the skills I need to be the best in the industry. The great wages I receive as an apprentice allow me and my family to afford living in New York, the city where I work and help build. The solid benefits I receive through my paid apprenticeship are also crucial for my ability to thrive here, as I finally have quality healthcare for my kids and I. Thanks to the union, I was able to finally go to the primary care doctor for the first time in years. My level of gratitude for the union is high because I know that such strong benefits are unfortunately not the industry norm.
A recent study found that 41% of construction workers and their families in New York need government assistance just to make ends. To make matters even worse, 25% also have no healthcare whatsoever, due to nonunion construction being rife with exploitative practices. Union carpenters and contractors combat this by providing good wages and benefits for their workers, along with advocating for fair wages for all construction workers, union and nonunion alike. The more construction workers we bring into the union and the more fair wage standards we achieve, the more we can relieve the taxpayer burden of providing government assistance programs. I am proud to be a part of the union working to make this happen.
I am also grateful for the supportive work environment within the union and on the job. I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a great mentorship program with the union’s Sisters in the Brotherhood. They’re always there to help with any issues or questions I may have. One day, I hope to become a mentor as well by becoming an instructor. I’ve seen the value that female instructors bring to aspiring female carpenters like myself. I can’t wait until I’m able to inspire the next generation, just like I was inspired.
Along with great instructors, a diverse working environment, and mentorship opportunities, the union also makes it a point to prioritize safety whether in the classroom, in training, or on the job. We’re always equipped with the right protective gear, safety trainings, and knowledge about the safety considerations for every project we work on.
All New York City carpenters and construction workers deserve good-paying, rewarding careers. I’m happy to say that I’ve found exactly that thanks to the Carpenters Union and look forward to building my career and a better future for New York alongside my union brothers and sisters.
