Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Alaska AFL-CIO, led by President Joelle Hall (UFCW), condemned Gov. Mike Dunleavy's decision to reject federal funds for unemployment insurance, calling the action "a recipe for disaster." Hall cited experts who reject the governor's claim that the benefits are stopping people from returning to work. "The record is clear," Hall said. "There is no proof that these benefits are contributing to a worker shortage. Instead, lack of jobs that feed a family, limited access to child care and a concern for exposure in the workplace are trapping would-be workers in a cycle of concern for their families and health and the heavy hand of government denying benefits they have paid for and to which they are entitled."