FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2023
CONTACT: Gwennan Booth, Communications Manager, New York State Laborers’ LECET
315.717.7379; [email protected]
PROTECT NEW YORK’S HIGHWAY WORKERS – ALL YEAR LONG.
With National Work Zone Awareness Week officially underway, the New York State Laborers Union, on behalf of its hardworking members located on highway jobsites throughout New York, commends New York State and New York State agency efforts to draw attention to the importance of staying alert while driving through work zones, and always obeying the set speed limit. Specifically, the Laborers Union is pleased to see their long-fought and hard-won Automated Work Zone Speed Monitoring legislation officially implemented to help curb speeding in work zones, and is thankful for the agencies, organizations and elected leaders who supported it and assisted with making it an actuality.
“National Work Zone Awareness Week is an honorable annual endeavor that serves as a reminder for all drivers that highway work zones are inherently dangerous places to work, and our members perform those jobs daily so we can easily navigate our communities,” said Frank Marchese, Jr., Executive Director, New York State Laborers’ Health and Safety Trust Fund. “We all owe it to the men and women of the New York State Laborers to drive safely and attentively through their work zones and to do everything within our capability to ensure their safety. Every single person on those jobsites is important to someone. Do your part to make sure they return home to their families.”
“Implementing work zone speed monitoring cameras throughout New York State marks a significant step forward in protecting the men and women our state relies on to remain operational,” said Vincent Albanese, Executive Director, New York State Laborers’ PAC. “It is an unarguable fact that because the men and women of the New York State Laborers show up every day to build and maintain our highways and other infrastructure, New Yorkers are able to commute to work and then return home safely. Holding drivers accountable demonstrates to our members that their hard work is acknowledged, and their safety is prioritized.”
“Today, April 19, people throughout New York State will see several iconic structures illuminated orange to pay homage to and stand in solidarity with New York’s highway workforce,” said Patrick Purcell, Jr., Executive Director, New York State Laborers’ LECET. “While this is a meaningful gesture, we cannot forget that the Laborers’ Union members risked their lives to build these same structures for the utilization and enjoyment of people throughout our state. As such, it is imperative that New Yorkers employ work zone awareness and safety tactics year-round – and not simply for one commemorative week out of the year.”
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ABOUT THE NEW YORK STATE LABORERS: The New York State Laborers’ Union represents over 40,000 members employed in the construction industry and other fields throughout the state. Our members are organized into more than 24 local unions and 5 district councils. We are a proud affiliate of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA). www.nysliuna.org.