One of the important issues I’m addressing in my campaign is Air-Conditioned Spaces, which calls for the installation of air conditioning in all facility rooms and bathrooms. Every Stations employee deserves a safe, comfortable environment, and this initiative ensures that no one is forced to endure extreme temperatures while in facility or bathrooms.

Why A/c in Workspaces Matter

• Health and Safety First: During the hot summer months, many Stations employees have to break in facility rooms and use bathrooms without proper air conditioning, which can lead to dangerously high temperatures. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, are serious risks when employees are exposed to these extreme conditions for extended periods of time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prolonged exposure to high temperatures can significantly impact a person’s health and productivity, with severe heat-related illnesses leading to hospitalization or worse .

• Improving Working Conditions: Comfort in the workplace is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Being in consistently hot, stifling environments not only affects your ability to concentrate and perform your tasks but also adds unnecessary stress and fatigue. Air-conditioned spaces create a safer and more environment by maintaining a comfortable temperature, which can directly improve both job satisfaction and performance.

• Modernizing Our Facilities: Many of our spaces are outdated and were never designed with modern-day climate control systems. By installing air conditioning in all facility rooms and bathrooms, we are ensuring that our spaces are up-to-date and meet modern standards of comfort and safety. This is not only an improvement in the short term but an investment in the long-term quality of life for all Stations employees.

The Economic Impact

• Reducing Sick Days and Heat-Related Absenteeism: According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, providing a properly cooled work environment can reduce the likelihood of heat-related illnesses and associated absenteeism. Employees working in extreme heat are more likely to take sick days due to heat stress, which can reduce overall workforce productivity. By installing air conditioning, we can minimize heat-related absences and ensure that employees stay healthy and productive throughout the year.

• Creating a Safer Environment for All: Proper ventilation and cooling systems, such as air conditioning, can also improve air quality by filtering out dust and allergens, further enhancing the overall safety of our spaces. This is particularly important for employees with respiratory conditions or those who are more susceptible to heat-related health issues.

Why This Matters Now

• Adapting to Climate Change: New York City summers are becoming hotter and more humid due to climate change, making this issue more pressing than ever. As temperatures rise, we must ensure that our environments are equipped to handle these changes. By installing air conditioning in all facility rooms and bathrooms, we are taking a proactive step toward protecting our health and well-being in the face of these rising temperatures.

• Basic Workplace Standards: Comfortable and safe conditions are a basic right, and air conditioning is a critical component of that. It’s unacceptable that any employee should have to endure extreme heat while sitting in a facility room or in a bathroom. This initiative ensures that all Stations employees have access to a comfortable environment, no matter where they are stationed.

• Investing in Employee Well-Being: This initiative is about more than just comfort—it’s about investing in the health, safety, and well-being of every employee. We work hard to keep the city moving, and in return, we deserve environments that prioritize our well-being. Air-conditioned spaces are a necessary step toward creating the safe, supportive environments we all deserve.

It’s about Health and SAFETY

Air-Conditioned Spaces are about ensuring that all Stations employees have environments that are comfortable, safe and conducive to their well-being. By installing air conditioning in all facility rooms and bathrooms, we are protecting the health and safety of every worker, reducing heat-related illnesses, and improving overall conditions.

This initiative is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that no employee is forced to endure extreme temperatures while in a facility or bathroom. Together, we can push for this change and create spaces that respect our health, safety, and well-being. Let’s make sure every Stations employee has access to air-conditioned, comfortable environments, and let’s build a stronger, healthier workforce for the future.