Are they going to make them join a union also. So much for $15 an hour then as the union will rape them for part of that just to pad their pockets. So much for neighbor helping neighbor. This is a cluster-@!$%# begging to happen and the tax payers will be on the hook for the lawsuits that follow with the mold and other hazardous waste from this cleanup.

For one, you need to get off that union diatribe. Unions were created because Big Business had a nasty habit of EXPLOITING workers--you know, sweat shops, unsafe working conditions, no overtime, cheap labor, no benefits. It's because of unions that you have a benefits package, get sick, personal, and vacation days, and can expect to work in a safe workplace. Of course, it's because of these worker protections that Big Business loves to hire illegal immigrants because they'll work for nothing, don't ask for benefits, and will risk their lives working for $5 an hour. Absent illegal immigrants, Big Business would love making Americans into those kinds of laborers again. And clearly they are succeeding at this because you actually believe that "Job Creators" would never engage in unfair labor practices for profit. Why do you think Big Business goes to China and India for its slave labor? Because the American worker asks way too much for a job? Why should Apple, the richest country in the world, pay an American worker a living wage with benefits when they can make even more money paying a Chinese slave who'll work 24/7, do as their told, and doesn't expect any pension, payroll taxes, social security and won't sue if the owner neglects to maintain equipment that ultimately maims or kills?

This cleanup is the BP way. Hire a bunch of people who've already been devastated by the Economic Crash caused by Criminal Banking Activity for a few dollars to make sure idiots rebuild their mansions on the beach where next year the storm will wipe them out again. Tell them there's no data supporting the view that mold and waste will harm them and get rid of the unions who'll try to protect workers from jeopardizing their lives in an unsafe workplace. After all, those few dollars to join a union could be spent better paying for a data plan for your iphone.

Sweet! $15/Hour that's a wage everybody will sign up for!

"China and India for it's slave labor"

China and India does not try to hide that fact they use slave labor! However, the Public Sector unions would have you make $15.00 hr. than are forced by the Unions to Pay their $40.00 or more + Benefits,vacation,sick days, Holidays (even CHRISTMAS and most can't stand Christians) & retirement pay .... So after they pay taxes that benefit Public Sector UNIONS it could be close to slave labor.. I hope the unions don't come in and rape these workers. But with over $ 50 BILLION going to that part of the Country, I'm afraid the trolls will be out in force....

Great to see more help on its way, and job availability. I think now the president should rise up and take a few hours gathering his requested documents as he did with Mr. Romney and collect the 5 million dollars, and then present it to help the Hurricaine Sandy victims, and others. Americans are certainly worth the money, but maybe he disagrees. He promised transparency and did say the only person that would hide would be someone with something to hide. He has spent 1.6 million tax dollars to the Dept of Justice (Holder) to kept the docs out of the public's viewing.Why didn't he have to pay that himself, why our money? Those of you that say "Why should he?" as yourself "Why not"?. I say again he was the one promising transparency, remember? Come on gather the documents and bring the 5 million...more help, more jobs, faster recovery. Americans deserve it, show us that we are worth your time.

That's the first thought I had reading this....the wealthy don't want to clean up their own sh*t, because it might be dangerous, so let's see who we can hire for $8.00 an hour to do a job that normally requires training, biohazard suits, and expensive equipment....and would cost you five figures if someone just happened to "discover" the issue on your property.

The problem with this country is that there are still about half of the people who have their heads in the sand about stuff like this- who think that the "captains of industry" would create hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs, if the evil government would only stop badgering them for money. The less taxes and the less regulations, the more BS like this will be what you get....and eventually, all of you who think "I have a job because I'm smart and I'm not lazy, unlike others" will be paid $8.00 an hour to clean up some rich person's sewage, just like everyone else. Welcome to Zimbabwe.....

Wow-typical angry,bitter liberal.

I'm surprised they don't outsource the cleanup and bring in planeloads of slave labor from China & India and Mexico. Or, they can just arrest a new bunch of people, send them to one of the "privatized" prisons, who'll trot out the stoners to works for 10 cents an hour.

