De Blasio Labor Agency Pick Has Bklyn Pols Thrilled
The Mayor Bill de Blasio Administration yesterday announced the appointment of Liz Vladeck, an experienced, highly respected labor lawyer and advocate, as Deputy Commissioner of the new Office of Labor Policy and Standards (OLPS).
De Blasio announced the establishment of OLPS within the Department of Consumer Affairs earlier this year. The agency will serve as the City’s focal point for research, advocacy, and relevant enforcement of related to labor issues in New York City, and will, for the first time, give working families a dedicated voice in City government.
“The first Labor Day was celebrated here in New York City over a hundred years ago, and today we mark another important milestone in our City’s efforts to support working families,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The strong leadership of (DCA) Commissioner (Lorelei) Salas and Deputy Commissioner Vladeck will grow our ability to protect, educate and empower workers across New York City’s five boroughs.”
City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito first proposed the creation of OLPS at her 2014 State of the City address. OLPS is assigned to develop policy recommendations and also conduct enforcement of key municipal labor laws. For example, OLPS will continue DCA’s enforcement of, and education about the City’s Paid Sick Leave and Commuter Benefits laws, which DCA has successful implemented over the past two years.
Yesterday’s appointment also drew key support several Brooklyn City Council members including Rafael L. Espinal Jr. (Cypress Hills, Bushwick, Oceanhill-Brownsville, East New York), chair of the Consumer Affairs Committee.
“Although we have made significant progress over the past several years with the implementation of Paid Sick Leave and Commuter Benefits laws, a lot more needs to be done so we cannot stop there. I am sure that OLPS, under the leadership of Commissioner Salas and Deputy Commissioner Vladeck, will play a vital role in protecting our city’s workers and developing additional creative strategies to empower our city’s workforce,” said Espinal.
“Deputy Commissioner Vladeck is a supreme choice for OLPS,” said Council Member Vincent J. Gentile (Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights). “She is a proven leader and an esteemed labor lawyer who has excelled at every stage regarding the New York City labor movement. A plethora of experience, from grassroots union advocacy to union counsel, to her current position as Deputy Commissioner, the OLPS has a bright future with her and Commissioner Salas at the helm.”
“Deputy Commissioner Vladeck’s appointment bodes well for the establishment of a robust Office of Labor Policy and Standards that can truly raise the floor for workers in New York City,” said Council Member Brad Lander. “We look forward to working with Deputy Commissioner Vladeck and Commissioner Salas to ensure NYC’s workers are empowered and protected.”
Harris Birthday Fundraiser Brings Out Heavy Hitters
Assemblywoman Pamela Harris (Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) tonight will hold a birthday celebration fundraiser.
Among those expected to attend include Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Kings County Democratic Chair Frank Seddio, City Council Member Mark Treyger and Democratic District Leader Dilia Schack.
The event is slated for 6:30-8:30 p.m., tonight at Tom’s Coney Island 1229 Boardwalk in Coney Island. Please RSVP to Dominick at 917-816-8327 or email Dominick.Dale@gmail.com.
Lander Welcomes Citi Bike To Park Slope
City Council Member Brad Lander (Park Slope, Kensington, Windsor Terrace) this morning will welcome the Citi Bike program as it heads to heads to Park Slope as part of the second wave of expansion.
Motivate (operator of Citi Bike) will join Department of Transportation and other elected officials on a ride-around and ribbon cutting. The round of expansion also includes Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Gowanus and Red Hook.
This round of expansion will bring the total to 10,000 bikes, as it works its way to double its initial size by 2017. Citi Bike broke daily record after daily record this summer, and now has more than 100,000 members.
The event is slated for this 8:30 a.m., this morning at Citi Bike Station, 3rd Street and 5th Avenue in Park Slope.
Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin Get $150,000 Verdict
The law firm of Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin LLP recently obtained a $150,000 verdict at trial when WRSH Associate Jason Linden fought on behalf of a 54 year old man who was injured in a rear-end car crash.
As a result of the crash, the client sustained injuries to his right knee, neck and back. The client underwent a right knee arthroscopic surgery following the incident.
At trial, the defendants argued that the condition of plaintiff’s knee was “degenerative” and “predated the accident.” The jury ultimately found that the plaintiff’s injuries were all causally related to the accident and awarded him with $100,000 for his past pain and suffering, and an additional $50,000 for future pain and suffering.
The plaintiff rejected an offer of $45,000 to settle the case before trial.
Williams Continues Summer Movie Series
City Council Member Jumaane Williams (Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) will screen Barbershop: The Next Cut next week as part of his continuing Summer Movie Series.
The event will also feature free refreshments, music, contests and giveaways.
The event is slated for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 30 at Amersfrot Park on East 38th Street between Avenues I and J in Midwood.
