[midwood-reps] On Labor Day, Assemblymember Bichotte Celebrates Labor Day Workers and West Indian American Heritage; Join us this Monday on the Parkway.

[Rodneyse Bichotte via Reps-announce]

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> To many New Yorkers, Labor Day signals time for barbecues with family and enjoying the last stretch of summer weather. However, it's important to remember what Labor Day is all about by taking time to honor working people and joining the fight to make sure employees have the workplace protections they deserve.
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> New York State has a long history of labor activism; in fact, the very first Labor Day celebration took place in 1882 in New York City when union leaders gathered to recognize the vital role of the American worker and their contributions to the strength of our communities. This labor movement grew and by 1885, annual Labor Day celebrations were taking place throughout the country on the first Monday in September.[1]
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> Then in 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire occurred in New York City - a national tragedy that led to major improvements in workplace safety. During that horrific disaster, a fire erupted on the top floors of the factory and because of unsafe conditions, over 100 workers, many of them young women, lost their lives.[2] From that point on, the labor movement gained strength and activists were able to win a number of key worker protections that we often take for granted today. Rights such as the 40-hour work week, child labor protections and workplace health and safety standards allowed workers to enjoy a secure, middle-class lifestyle.
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> While we have made strides, there is still more to be done when it comes to workers' rights. It's clear that too many hardworking men and women are struggling to make ends meet, and no one who works full time should have to live in poverty. That's why I've continually supported an increase in the minimum wage and recently passed legislation that would help ensure a fair, livable wage for all workers (A.7257). Giving working families a raise will help lift them up, providing a better quality of life for them, a brighter future for our community and a strong economy for all New Yorkers. I have also supported fast food workers in their "Fight for $15" and commended the Wage Board on it's recent recommendation to raise the wages of workers in the fast food sector.  
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> We also need to ensure women are compensated fairly - right now, women earn just 78 cents for every dollar a man earns, and for women of color the disparity is even greater.[3] To close this gender wage gap, I helped pass the New York State Fair Pay Act so women will be guaranteed equal pay for equal work (A.6937). In addition, we must also ensure workers are given the flexibility they need to care for their families without risking their job. That's why I helped pass legislation that would guarantee paid family leave to ensure working people can care for newborn children or a sick family member without sacrificing the income they rely on (A.3870).
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> New York State has a long history of standing up for workers and their rights, because we know they're the backbone of our economy. The workers of the 42nd Assembly district, as well as workers throughout the State, can count on me to be a strong voice for them, and I hope you'll join me in supporting the contributions they've made this Labor Day.
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> As always, if you have any questions about this or any other issue facing our community, please don't hesitate to contact me at bichotter at assembly.state.ny.us or 718-940-0428.
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> [1] dol.gov/laborday/history.htm
> [2] aflcio.org/About/Our-History/Key-Events-in-Labor-History/Triangle-Shirtwaist-Fire
> [3] iwpr.org/initiatives/pay-equity-and-discrimination
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> West Indian-American Day Carnival
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> A Brief History
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> In the mid-1940's, Ms. Jessie Wardell organized a street festival held on Labor Day, on 7th Avenue in Harlem. Before this she organized Carnival celebrations in private spaces in Harlem. Then in 1960's, Rufus Goring, and then Carlos Lezama carried on the Carnival tradition, and was able to obtain a permit to parade on Eastern Parkway. Mr. Lezama headed the committee that would eventually become the West Indian-American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA). Years later his daughter Yolanda Lezama-Clark would succeed him. WIADCA's current president is Thomas Bailey.
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> The West Indian-American Day Carnival is not just a feast for the senses with its beautiful costumes, music and food. It is also an opportunity for Caribbeans from all the different islands get to come together to celebrate Carnival together, with their fellow New Yorkers, and people from all over the world. 
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> Please join me on the Parkway. To RSVP please call Lisa Derrick at 718-940-0428 or email at derrickl at assembly.state.ny.us.
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> Assemblymember Bichotte Walking with the City's First Family at Last Year's West Indian Day Parade. (From Left to Right: First Lady Chirlane McCray. Mayor Bill de Blasio and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte)
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> Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte represents the 42nd Assembly District in the New York State Assembly representing Brooklyn communities of Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush and Midwood. She is currently the Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), and serves on the following committees: Housing, Government Operations, Economic Development, Small Businesses, Banks and Social Services. She is also the Vice Chair of the NYS Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators.  
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