From the AFL-CIO: COVID-19 Pandemic Daily Brief, March 30, 2020
The labor movement continues to lead the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can look at your inbox for this daily brief from the AFL-CIO. |
Statement from the President |
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America’s workers are at the front line of the coronavirus pandemic, making sure we have the necessary services our society needs during this crisis. Starting today, thousands of nonunion employees and gig workers are walking off the job to demand safety protections, better pay and commonsense benefits. Workers at companies like Amazon and Instacart are taking widespread collective action to highlight their need for safer work environments in the midst of this pandemic. The services these workers provide are in greater demand than ever before, and they are leveraging their combined power to require their employers to take action. As working people demand dignity on the job, the AFL-CIO and our affiliate unions will support them. |
TSA Workers Win New Workplace Protections |
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AFGE, which represents nearly 46,000 transportation security officers (TSOs) nationwide, says the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has finally listened to its demands for increased safety protocols to protect officers and the flying public by updating the agency’s policy to allow N95 masks for employees. “We’ve had meetings, made phone calls, and sent emails almost daily urging TSA management to provide N95 masks and other protective equipment for our officers,” said AFGE TSA Council 100 President Hydrick Thomas. “Our efforts have finally paid off and now TSOs can serve the public without fear of infecting themselves or passengers.” AFGE National President Everett Kelley added, “Thanks to our union’s persistence, these public servants now have the proper preventive measures they need to keep themselves safe on the job.” |
State Employees Help Those Out of Work File for Unemployment Insurance |
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State employees like Maria Oritz-Huey, a workforce services representative in Nevada and an AFSCME Local 4041 member, are stepping up to help those who recently lost their jobs. “We get so many calls each day, but we are helping people one by one, and I'm particularly able to help Spanish speakers. It’s 12-hour days, but so many people have suddenly found themselves needing support right now, and we are here to help,” Ortiz-Huey said. |
ATU Mourns Passing of Shop Steward |
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Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1576 shop steward Scott Ryan passed away from complications arising from a coronavirus infection. Less than a month ago, Ryan warned his fellow ATU members that they were at high risk of contracting the virus. ATU International President John Costa said, “While we mourn the death of our brother, transit workers should be ranked alongside police, firefighters, health care workers and other essential public employees, who are continuously asked to risk their lives on the job to help and protect our communities through this pandemic.” |
IUPAT Members Donate Respirators to Johns Hopkins |
Members of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) union in Maryland donated 10 powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) to Johns Hopkins University over the weekend. PAPRs are used by workers in the building trades to protect their respiratory function while painting, insulating, and removing asbestos and lead. But they also can be used to shield health care workers treating patients infected with the coronavirus. |
UAW President Shares Message of Condolence and Concern |
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UAW President Rory Gamble has shared a message of condolence and concern following the tragic loss of several UAW members. Gamble said: “Our prayers and support go out to their families and communities. I also want to extend, on behalf of the entire International Executive Board, our gratitude and concern for our members and all the brave men and women who are serving on the front lines of this crisis to keep all of us safe. We pray for your well-being and safety.” |
COVID-19 in Numbers |
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From Johns Hopkins University (as of publication time):
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Headlines |
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