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February 26, 2021 at 9:30 a.m.

Leaders of two of NYC’s largest unions get COVID vaccine, vow to fight vaccine distribution disparities

Representing over 375,000 members, heads of two of New York’s most prominent unions, Henry Garrido of DC 37 and Kyle Bragg of 32BJ, receive the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at AdvantageCare Physicians.

WHAT: Union leaders receive the COVID-19 vaccine; host press conference immediately following.

WHO: Henry Garrido, Executive Director of DC 37; Kyle Bragg, President of 32BJ.

WHEN: Friday, February 26: 9:30 AM vaccination shot; 9:45 AM Press conference.
*Media who want b-roll of the vaccination should arrive no later than 9:15

WHERE: AdvantageCare Physicians Harlem Medical Office, 215 W 125th St., New York, NY 10027.

VISUALS: Vaccination appointment.

NEW YORK—Leaders of two of New York City’s largest unions, Henry Garrido of DC 37 and Kyle Bragg of 32BJ, will receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on February 26 at 9:30AM. Representing over 375,000 majority Black and brown members, the two union leaders vow to fight the disparities in vaccine distribution and ensure that essential workers who serve New York have access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

For almost a full year, thousands of essential workers, predominantly people of color, have been putting their lives on the line to keep New Yorkers safe and New York City running. Frontline workers hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic see the vaccine as a necessary step in stopping the spread of the coronavirus and it’s variants.

However, the limited vaccine supply has meant that many essential workers – including many members of DC 37 and 32BJ – have not been able to access the vaccine.

Taking the first step and getting vaccinated themselves, Executive Director Garrido and President Bragg commit to ensuring that the COVID-19 vaccine reaches all those who want to take it, particularly essential workers and people of color who have been bearing the brunt of the pandemic. Both union leaders come from communities hit hard by the pandemic and they qualify for the vaccine due to health conditions.

DC 37 and 32BJ are continuing their robust member education and outreach programs to ensure that all of their members have accurate, up-to-date vaccine information.

Union leaders emphasize the actions employers and governments can take to encourage vaccinations, including paid leave for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, as well as access to quality, affordable healthcare. As worker protections play a central role in beating COVID-19, DC 37 and 32BJ also emphasize the importance of collective bargaining in rebuilding an economy that works for everyone, including the brave and dedicated working people who have kept the city going during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The vaccines will be administered by AdvantageCare Physicians New York, ACPNY.

District Council 37 is New York City's largest public employee union, with 150,000 members and 50,000 retirees.
With more than 175,000 members in 11 states and Washington, D.C., 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.