The Troy Branch of the Democratic Socialists of America and the James Connolly Social Club are raising funds to directly support downtown Troy’s service workers. Most of whom are laid off from work or have seen their hours cut significantly. Even before the outbreak of COVID-19, many service workers lived paycheck to paycheck and relied heavily on tips to make rent and other bills. With all nonessential businesses closed, likely for the foreseeable future, these service workers need more than just weekly unemployment insurance checks to make ends meet. The success of Troy’s restaurant and hospitality industry is due entirely to the hard work of the bartenders, cooks, and waitstaff. It will only recover if they make it through this crisis. That’s where we come in.

After some conversation with three local bartenders who were laid off in mid-March, we set an initial fundraising goal of $6,000 to be divided equally between them to make up for their loss of tips and their hourly wages. For their protection and privacy, we are not naming the establishment.

In these uncertain times, the ripple effects of this pandemic will hurt more working people in Troy and across the Capital District. We know that it is only through standing together in solidarity (while respecting social distancing, of course) that we will come out of this stronger and united. This moment has shown us who it is that really makes our communities run and whose work is vital – it is  the service workers, grocery workers, and nurses. They are here for us all the time. Let us be there for them when they need our support the most.

In solidarity,

Troy DSA and the James Connolly Social Club

 (P.S. This is a non-tax deductible donation. Any and all funds raised will be distributed directly to the workers impacted by the pandemic.)