Hannah Bollinger

• Researched temp workers in the Buffalo area and the issues affecting them in the workplace, including health and safety concerns. Interviewed workers, advocates and local experts on the issues.
• Compared local experiences of temp workers with national trends and data and compiled into a report.
• Conducted outreach and tabled at a number of community events to raise awareness about workers’ rights and services provided by WNYCOSH.
• Participated and documented demonstrations against poor working conditions and anti-union activities at local companies.

“Outreach entails setting up a table at festivals, town hubs, and churches and providing information about our organization. For the most part, people walk by and smile politely. Yet, the occasional drifter will walk by, greet us, and say, “Oh, I had that problem on the job.” Listening and engaging with others has showed me that everyone has something to add, it’s just a matter of recognizing that talent. Moments like these have added the most value to my summer and have added another dimension to my conceptualization of value and assets. Buffalo’s greatest asset are the people that make the city run. When I commute to work, I see the faces of everyone that puts the city in action. When I walk downtown, I pass by Assemblyman Ryan and the speaker I heard at an event the night before. My values and understanding of assets will always be fluid, but thinking about the people, about our assets and what we, as assets, can do for each other generates a new discussion I look forward to exploring the next half of this summer,”

-–From Hannah’s Reflection Journal

“Hannah has been a wonderful addition to our office this summer. Her project on temporary workers in Buffalo will be very helpful for our work in the future, and her questions and thoughts on workplace issues have brought a great new perspective. We're going to miss her enthusiasm and willingness to help with all of the things that we do!”

--Susanne Donovan, WNYCOSH Worker Center Coordinator