Robert Shapiro, Arborist, West Village, NY
From the NY Post Article: “Meet the New Yorkers who lost their jobs because of coronavirus“
Shapiro was making $200 a day for Branching Out Tree Services, a city subcontractor. He is also an animal rescuer and state-licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
“For six years, I was supervising construction crews that were doing construction around trees to prevent tree damage, and scoping out suitable places for spring tree planting, all for the city Department of Design and Construction. When that job ended recently, there was just no work for me, and I can’t get another job.
“Now my job each day is trying to get unemployment benefits. I try every f–king day — quote me! When I call, the voice system tells me I’ve completed my application. Then it says hold for an agent. Then it says no agents are available, call back tomorrow. And then, click. It doesn’t give you any information, any place to go.
“Every single day. I call different times of day, no difference. Online it’s the same thing. It just crashes. I have a small cushion to last a while. I’m cutting corners.”