Call Center Operator George Manifold Passes from Coronavirus; First GCS Employee to Die from COVID-19

George Manifold, whose job it was to bring transportation services to the sick and disabled, died on April 23rd from the coronavirus. He worked at his operators’ desk at Global Contact Services until April 19th, when he became too ill to work.

Brother Manifold had three and half years with the company, a long tenure in a job environment where most operators last less than a year. GCS workers are not MTA employees, but they dispatch Access-A-Ride vans which are coordinated through the MTA. Local 100 organized the shop four years ago and won important job protections including the right to challenge disciplinary actions.

“He was a great worker,” said his union rep, Division Chair Sandra Lennon. “He never had any problems or write-ups until he got an infection in his leg and was hospitalized. Due to being hospitalized, he couldn’t report to work. He was terminated.”

Appealing the termination on December 18th of 2018, Sister Lennon fought the charges and the hearing officer ruled in the union’s favor. Brother Manifold returned to work in January of 2019.

Brother Manifold leaves five children, five grandchildren, and a wife to mourn.