Union Family:
AFSCME members continue to show what they’re made of in the middle of a national emergency.
Congress is beginning to step up, but more needs to be done to fund the front lines, providing resources to meet the overwhelming demand for our services during the coronavirus pandemic.
But the president of the United States is too busy congratulating himself to help us. He has the authority to direct industry to start producing protective equipment we need at this life-or-death moment. But he’s sitting on his hands instead.
Write the White House now and tell the president to activate the Defense Production Act.
There are nurses in New York City wearing garbage bags – garbage bags! – because they don’t have protective gear. We’ve got park attendants in Michigan forced to clean bathrooms without the proper equipment. Corrections officers, child care providers and others are exposed, too. Equipment shortages also mean that front-line workers don’t have clear and trusted guidance, based on science, about how to do their work at this dangerous moment.
The relief bill that AFSCME fought for and Congress passed in recent days will help fill some of the gaps. It makes a down payment of $150 billion in direct assistance to help state and local governments address the pandemic. It includes increases in unemployment insurance to cushion the blow of mass layoffs. There really is a lot for public service workers to like in this bill – and that’s why we fought so hard to improve and pass it.
But so much more help is still needed. President Trump has the power to keep us safe. First, he can direct OSHA to issue a temporary safety standard to protect health care workers. But he won’t do it.
The Defense Production Act empowers the president to direct businesses to accelerate the manufacturing of N95 respirators, ventilators, masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment. But he isn’t doing that, either.
This is morally reprehensible. This pandemic is ravaging our communities … and the president is apparently doing the bidding of wealthy corporations that don’t want to pitch in. Mr. President, if you want to be a war-time president, act like a war-time leader.
Public service workers are answering the call and doing what we do best: putting our communities first. It’s a disgrace that the president seems to be putting the business lobby first.
Flood the White House mailbox – tell the president to honor your work in public service by getting you the equipment you need.
Thank you for everything. For your courage and sacrifice. For doing the most when the stakes are highest. We will get through this together.
In solidarity,
Lee Saunders
AFSCME President
Elissa McBride
AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer
