The union representing thousands of union workers in area grocery stores and food processing facilities on Friday called for states to declare all grocery store, pharmacy, and food processing workers as ‘first responders.’  
“We are calling on Governor Hogan and every state to declare all grocery store, pharmacy, and food processing workers as ‘first responders,’” said UFCW Local 400 President Mark Federici, “so they may also be eligible to get free coverage for all coronavirus treatments and tests, as well as the medicines and personal protective equipment they need to stay safe on the job while they continue to serve our communities.”
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Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on Friday signed an order to classify all “food distributors and suppliers” as “essential persons,” making them eligible for access to free child care services during the COVID-19 crisis. Federici hailed the move as “a crucial first step to addressing the needs of our members.”

UFCW has launched an online action targeting governors of all states as well as the mayor of Washington, D.C.

See also: Local Grocery Store Workers Have Gone From A Near-Strike To The Pandemic’s Frontlines (WAMU) Jenny Gathright / WAMU

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