Federal Government Must Assist Front-Line Public Service Workers in Coronavirus Response

WASHINGTON — Today AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued the following statement calling on the Trump administration and Congress to ensure that the full resources of the federal government are made available to assist front-line state, local and municipal public service workers so our communities are prepared to combat the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):

“Nothing matters more to public service workers than the health and safety of their communities. During times of uncertainty and anxiety, they step up to meet the challenge. But especially at moments like these, they need the tools and resources to do their jobs effectively. As the coronavirus threat increases, I urge the Trump administration and Congress to provide state and local governments with the funding necessary to protect both public service workers and the general public.” 

“Public service workers – including first responders, health care workers, education, home care and child care as well as public safety workers – deserve this basic assurance: that when they put themselves in harm’s way, their leaders have their backs.”