But they've got us by the short hairs now. Having fired the teachers and first responders, they've got a good portion of the Middle Class who'll do the Third World Slave Labor Thing.

And, hey, if you get hired fast, you'll still get that extra $20 a week from the payroll tax bailout given to American workers. (C'mon, you didn't think you'd get the trillions in bailout given to the Banks & Corporations, didja?)

I agree completely. $15.00 is too low for that area where costs are very high. $20 - 25.00 an hour is more like it. OSHA should oversee that safety equipment is used in the mold cleanup. The bleach used is as toxic as the mold. Bleach contains DIOXIN!!!

Let's all email Mayor Bloomberg advocating for $25.00 an hour for these 5000 workers!

In community organizing parlance this is called an ACTION!

ACT NOW!

To contact Mayor Bloomberg and advocate for a living wage of at least $25.00 contact him at:

www.nyc.gov/mail/html/mayor.html

To contact the Governor Andrew Cuomo and advocate for a living wage of $25.00 or greater for these 5000 workers email him at:

governor.ny.gov and leave your contact information and message on the official website for the Governor of the Great State of New York.

Anyone who has ties to NY should act today so that the reconsideration of the pitiful wage of $15.00 can begin. The workers will undoubtedly not be unionized as they are temporary. Health insurance is not mandated in NY State. Benefits will be minimal so tht $25.00 is really important to pay any COBRA payments for health insurance. Folks this is something we can do besides donating to the Red Cross which I hope everyone has done for at least $5-10.00.

This is a win-win for our neighbors because through social media we can organize for a better life!

TALK is cheap folks - doing something like sending an email (short and to the point) to the Governor and to the Mayor will help NYC in the long run. Don't buy into the nickel and dime strategy of the middle class. I am not going to and I am much lower than middle class due to physical disability. Working is so important but working for a pittance is debilitating - let's help our fellow workers!

PS I am in no way a socialist for all the yahoo right wing ranters out there.

LANA...

You probably don't even pay your landscaper $8.00 hr. Because it's Federal $$$$$, let's pay $50.00 an hour. Darn some people just need to stay on line shopping.

It beats jail? So I guess what you're saying is the choices are A) Arse-Rape or B) Toxic Blood Poisoning?

Humm...that's a tough one.

I vote for option #3. Don't go to jail and "F" the mess.

Does not seam like much, $ 15 a hour is quite a bit..... I wonder what country is providing the LOAN for this to happen.....

Are they going to make them join a union also. So much for $15 an hour then as the union will rape them for part of that just to pad their pockets then wave them goodbye when the job is done with a smile on their face as they put a new swimming pool in their yards. This is a cluster-@!$%# begging to happen and the tax payers will be on the hook for the lawsuits that follow with the mold and other hazardous waste from this cleanup.

1wizard: Your comment was uninformed and pointless the first time you posted it.

It's not like fine wine; it won't improve with age.

Actually I posted this one first Nevada. But it got placed on the end of this comment instead of where I wanted it to go and did not catch it in time to delete it. If all you have to do all day is go around critisizing others then I pity you.

The 12% of the 47% that are elderly? or how about the 9% that are college students? You mean the 47% that didn't matter to Mitt in the last election but suddenly do matter?

(shakes head)

Let's hope these temp workers can get in there and help out the families that need it the most.

Nah, the 47% are set for life. FREE money and health benefits and don't have to do it anything for it.

Those collecting welfare and do nothing should be recruited to give back to the community. It is the least they could do. After all, it is only temp work.

Really? my elderly mother is part of the 47% (who don't pay federal taxes), However.. last time I checked, she doesn't have "FREE" money or "FREE" health care benefits. She worked for 40 years, paid into SS/Medicare, and is now drawing on it and her pension. Oh wait, she didn't really work 2-3 jobs to earn her way right? Let's follow your example... she shouldn't have to pay sales taxes, gas taxes, property taxes, state payroll taxes, school taxes, or any other taxes.. after all, she is part of the 47%... and didn't do anything for it.

