Headlines for Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Last week, workers at Bangs Ambulance in Ithaca narrowly voted to unionize and form Bangs Ambulance Workers United. According to the Cornell Sun the election results will be certified by November 19 unless Bangs management mounts a challenge. Twenty two of Bang’s 42 employees voted to organize. They now face the tasks of engaging all the workers, electing leaders, and negotiating their first contact with Bangs management. Union member Gus Dunn-Hindle says the company handles far more calls than any other local emergency response agency. He argues that to give patients better care, employees need to be better paid, and be given more time to rest.

According to the Times Union, after a lackluster showing for New York Democrats in last week’s election, progressives are calling for NY party Chairman Jay Jacobs to step down. While Governor Hochul retained her position, she was elected by a smaller margin than other Democratic Governors in recent history. In addition, the party lost four NY Congressional seats that may be pivotal to control of the House. Jacobs also took heat from many Democrats in 2021 after the party underspent to pass ballot initiatives–including one that derailed its own redistricting plan. Hochul has publicly supported Jacobs but recent comments may hint at openness to change. At an appearance in Buffalo on Monday she said, "It’s now a chance to step back and make sure the state Democratic Party is the powerhouse that it should be.” 

Bike Walk Tompkins will be hosting a bike repair clinic from 1-4pm on Sunday across from Greenstar on Cascadilla St. The organization strives to make Ithaca a safe accessible place for pedestrians, bikers, and rollers of all kinds. They’ll  also be accepting donations of bikes on Sunday. Look for their blue flag.