Our 2021 Election Work is Not Over Yet
On November 2nd, both New York City and New Jersey are holding local elections.
During the pandemic, our allies in local government have taken significant steps to protect our members, supplementing our ironclad contractual protections. The governors of both New York and New Jersey quickly classified hotel workers as essential workers at the start of the pandemic. In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy and our allies in the State Legislature approved a novel law requiring daily room cleanings, minimum front desk staffing, and the use of EPA-certified chemicals that are effective against COVID-19. In New York City, Mayor de Blasio and the City Council agreed to enhance worker protections when employers file for bankruptcy and make it easier to notify guests in the event of a union picket line. And earlier this year, both Governor Cuomo in New York and Governor Murphy in New Jersey approved early access to the COVID-19 vaccine for hotel workers and other essential workers.
Not only will the officials elected this fall oversee the recovery of our region’s economy, but they will be important allies to us as employers try to exploit this crisis to eliminate hotel jobs. The leaders we elect will also, critically, be in office when the GRIWA contract expires (in 2023) and most likely when the IWA (2026) and Division A (2027) contracts expire.
Over the last 15 years our Union has built its political power by creating a sophisticated program to get out the vote, sustained by hundreds of member volunteers. A tremendous effort this spring by nearly 1,000 Union members played a huge role in bringing pro-union candidates like NYC Mayoral Candidate Eric Adams one step closer to holding office. This fall, we will need to hit the streets again, mobilizing voters ahead of the November 2nd General Election.
Important 2021 Election Dates!
Oct 8: NYC Voter Registration Deadline
Oct 12: NJ Voter Registration Deadline
Oct 13-31: Early Voting Period
Oct 26: Deadline To Apply For Absentee Ballots
Nov 2: Deadline To Mail In Absentee Ballots
Nov 2: Election Day