I do agree, those who are collecting welfare should be the ones out helping the community.

sounds great! I remember hearing about "workfare" about ten years ago, but never heard of anyone doing it. every state should enforce it. We would all save on taxes and health benefits.

Your not just going to sit and watch TV and shop at Walmart. Get your butt up and clean the side of the highway, do some housing project work for the poor or edlerly.

Stop complaining. You're obviously used to shoveling.

You do it every time you make a comment.

They are right up there with all of those jobs the Repubicants said would come from lower corporate taxes. Oh wait, they did create more jobs.. in OTHER COUNTRIES.

You haven't been to NYC in a long time. It was very clean when I was there last summer.

People on unemployment will be the first in line to apply. They'll make way more money doing this work than what they get from unemployment.

Agreed, it should go to those from the area first. Since few of them have cars now, they can get to work more easily there than in another area.

What do you mean? 'lets see how many really want a paying job.'? Those who are retired and cannot physically do all of the repairs? Those who may have lost a job when the business was drowned? Those who have been on unemployment for years? Those who are underemployed at the local fast food joint getting barely minimum wage with no benefits? There will be some bums, there always are, in both public or private employment, but it can give both job seekers and storm aid recipients a needed boost.

BTW, if you live close to the affected area, and want to sight see the damage, don't leave untill you find a small local store and buy something there. That is the help that they need the most.

I agree with you for calling out the whining and negative comments. So many of these people sound like the annoying relative at Thanksgiving dinner. I read the comments because sometimes I stumble on someone who offers additional facts and insight, but sure have to wade through a lot of muck to find those.

It does. Make sure you don't have the period at the end of the url link like so:

Many, many union members have volunteered their time and talents to help the affected. Many electricians have even donated equipment to help. Just because YOU haven't heard of it, doesn't mean it hasn't happened.

If you think about it, it makes sense. One, if you HAVE a job, you probably aren't going to be as interested in this. Two, the young are usually the first to be laid off, so they often don't have jobs after layoffs. Three, the young are more likely to be physically fit to do the work. So, the commissioner was really just eliminating the old and employed.

if he is legit(insurance, licensed etc) it is a fair price in California. You can get a hack for 10 but that might cost you a lot more in the long run. let me guess, you thought he should do it for 15 bucks an hour?. how much did you make an hour last time you worked?

Another option is also for you to do it yourself, it is satisfying to achieve a project. but then you will bear the costs of fuel to get the materials, back and forth( you hardly even go just once). I bet you're going to feel like it is wort 65 bucks an hour by the time you're done, and I don't even know the projecct.

It's not "could use the money" for some. Sandy has wiped out their jobs.

We either pay them directly to clean up or we pay them unemployment/food stamps etc. while they "volunteer".

Many of those who will be employed live in the areas affected. Their homes, jobs, neighborhoods have been devastated. They HAVE volunteered, but for more than a day, or two, or even a week. They live there, and can't take time off anymore if they still have a job, and if they don't still have a job, they NEED one. This fills the bill. It has been a MONTH now. Winter is here. Volunteers spend a day, maybe two, and go home to fully functioning homes. Many of these folks have NO functioning homes. Let them get paid to continue doing what many of them HAVE been doing for a month now.

How do you think we got in this mess in the first place?

So all you can do is whine, and not see the good that can come of this. I doubt that if they are directly hiring people to work, that ANYBODY'S 'financial supporters' will do it. They don't need the money. If I understand the idea, it will be people local to that area. So if it is a minority area, yes, it will be minoirites. It might not be only people who lost their jobs because of Sandy, as some work eslewhere, and have to keep their jobs to have any hope of recovery. Just because they may be working doesn't mean they don't need help. It is a good thing.

Pioneers were a hardy bunch, but don't forget that the trails west were lined with graves. Sickness, fatigue, starvation, injuries took a very heavy toll. Not everyone was a pioneer, most stayed east.