Hi John,
This past Thursday, Senate Republicans and their pal Joe Manchin voted to deny rail workers paid sick leave. I am heartbroken, angry, and disgusted. I want to write you a message about how we got here and what happens next.
Earlier this week, I submitted an amendment to the Rules Committee to add 7 days of paid sick leave in a bill attached to the contract legislation between rail workers and the railways — the effort was successful in the House but didn't get the votes in the Senate.
Senate Republicans and conservative Democrats used their power to deny rail workers paid sick leave. This decision meant feeding into predatory rail companies' decisions to ruthlessly cut jobs and overwork their remaining employees — all while they continue to make an obscene amount of money.
But that doesn't mean we should let up the pressure on those who have the power to make a change. We must continue to call on President Biden to use his executive authority to right this wrong.
In moments like these, I refuse to be deterred. I will not stop fighting for workers' rights until every worker receives the federal and legislative support they not only deserve, but have worked so hard for. If you stand with me, please donate to support our collective efforts in Congress and keep up the fight against those who are doing everything to stop us.
President Biden and Congress should not have the power to interfere in contract disputes and impose terms to stop a rail strike. This violates workers' rights and undermines the bargaining process, leaving us in the situation we're in today.
If the Democratic party fails to stand up for workers and in turn tolerate corporate greed, we will not be able to stop fascists in the Republican party from destroying our country and our planet. As elected officials, as unions, as grassroots organizers, we must be ready to fight for our values at any moment.
Today, and every day moving forward, my focus will be on standing up and speaking out against injustices imposed on working people across the country — no matter how much pushback I get in Congress.
But I'm only able to do that with your support and faith in this movement. We need to up our collective game. And I know we will. John, will you stand with me as I and progressive leaders work to win back the trust of working people? If so, please support our movement with a contribution of $3 or anything you're able to give to help keep up this work.
Peace and love,
Jamaal Bowman
