Important Update On New Legislation Impacting Those Affected By The COVID-19 Pandemic & Teamsters Local 727’s Fight For Its Members
Over the weekend, the House passed legislation (Families First Coronavirus Response Act, H.R. 6201) in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Some of the key provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act impacting workers includes: 1) requiring employers to give paid sick leave in addition to what employers currently provide for those directly affected by COVID-19, and/or family members with COVID-19, if the employee has or is suspected to have COVID-19 (coronavirus); 2) requiring employers to grant 12 weeks of job-protected paid Family and Medical Leave Act Leave (the first two weeks of which could be unpaid) for employees to: respond to quarantine requirements, to care for family members responding to quarantine requirements, and to care for a child who’s school has been closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. As written the Families First Coronavirus Response Act currently excludes employers with more than 500 employees.
Luckily, many large companies have taken the actions called for in the new legislation on their own. For example, clothing companies like Anthropologie and Lululemon have closed their stores throughout North America but have committed to paying their employees. Similarly, companies of all sizes in the Chicagoland area are finding ways to pay employees as schools, restaurants, and bars have closed.
Teamsters Local 727 will continue to demand that employers of all 727 members put families and their workers first to insure no member goes without pay during this time.
“In the face of a global pandemic and national crisis, no one should worry about feeding their family or paying their bills,” said John Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727.
Additionally, the Union demands that all members receive sick leave without penalty if a member or his family member is sick or suspected of being sick.
“Now is the time companies must put people over profit,” said Coli.
Last week, every Business Agent employed by Local 727 sent each employer in the Local an email asking for their plan for sick leave and response to COVID-19.
As employers respond and legislation develops, Teamsters Local 727 will keep members updated. If you have any questions, please contact your business agent at (847) 696-7500.
Nothing in this post should be read as the Union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or application law. The Union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Category: Union News
