Workers Testify at New York City Council to Shine Light on Job Safety Issues

CWA Local 1101 member Xavier Maynard (left) and Local 1101 Vice President Al Russo (center) testified at the NYC Council to push for legislation on fair scheduling requirements and safety training for utility workers.

Underground safety workers, members of CWA Local 1101, testified this week before the New York City Council Transportation Committee to push for legislation on fair scheduling requirements and safety training for utility workers.

The legislation, sponsored by Council Member Brad Lander, was prompted by unsafe and unfair working conditions endured by CWA members who work for the United States Infrastructure Company (USIC), a multi-billion dollar, multinational corporation that performs underground utility location and damage prevention services for utility companies including Con Edison and National Grid.

"On-call scheduling and the disrupted sleep that comes with it puts our safety at risk. It also puts the public at risk," said Xavier Maynard, an underground utility locator and Local 1101 member, and former USIC worker. "We go to great lengths to perform our jobs safely, but all it takes is one misstep due to exhaustion or inadequate training for tragedy to occur. Passing Intro 946 and 947 is hugely important in making our jobs and our city safer."