During these difficult times, we should be focused on the health and well-being of all Americans who are on the frontlines of keeping our country safe and secure, rather than working to push political agendas.

Dwayne Sampson Mar 31st, 2020

Dwayne Sampson

Transportation Diversity Council

I would like to address the accusations in a New York Post article published on March 26, 2020 about New Flyer, a Transportation Diversity Council (TDC) partner. These allegations surfaced during a time where millions of Americans are concerned about their own health and well-being, as well as a time of economic uncertainty – one our country has not faced in almost a century. 

Like so many other companies across country, New Flyer is adapting to this new normal while continuing to put the care of employees and their families first. Every state and city has its own relief packages and structures, and in every jurisdiction where New Flyer operates, they are complying with the rules. The demands being placed on employers by their employees, customers and stakeholders are unprecedented, but New Flyer has risen to the occasion.

The accusation in the article in no way reflects or resemble the way New Flyer has conducted its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, no person on New Flyer’s team has tested positive for COVID-19, but they are openly encouraging all employees (with even mild symptoms or those who believe they have been in contact with someone who is symptomatic) to immediately take necessary steps as prescribed by their doctor and public health officials.

New Flyer has gone above and beyond by activating an internal global response team that is meeting daily, actively reviewing and responding to the evolving COVID-19 situation, and is in communication practically 24/7 to identify and deploy outbreak prevention efforts. New Flyer is in compliance with New York state quarantine and isolation sick pay coverage requirements, and employees at the Jamestown facility that were highlighted in the New York Post article are entitled to the benefits outlined under COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Legislation.

Additionally, New Flyer’s facilities are adhering to a strict company-wide mandated cleaning and sanitization program at all of its facilities, and is regularly educating employees on the importance of good hygiene to protect themselves and their fellow New Flyer team members.

During these difficult times, we should be focused on the health and well-being of all Americans who are on the frontlines of keeping our country safe and secure, rather than working to push political agendas. Unfortunately, activist groups hell-bent on pushing their agenda from the sidelines are trying to railroad New Flyer and its employees by promoting their accusations as fact without merit.

During these uncertain times, New Flyer remains committed to doing all it can to sustain stable jobs in this tough and challenging economic climate while responsibly prioritizing the health and well-being of employees and their families. I urge those who wish to learn the facts of how New Flyer is addressing the COVID-19 crisis to visit the company's website and reject the divisive tactics and false attacks. 

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Dwayne Sampson is the president and CEO of the Transportation Diversity Council.