The Workers’ Chapel at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in midtown Manhattan hosted a memorial Mass on Friday, January 10th, a week after the first construction-related fatal accident of the year in New York City. The construction worker, who was reportedly working as a non-union “electrician’s assistant” when he fell over 40 feet on the 3rd floor of the Waldorf Astoria renovation construction project on January 2nd, has been identified as 45-year old Elie William.
Fr. Brian Jordan, OFM, chaplain of the Catholic Council of Electrical Workers, led the Mass at the Workers’ Chapel, which is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds seeking a place for prayer and meditation. Business Manager Chris Erikson, NYC Central Labor Council President Vinny Alvarez and Chief of Staff Brendan Griffith, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, City Council member Julie Menin, and union rank-and-file participated in the Mass, and the collection will be donated to the victim’s surviving family members.
“Let not this worker die in vain,” Fr. Brian Jordan said.
According to the NYC Department of Buildings, worksite fatalities may have decreased but work-related injuries actually continued to increase in 2023, the most recent year with comprehensive data. The NYC DOB report also found that falls continue to be the leading cause of death and injury on construction worksites. Local 3 members are encouraged to speak to a shop steward or call the Construction Desk at (718) 591-4000 Ext. 440 to share concerns about safety or other serious issues on the job.
