MontCo workers’ union demands bargaining over COVID effects

UFCW 1994 MCGEO on Tuesday issued an 11-point set of COVID-19-related demands to Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer Andrew Kleine. The union represents more than 9,000 county workers. “As a result of the declaration of emergency at the federal, state and local level in response to the containment of the spread of COVID-19 and the need to engage in social distancing, UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO hereby demands bargaining to enhance the safety of our members,” wrote Local 1994 president Gino Renne. The demands, covering everything from which bargaining unit positions/members will be classified as essential personnel, to effects of COVID-19 on the workforce, expanded paid leave and demands that the county provide all employees with high-quality gloves, hand-sanitizing stations, and other necessary protective equipment. “We look forward to working together to get through this public health crisis while continuing to serve the people of Montgomery County,” Renne said.

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