Workers, Environmentalists Fight for N.Y.’s Recycling Program

Danielle Jackson

New York – As New York City officials finalize the 2003 budget, members of the Recycling &General Industrial Laborers Local 108 have joined with environmentalists and public interest groups to demand that Mayor Michael Bloomberg continue the city’s recycling program.

Bloomberg called for an 18-month suspension of the program in his fiscal budget, but many argue that it would take years to restore if it ever comes back. They also argued that nearly 1,000 people would lose their jobs.

The 2003 budget should be approved by June 30.