After nearly 20 years, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has guaranteed sick pay to transit workers who became ill from working at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks.
The new policy brings the MTA into compliance with a 2017 law that guarantees sick pay for all state authority employees with 9/11-related illnesses. An MTA spokesperson said the change will “formalize…in writing the MTA’s existing practices.” At Pitta & Baione, we’re happy to hear of the news, which further supports and helps those impacted by the events on September 11, 2001.
MTA Employees’ Role in Rescue and Recovery
The MTA is North America’s largest public transportation network. Serving a population of 15.3 million people, its service covers a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City and extends through Long Island, the southeastern area of New York State, and into Connecticut. The agency also includes the MTA New York City Transit, MTA Bus, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, and MTA Bridges and Tunnels.
Not many people realize that thousands of Metropolitan Transportation Authority employees from the above branches were deployed to lower Manhattan in the months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and responded in a heroic fashion. Train operators, bus drivers, and other employees guided people to safety, and many searched alongside first responders for survivors. MTA employees were critical in shuttling rescue workers and the families of victims to various parts of the city.
But their active role in the aftermath means that many have since developed serious and life-threatening health conditions as a result of their close proximity to Ground Zero.
Toxic asbestos and a wide variety of carcinogens were released into the air during the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Survivors, residents, MTA employees, and particularly first responders were exposed to the toxic dust, and are now developing health issues including different varieties of cancers, respiratory illnesses, and lung diseases.
The new MTA policy will ensure that employees can take paid sick time away from work for proper medical treatment of their 9/11-related illnesses.
Learn About Your Potential 9/11 Claim
At Pitta & Baione, our experienced 9/11 attorney team is dedicated to seeing justice done for any person who has suffered damages as a result of the attacks, including MTA workers. If we can help you – or if you have questions about your rights – please contact us online or call us toll-free at 844-982-2667.
