Target: Patrick Foye, Chairman & CEO, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
Goal: Praise granting of paternity leave for bereaved train driver.
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has relented in its previous heartless decision to deny employee Reinaldo Lopez paternity leave after the death of his infant son. This comes as an encouraging development for defenders of workers’ rights and those who signed this petition.
Mr. Lopez was distressed when his wife gave birth to their first child only to discover that the baby was stillborn. This was worsened when his superiors at the MTA granted him only three days’ bereavement leave rather than his union-guaranteed two weeks of paternity leave. Lopez was concerned that, not only would he be unable to grieve together with his wife, but that he was in no condition to operate heavy equipment which could pose a danger to public safety.
The MTA has graciously relented, granting Lopez the time he deserved. Sign the petition below to praise their good sense in this decision.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Foye,
The MTA’s denial of Reinaldo Lopez’ rightful paternity leave was a shameful act of indifference. Mr. Lopez deserved the right to grieve with his family and recover his mental and emotional wellbeing before returning to work, and the decision to allow him only three days was heartless.
Your agency’s decision to grant Lopez the two weeks he deserved is an encouraging sign of respect for grief-stricken parents and workers in New York. Thank you for reversing your previous stance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York
Showing compassion and human decency is always the right thing to do.