Statement from Area Labor Federation President Dan Maloney and Staff

Today, in the midst of the Covid-19 outbreak, we are living through a new and rapidly changing moment. The outbreak at this point has spread rapidly throughout New York State and is spreading in other parts of the country. We know that this has already had major impacts on the health, well-being and livelihoods of many in our community.

On March 18th, we participated in a nationwide conference call with President Trumka and other leadership of the National AFL-CIO. From this call, National, State, and Regional Labor organizations with the AFL-CIO were called upon to help our affiliate unions and the broader population deal with the difficult health, safety and economic consequences of the spread of Covid-19. Working closely with our partners in the United Way of Greater Rochester, we will circulate information and announcements for material support to those in need. For those who are at lower-risk, we will share opportunities to volunteer to help keep these vital services operating.

We will also join with State and National AFL-CIO leadership in pushing for emergency economic aid for the expanding number of people in need. Paid sick and family leave and emergency extensions to unemployment are critical first steps to ensure that this health crisis doesn’t lead to a massive economic crisis among millions of working people as the economy slows.

In our mission to protect the well-being of working people, we must acknowledge the critical role being played by frontline workers. Without the critical work of health care providers, EMT’s and ambulance workers, grocery store workers, restaurant workers, firefighters, police, nursing home workers, postal workers, app-based service workers, utilities workers and many more this crisis would be impossible to handle. Many of these workers have been fighting for years against poverty wages and poor working conditions.

After this crisis passes, and it will pass, we hope that everyone will remember just how critical these people have been to our collective well-being. We also see clearly the economic impacts caused by a drastic slow-down in so-called non-essential work. The impacts of both essential and “non-essential” working people are clear reminders of the power that working people truly have in our world, a power we should also remember as this crisis passes.

Finally, we know that many people are scared. Mass fear doesn’t help any of us weather the storm. We need to take proper precautions to slow the spread of this virus. We need to stay responsible for the sake of our neighbors and families. This crisis, like many before it, will pass. Solidarity with one another, as always, will make it pass easier.

Please follow the Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation and the United Way of Greater Rochester on facebook for on-going information. We will also send out special Mobilizers with critical announcements as necessary.