I understand these are extremely stressful times for workers who are essential and are risking their health on a daily basis. Whether you are a UPS or Freight employee making sure vital items are getting to the public, a law enforcement officer protecting citizens, SNS or bus driver serving meals to children, working in manufacturing, or one of the thousands of our members performing what the government considers essential work, you are getting the job done while under tremendous stress.

What we have learned from this ordeal is that employers across the country have failed to prepare for this crisis and we have to work together to hold them accountable. Like you we have been outraged by the lack of personal protective equipment provided by employers. It is unconscionable to hear that some employers still are not providing the necessary hand sanitizer and gloves to keep you safe. I’d like to thank our Shop Stewards, Officers and Agents who are working together to force employers to provide the necessary personal protective equipment. 

Now is the time labor unions are needed more than ever. Now is the time for us all to work together to make our local union stronger. We need your help. Solidarity for better wages, health insurance, and a good pension is important but solidarity for your health and safety is paramount. We must stand together against these employers who are not providing the necessary personal protective equipment to keep our members safe. 

I’m asking each member to work with your Steward and your Agent to identify safety concerns and develop a strategy to address these concerns. 

I commit to you that your local union will be working with you. 

We can only get through this together.

In solidarity, 

Mike