During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here's today's story.
The United Steelworkers (USW) union is backing the Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus plan for safely reopening the state’s economy as Michigan continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. The Workers First Reopening Plan, a package of 11 bills, includes measures such as expanded paid sick leave and workers’ compensation, extended hazard pay for front-line workers, strict health and safety standards, scheduling policies, mental health assistance, and safeguards against retaliation against workers.
“This plan ensures that the reopening of our economy prioritizes the safety of workers, families and communities over the profits of corporations,” said Michael Bolton, director of USW District 2, which represents tens of thousands of workers in Michigan and Wisconsin. “We all want to go back to work, but we can’t do so at the expense of the very people we need to ensure that our economy can function.”