New York City Labor Council Endorses HR 676

By Kay Tillow, UnionsForSinglePayer.org –

The Executive Board of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, unanimously approved a resolution supporting HR 676, national single payer health care legislation, sponsored by Congressman John Conyers (D-MI).

NYC CLC President Vincent Alvarez calls this resolution “Labor’s way of standing up for the health and well-being of working men and women and their families,” noting “The national legislation is a true means of controlling ever-increasing healthcare costs, while ensuring that Americans get the medical care they so desperately need.”

In the resolution, the Council notes that almost every union is forced to battle and sacrifice to sustain healthcare benefits for members. The Council also notes that while the United States spends twice as much of our GDP on healthcare as other developed nations, we remain the only industrialized country without universal healthcare coverage.

Robert Score, Recording-Corresponding Secretary of IATSE (Theatrical & Stage Employees) Local One, said “As we all know, nobody in the United States should have to choose between healthcare and keeping a roof over their heads, food on their table or clothing on their children. HR 676 will prevent such calamities. I am thankful to President Alvarez for guiding the NYC CLC to endorse HR 676.” IATSE Local One submitted the resolution that was passed.

The NYC CLC, the 146th CLC to endorse HR 676, represents 300 local unions with a total membership of 1.3 million.

In other news also, on July 19th Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez of California’s 46th district became the 44th co-sponsor of HR 676.