Dear Govenor Cuomo,
We write to convey our utmost support for drivers, shoppers, delivery people and the thousands of independent workers holding up our communities during this pandemic. As you know, COVID-19 has devastated communities of color.
The virus itself has virulently targeted our Black and Brown people and the massive resulting job losses have disproportionately impacted our communities as well. For many, independent work for app-based platforms such as Uber, Lyft, Instacart, Postmates and DoorDash has been a necessity to make ends meet and put food on the table. For some, these jobs have been the only opportunities to earn an income. Independent jobs provide our parishioners with the ability to choose when and for how long they work—allowing them the flexibility to take care of their children, work another full-time job, and take time off without asking for permission.
We stand with workers and want to ensure they continue to have the flexibility and choices these jobs afford them, while also gaining the protections and benefits they deserve. We ask that you stand beside us in support of these workers and continue to listen to their voices. Governor, we value your leadership on behalf of all New Yorkers, especially during this pandemic. We ask that you continue to keep the needs of independent app-based workers front and center and protect their right to maintain the flexibility and independence that these jobs provide them.
Sincerely,
Bishop Steven Bellgrove, His Majesty International Church Pastor Kenneth Bogan, Greater Restoration Baptist Church Pastor Frank Bostic, Pilgrim Baptist Buffalo Rev. Mark E. Blue, Second Baptist Church of Lackawanna; President, NAACP Buffalo Pastor Tyshawn Brown, Remnant of Judah Christian Center Bishop Robert Butler, Glory Tabernacle Rev. Earl Chester, Greater New Beginnings Baptist Church Pastor Joseph Cox, He Lives Ministries Rev. Phil Craig, Springfield Gardens Community Church Bishop E. John E Crocker, Faith Hope and Charity Worship Center Bishop Ronald B. Dewberry, New Life Temple of Praise Rev. Guy Dupont, Greater Crossroads Baptist Church Bishop Karreem Evans, Charity Neighborhood Baptist Church Pastor Faison Andre Faison & Artura Faison, The Bronx Christian Charismatic Prayer Fellowship Pastor Elsie Fisher, Good Shepherd Temple Church Reverend Kirsten John Foy, Founder, Arc of Justice Pastor James Giles, President, Back to Basics Ministries Pastor Jason Hendrickson, Restoration Tabernacle Church Rev. Murray Hollman, Good Shepherd Temple Church Rev. Dr. Adolphus Lacey, Bethany Baptist Church Bishop Al Jackson, Highway & Hedges Bibleway Church Overseer Dr. James A. Lewis, President of NAN-Buffalo Niagara Chapter Pastor Shawn Mason, The Freedom Church Rev. Kevin McCall, Crisis Action Center Rev. Reggie Paris, United Calvary Baptist Church Bishop Alfred Phillps, Anointed By God Ministries Pastor Craig D. Pridgen, True Bethel Baptist Church Chaplin Robert Rice, Bethel Gospel Assembly Rev. Kelmy Rodriguez, All Saints Priory-Missionary Rev. Robert Waterman