UFCW Local 400, the union representing thousands of grocery workers at Giant and Safeway stores in the District, yesterday applauded DC Mayor Muriel Bowser for her decision to issue an executive order mandating additional measures to protect the health and safety of grocery workers and customers in D.C. stores.
But the union called the order a first step, and said more must be done. “This is not a time for broad, vague measures,” said Local 400 president Mark Federici. “We need specific, enforceable mandates to ensure everyone’s safety.” The union is demanding testing for every grocery worker so they can make an informed choice before coming to work. “Without adequate testing, there is no way to know who is infectious until it’s too late,” said Federici, who renewed the union’s call for Mayor Bowser and every state governor to declare all grocery store, pharmacy, and food processing workers as ‘first responders,’ making them eligible for free coverage for all coronavirus treatments and tests, “as well as the treatment and personal protective equipment they need to stay safe on the job while they continue to serve our communities,” said Federici. In today’s labor history, on this date in 2006, tens of thousands of immigrants demonstrated in 100 U.S. cities in a national day of action billed as a campaign for immigrants’ dignity. Some 200,000 gathered here in Washington, D.C. Today’s labor quote is by Dolores Huerta, born on this date in 1930. Along with Cesar Chavez, she co-founded the United Farm Workers. Dolores Huerta, who said: "Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world." Union City Radio is supported by our friends at Union Plus. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, many families are being hit with increased financial burdens. For those struggling with their credit, the Union Plus Credit Counseling program is still operating online and over the phone. Visit unionplus.org/creditcounseling to find out more.
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