Excluded Workers Fund
After countless hours of organizing, direct actions, taking bridges, and 3-week hunger strikes, the Fund for Excluded Workers secured an unprecedented $2.1 Billion for New Yorkers excluded from unemployment and COVID-19 Relief in 2021. Since then we were selected as one of 60 organizations statewide to support with education and enrollment for the fund, signing up over 1,000 domestic workers, restaurant workers, construction workers, and day laborers. We are now fighting to reopen the fund and expand protections for excluded workers, read on to learn more and how to get involved!
On Wednesday January 19, 2022 we joined Fund Excluded Workers Coalition partners at Governor Hochul’s office unveiling our 2022 platform,
The 2022 Platform:
Replenish $3 billion to the Excluded Workers Fund to ensure that every excluded worker who needs assistance receives it, and address the geographic hurdles and policy barriers kept thousands of eligible workers from applying.
Pursue Excluded No More legislation which is a permanent alternative to unemployment insurance for excluded workers: Excluded No More will set up a permanent program to provide compensation to workers who lose a job or income and are otherwise ineligible for unemployment insurance, primarily undocumented workers and cash earners and self-employed workers below a certain income threshold.
One Fair Wage to ensure restaurant workers make minimum wage (S808 / A2244)
Legalizing street vending in New York City (S1175A / A5081A)
Coverage for All (A880 / S1572), which would provide health insurance to undocumented adults across the state
The EmPIREAct, which ensures the Department of Labor has the resources it needs to defend workers' rights
Contact Ben at bfgoogins@cganyc.org to join the CGA Excluded Workers Fund Committee and take action today!
Updates from Excluded Workers Fund
Resources to learn more about the Excluded Workers Fund and How to Apply **Note as of Fall 2021 the Department of Labor is no longer accepting new applications. Join us in the fight to replenish the funds so that all excluded workers are supported!
What Do You Need to Apply? Document Checklist (English + Spanish)
How to talk with your employer about a letter of employment: (English)
How to self certify document translation (English + Spanish)
Sign Up with The Excluded Workers Fund Campaign for updates!
Background on the Excluded Workers Fund
WHO IS IT FOR?
Immigrant workers excluded from Unemployment and Federal Stimulus payments, and many immigrant families who have lost their breadwinner and have no access to income.
People recently released from incarceration or immigrant detention with no hope of getting work.
Businesses or the self-employed who lack documentation to apply for small business relief and are barred from Unemployment and PUA.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Flat rate monthly cash payments direct to families - based on $750 per week to each worker - what a typical low wage worker with Unemployment Insurance receives.
Monthly payments retroactive to the start of the COVID-impacted unemployment crisis, and continuing at least through the end of 2020, like Unemployment Insurance, with triggers to continue the program thereafter.
Flexible application and proof requirements given the urgent crisis situation. Include self-attestation and information that off the books workers are able to provide - documents for proving identity can be the same as those for getting drivers licenses under Green Light.
HOW TO PAY FOR IT?
We are calling for New York to immediately enact a “Mark to Market” billionaire wealth tax to bring in an estimated $5.5 billion this year.
Many of our people have ZERO income. There are 120 billionaires in New York State - plenty of wealth to fund emergency income.