28 Apr Protect Workers from COVID-19: Workers’ Memorial Day 2020
This year, Workers Memorial Day is a bit different than in previous years. We are not gathered together in person at union halls, government buildings, worksites or memorials, but we are gathered together as a community to remember our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives, and to fight for safe workplaces and good jobs for all workers.
At the forefront of this Workers Memorial Day is the COVID-19 pandemicโa major crisis for working people, our families, our country and the world. Each of our communities is struggling in different ways, but it is more important now than ever for the labor movement to commemorate those we have lost on the job, renew our fight for stronger safety and health protections, and highlight the need to speak up for workersโ rights.
Today we are fighting for protections against COVID-19โAmericaโs workers are at the front line of the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 is surging through our nation. Hundreds of thousands of individuals already have been infected, and tens of thousands have died in the United States. Every state has implemented social distancing policies and encouraged those who can work from home to do so.
However, there are many essential workers who have to go into work to keep the rest of our essential services running. These workers on the front lines have been left without adequate protections to do their jobs safelyโand are getting sick and dying.
BCTGM members in food manufacturing and distribution are considered essential and are bravely going out to do their jobs every day, making sure America has the food they need. Other workers across America are also working hard to make sure we have the necessary services our society needs during this crisis, including health care, utilities, transportation, food and more.
All Working People Deserve Protections from COVID-19
Emergency temporary standards for infectious diseases would require employers to develop and implement an infection control plan to protect workers from COVID-19 and future infectious diseases.
Enforceable OSHA and MSHA standards are necessary to prevent exposure to COVID-19 and keep Americaโs workers safe and on the job. Keeping essential workers safe during this crisis keeps us all safe.
The U.S. House of Representatives just introduced a bill, H.R. 6559, that would require OSHA to issue this standard.