NYC transit authority raises death benefits for COVID-19

New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Wednesday announced an agreement with union leaders to give surviving family members of transit workers who die of COVID-19 complications $500,000.

MTA had been in negotiations with the Transport Workers Union Local 100, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, and International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 808 on benefits for families affected by the pandemic. It is estimated that 50 transit workers have succumbed to effects of the virus.

The agreement also includes health insurance for spouses and dependents to the age of 26 for three years. The agreement is subject to Board ratification on April 22, according to a statement.

MTA said it has distributed to workers 2.7 million pairs of gloves and nearly 750,000 protective masks, recommending that workers wear them.

Workers compensation death benefits in New York range from $10,500 to $12,500 for funeral expenses, depending on location and vocation, and up to two-thirds of the deceased worker’s pay.

More insurance and risk management news on the coronavirus crisis here.