We need enforceable safety standards

As states across the country begin to reopen, millions now must go back to work without proper personal protective equipment (PPE). They have a decision to make: Risk losing a paycheck, or risk infecting themselves and their loved ones? Since the COVID-19 crisis began, the AFL-CIO has called on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue an emergency temporary standard to protect all workers from infectious diseases. Time and time again, OSHA and the Department of Labor have said there is enough guidance out there for workers already. But we know guidance is not enforceable. Thousands of essential workers have been exposed to the coronavirus while on the job. Unfortunately, many have died. These numbers will increase as the economy reopens. It is beyond urgent that action is taken to protect the workers who are holding our country together. If America's workers aren't safe, no one is safe

Rick Moyle

Executive Director

Hawkeye Area Labor Council