Airborne Infectious Diseases (S.1034)/(A.2681)

February 19th, 2021

RE: AN ACT to amend the labor law, in relation to preventing occupational exposure to an airborne infectious disease

S.1034 (Gianaris) / A.2681 (Reyes)

MEMORANDUM IN OPPOSITION

Upstate United, a non-partisan, pro-taxpayer, pro-economic growth, education and advocacy coalition made up of business and trade organizations from Upstate New York opposes this legislation.

This bill would create a burdensome new regulatory framework for employers, allow punitive actions to be taken on employers, introduce new costs during one of the most difficult economic times in recent history and force the organization of “workplace health and safety committees” with no clear function, no clear purpose and an unknown level of authority.

This bill is introduced with the intention of making workplaces safer and goes about it in all of the wrong ways. Business owners throughout the pandemic have complied with state and national mandates regarding workplace safety, trying to keep their doors open and food on theirs and their workers tables. According to a recent survey by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), 47% of small business owners anticipate that they will not be able to operate longer than 7-12 months under current economic conditions.

 This legislation would introduce even more regulations and costs for these already struggling business owners. Many local businesses are already on their last leg, even if well intentioned this bill would do more harm than good for those workers likely forcing businesses to close their doors and putting them out of a job in a devastated job market.

Upstate United has fought to make New York State a better place to work and do business. This will introduce more regulations and costs to businesses that are desperately in need of economic relief, not a kick from Albany when they are already down.

For these reasons, Upstate United strongly opposes the enactment of this legislation.