DNC Chair and former Secretary of Labor Tom Perez, DNC Vice Chair and Vice President for UNITE HERE International Union Maria Elena Durazo, Chair of the DNC Labor Council and President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Stuart Appelbaum released the following statement on May Day:

“American workers are in crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the lives of millions and thrown our economy into chaos. In times like these, we need a president with the experience and compassion to lead us forward. Instead, we’ve got Donald Trump. Trump’s disastrous response to this pandemic has cost workers their jobs, their savings, and even their lives. Over 30 million workers have now filed unemployment claims, and many workers who haven’t been laid off face risks to their health every day. The United Food and Commercial Workers International recently announced that more than 5,000 of their workers have been directly affected by COVID-19, and more than 70 have died. And yet, President Trump issued an executive order that would keep meat plants open and continue to put workers in danger – all without doing enough to secure more personal protective equipment or access to testing. These frontline workers, many of whom are from communities of color, are bearing the brunt of Trump’s incompetence. 

“While Trump focuses on his own PR, Democrats are fighting for workers every single day. That’s why congressional Democrats strengthened legislation to support small businesses and protect the health of workers. It’s well past time for the president and Republicans in Congress to join Democrats in bolstering safety protections for frontline workers regardless of their status, authorizing hazard pay for essential workers who are the true heroes of this crisis, lifting up unions who are fighting tirelessly for the well-being of their members, and giving working families the financial relief they deserve. Today and every day, we stand shoulder to shoulder with working people in America and around the world who are striving for a brighter future for themselves and their families. Because we know these fights aren’t just about dollars. They’re about dignity.”

This statement is co-signed by:

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers

Christopher M. Shelton, President of the Communications Workers of America

Yanira Merino, President of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement

Lily Eskelsen García, President of the National Education Association

Marc Perrone, President of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union