Dear friends and allies,

For the past few months, we have fought and won many protections for our workers and families. As Massachusetts looks to its third phase reopening, we must remember that our fight has just begun. 

We celebrate the victories you’ve made possible, such as the eviction moratorium and cancellation of Single Sales Factor tax breaks. However, we have a long road ahead of us to ensure a just recovery for all our communities. Housing instability, lack of PPE for essential workers and unplanned schools, and child care reopening, continue to loom above us as our communities deal with the severe health and emotional impacts of COVID-19. We must not forget that it was our relentless efforts that brought us closer to our recent victories and that we must continue taking action to support those who fight on the frontlines of this crisis and those who are most at risk of being left behind. We hope you will support our and our partners’ work, and continue the fight. 

You can help us continue the fight by sharing our Facebook posts and by following and retweeting us on Twitter. You can also receive regular updates from CLU by registering on our website. 

The closure of child care programs across the state has had significant impacts on the lives of families and child care providers alike. In order to work or pursue education or training opportunities, families need child care and may have to or want to change their care arrangements due to the pandemic.

Are you looking for child care that is both affordable and respects the rights of workers? This resource toolkit is for you. We have compiled the following resources for families who are looking for child care that also uplifts the caregivers in our communities. This also includes information for parents about returning to child care. Click here to view the toolkit. 

Tell the Senate: Fund reduced-fare pass for low-income riders

The inequities exposed by COVID-19 pandemic in communities of color cannot be ignored. Our communities continue to see higher rates of infection than any other area in the State. Despite the risks, our frontline workers have no other choice than to commute to work and run essential errands using public transit. The economic impact of COVID-19 has exacerbated our financial burdens, and we demand that our Senators take action NOW, to ensure the safety, affordability and accessibility of the MBTA. We urge you to write to the Senate President Karen Spilka, senators on the Ways and Means Committee and Joint Committee on Transportation to fund progressive measures related to the Low-Income Fare program, with a focus on equity and affordability.

Invest in Our Recovery! Join Raise Up Massachusetts for a regional launch

To fight COVID-19, relieve the economic damage it is causing for workers, families, and businesses, and tackle racial inequalities, we need a government response that rises to the needs of our communities, which are greater than ever. As Massachusetts responds to the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant state revenue shortfall, we must not default to severe budget cuts that would only worsen the effects of this downturn, impair our economy’s recovery, and further harm the people and communities who are already disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially people of color, immigrants, and low-income communities.

The Invest in Our Recovery campaign, led by the Raise Up Massachusetts coalition, is launching this call to action all across the commonwealth. Join Raise Up Massachusetts at one of the following launch events:

• 

Wednesday, July 15 at Noon 
  • Nubian Square
  • https://actionnetwork.org/events/roxbury
• 
Wednesday, July 15 at 6 p.m.


  • Revere Beach Bandstand
  • 
https://actionnetwork.org/events/revere-launch
• Thursday, July 16 at Noon

  • Lynn City Hall
  • https://actionnetwork.org/events/lynn-launch

Stop and Shop: Put workers before profit

Stop & Shop has a duty to preserve the health and well-being of its workers across New England! Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, grocery workers across the country have been at the forefront of the rapidly growing national health emergency. Given the fact that these workers are exposed to thousands of customers a day, work extended hours to ensure a clean environment for patrons, and risk their own health and safety to provide for clientele, they deserve a higher wage as long as this global emergency continues. Sign this message to demand Stop & Shop to not put profits before its workers and to extend the hazard pay increase until the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

Help win the guaranteed Housing Stability Act 

HD.5166 in the Massachusetts State House will stop unjust evictions and foreclosures due to COVID-related debt, prevent rent hikes and no-fault evictions as we recover from COVID-19, and help establish a Housing Stability & Recovery Fund to relieve small owners. Click here to contact your legislator and learn more.

Thank you for reading and have a safe weekend!

In Solidarity,
Community Labor United