Cut NIOSH Workers Hold Morgantown Rally In Solidarity With DC Protest

Rain and cold could not dampen the convictions of scientists and workers who stood with handmade signs in front of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health offices in Morgantown Thursday.

The demonstration was in conjunction with and to show support for a simultaneous American Federation of Government Employees union rally in front of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services headquarters, calling for Sec. Robert F. Kennedy to restore all jobs and programs cut.

Almost all of the 250 employees working at the Morgantown office had their jobs cut in April, before about 100 were reinstated last week to comply with a court order.

Cathy Tinney-Zara, president of the local union that represents NIOSH workers, said the rest of the staff just want to get back to their jobs.

“People do not get into public health unless they have a passion for it, they realize the importance of it, and they know they can make lives better,” Tinney-Zara said. “It’s worth it to be out here. It’s a rainy, cool, cold day, but we’re here to show that we are still out of work.”

Without further intervention, the remaining NIOSH workers will be formally terminated on June 2. The rationale used to justify the cuts at NIOSH is to cut wasteful government spending and save taxpayer money. But Tinney-Zara said NIOSH’s research into labor safety ultimately saves the country more than the cuts ever will.

“If we can keep workers healthier and safer, then they may not have to file for Social Security, disability,” Tinney-Zara said. “The employers will be able to possibly reduce the cost of workers compensation if we can prevent some of the claims by keeping workers healthier and safer, and employers and employees can reduce the cost of health care by having less injuries and healthy workers.”

Sen. Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia, came out to show his solidarity with the workers in Morgantown, and all workers who are protected by NIOSH’s work.

“NIOSH is really the place in the United States of America that protects our workers, and it’s everything from the helmet to the respirator to the steel toe boots and everything in between,” he said.

Oliverio said nowhere else in the country performs the function that NIOSH performs in Morgantown, and more care needs to be taken cutting important programs.

“It’s a function mandated by Congress, and I understand that our federal government is spending far more than they’re bringing in, and that cuts need to be made,” Oliverio said. “I understand that, but I think we have to be very careful cutting areas that are mandated by Congress and that are life and health types of situations.”

Erik Sinsel worked as a computer scientist at NIOSH, researching the health effects of particulate inhalation in workers. He said laid off employees are still trying to raise awareness for the importance of their work.

“We work behind the scenes, and anybody who’s worn an N-95 mask, or if they’re a construction worker, a nurse, a firefighter, a roofer, or they know someone who is, they’re being directly helped by NIOSH,” he said.

Sinsel said workers remain hopeful that a full reinstatement will happen because otherwise, learning about work hazards for all Americans stops. 

“Our optimism wanes a little bit every day, but we’re hopeful,” he said. “We thought maybe if we raised awareness in HHS and in Washington, we’re hoping that that pressure helps. But at this point, it may come down to legal action. There’s things in the courts right now, but the more that people are aware, the more that people call and email. It helps us.”