On May Day, hundreds of workers across age, race, industry, and immigration status came together at City Hall to launch a people-first agenda. Alberto Neri spoke, describing the sources of the Coalition to Fight for Our Health & Lives.

I’m Alberto and I’m a working artist here in New York City. I’m here today representing young workers.

As a person of color and the child of immigrants, I was always hyper-aware of injustices throughout the city. My mom worked in the garment industry, and then was funneled into doing 24 hour home care work after the factories moved away, so I know the damage this line of work has on people.

And now, the same system that exploited her is now exploiting people like me!

My generation is pushed day and night by companies that will replace us the second we miss a step. We’ve reached a point where we no longer work to live, we live to work! As rent goes up, we’re piled on top of each other into smaller and smaller apartments, until we get eventually displaced. And on top of all of this, we’re stuck with horrible health insurance. Young people are getting squeezed from all sides.

I’m tired of watching people feel powerless and feel like what we get is all we deserve. Coming together with you today helps me know our power. Children, younger workers, older workers, retirees, residents of New York City, we’re all suffering under this system and this needs to change now!

We are demanding what we’re owed – healthcare, time to breathe, and truly affordable living space!

Adrienne Adams, shame on you for upholding this inhumane way of life.

Let’s unite to make sure the new city leadership stands with us for our health and our community!