The families of MTA employees who die from coronavirus will be eligible for $500,000 in death benefits from the agency, transit officials recently announced. MTA chairman Pat Foye said “What our front-line workers have done during this pandemic is nothing short of heroic and we believe this agreement is another crucial step in recognizing their sacrifice…The losses the MTA family has suffered are heartbreaking and our thoughts are with the families of our beloved colleagues during this challenging time.”
At least 59 agency employees have died of COVID-19 over the past three weeks. Now their families and those of future MTA coronavirus victims can be assured that they’ll be compensated. Families will also receive up to three years of health insurance from the MTA.
TCU National President Elect Artie Maratea said, “Our Members and their families deserve every bit of safety and security they can get…for the first time there wasn’t much of a fight with the MTA to help our members, who are out there everyday putting it all on the line.”