CT Legislators Take a 'Stand for Dignity' with Essential Workers at the Capitol, Call for Increased protections

June 4, 2020

HARTFORD, Conn. - Legislators from the General Assembly and frontline workers took a “Stand for Dignity” on Thursday to demand respect for workers who have risked their lives during the COVID-19 crisis. They joined together and called for increased protections for frontline workers, who continue to deliver essential services and provide care for the people of Connecticut.

"I stand with these workers in recognition of their humanity and to raise my voice in support of the resources and the dignity they unequivocally deserve," said Labor Committee Co-chair Robyn Porter (D-New Haven and Hamden). "We need a workers' compensation presumption and we need to guarantee hazard pay because referring to those on the front lines as ‘essential’ does not mean they are sacrificial. I commit myself to fighting on their behalf because these people, our neighbors, deserve these reforms and so much more."

“When we get past the heart-shaped signs and start talking about who essential workers are, we see a diverse group of residents, disproportionately Black and Brown, who’s labor has long been exploited by those in charge,” said Co-chair of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Brandon McGee (D-Hartford and Windsor). “What these workers are asking for is recognition and a helping hand at a time when we have asked them to carry our state through a public health emergency unlike one we’ve seen in a century. For too long their voices have fallen on deaf ears and now is the time we must act.”

Essential workers that deliver a variety of services in Connecticut, from childcare to in home care, shared their experiences during COVID-19 and made calls for increased PPE distribution and access for all essential workers; Paid sick leave for all essential workers; the passage of a Presumptive Worker’s Compensation law; No cost COVID-19 testing and treatment for all essential workers; and hazard pay.

"Like many Childcare Providers, I have kept my doors open during the pandemic,” said Queen Freelove, a home-based family childcare provider from New Haven and also president of CSEA SEIU LOCAL 2001’s Childcare Council. “We are teaching and caring for children so that essential workers can do what they need to during this time of need.  That's just one of the many reasons we need to make sure that Childcare Providers have the resources we need to keep our doors open.  We know that what we do ensures that frontline workers can continue to provide critical services. And remember, if we don’t have essential workers we wouldn’t have stores open or hospitals running.  Childcare Providers are an important part of the response to the pandemic, the reopening, and our recovery.” 

“I worked at McDonald’s for 26 years and never was given any paid sick days, never was offered good medical insurance,” said Mario Franco, who worked at the Darien northbound service plaza. “I lost my job with the arrival of the coronavirus, but I know from my co-workers that they work in fear. Several workers have gotten sick. They need better working conditions, for themselves and for everyone who visits the service plazas.”  

“I am a state worker at Southbury Training School, a facility that cares for the state’s most vulnerable adults with physical and intellectual disabilities,” said Lenese Robinson, developmental services worker with 27 years of state service. “Located only minutes away from the New York borderline, three of my co-workers have passed away due to COVID-19 complications. Infected workers have also spread the virus to their loved ones, only to see them deteriorate and pay the ultimate price. Sadly, we’ve hardly had the ability or time to grieve their loss. But my fellow caregivers and I keep showing up to work, even while feeling threatened by a deadly virus. Frontline workers need support. We need to be heard and we need to be protected so we can keep providing care where it’s needed most.” 

“The pandemic has also put a spotlight on the fact that some of us are safer than others, that some individuals are protected by the system in America,” said PCA Claire Martin from Middletown. "Others are overlooked or put to the side. In fields that are predominantly black and brown workers like in Home care, we see a statewide system that makes Home care workers the last priority. It is not a coincidence. It is not a coincidence that black and brown workers die at a disproportionately higher rate than white workers. It is not a coincidence that black and brown workers are more likely to die in our society, not just from COVID-19, but in the form of police brutality, lack of healthcare, and the inaction from those at the top."

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