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Local and National News
Coronavirus Update: Resources to help everyone
Our Union is closely monitoring the global health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Working with other unions, public health officials and other experts in our Safety and Health Department, the Union is focused on providing Local Unions and staff with the most up-to-date information and resources to help everyone in this difficult time. Many Teamster members across multiple industries are seeing the effects of the widespread transmission of the disease caused by the virus, COVID-19. Click the image above left to access the latest information. Listen to a March 20 special episode of Teamster Nation Podcast addressing the coronavirus outbreak, where Teamster staff lets members know what they are doing to help members stem both illness and economic loss, and more.
Gov. Hogan announces closure of non-essential businesses
Mar. 23, 2020 | Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Monday he was ordering closed all non-essential businesses in the state, including retail stores that had been allowed to remain open. Hogan said the additional step was necessary to “slow the spread of COVID-19 in Maryland.” The order, which takes effect at 5 p.m. today, does not include essential or critical industries as defined by the federal government: health care, law enforcement, emergency workers, food, energy, water, transportation, public works, communications, government, critical manufacturing, financial services, chemicals and defense. Liquor stores are exempted from the order… Baltimore SunAmerican Red Cross in Need of Blood Donors
Mar. 19, 2020 | Teamsters members are critical to health care, working in hospitals, nursing homes and health care facilities, including the American Red Cross, where over 1,300 Teamsters are employed. As blood drive cancellations increase due to coronavirus concerns, healthy individuals are needed to give blood or platelets to help patients in need. The American Red Cross has reported that tens of thousands of much-need blood donations have gone uncollected as organizations and businesses that hold blood drives have temporarily closed during this pandemic… TeamstersMaryland to extend temporary UI benefits during coronavirus pandemic
Mar. 18, 2020 | Maryland’s Senate passed emergency legislation Monday to extend temporary unemployment insurance (UI) benefits to employees who will lose their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic. The benefits will be extended to workers who have to be quarantined or whose employers temporarily close, and also makes people eligible for benefits when they have to leave their jobs due to the risk of exposure or to care for an infected family member… Baltimore Sun Related: The DC City Council passed legislation providing relief for DC residents and workers. Read the summary here.Older news items can be viewed at 888 News.
Elsewhere in The News
• Message from Airline Division Director
• Message from Carhaul Division Director
• Message from Express Division Director
• Update from National Freight Division Director
• Message from Health Care Division Director
• Message from Public Services Division Director
• Message from Dairy and Food Processing Director
• Message from Convention, Trade Show & Casino Director
• Message from Bakery & Laundry Conference Director
• Message from Graphic Communications Conference Director
• Message from Waste & Recycling Division Director
• Message from Motion Picture & Theatrical Trades Director
• Union wants stimulus bill to address safety for all workers
• Teamster HC workers in Michigan fight for, win protective equipment
• UPS takes steps to slow spread of virus, reaches sick leave deal with Teamsters
Mar. 24, 2020 | SAFETY & HEALTH | As the coronavirus pandemic spreads across the U.S., more people are relying on the mail and delivery services to provide them food, medicine, and household items. At a time people are social distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19, could you contract the virus from deliveries to your home? And are steps being taken to protect the U.S. Postal Service and shipping carrier employees who are staffing massive warehouses and making those deliveries? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have each concluded the risk of contracting the coronavirus from mail or packages is low. The CDC said coronaviruses generally spread through respiratory droplets… Transport Topics
Mar. 23, 2020 | SAFETY & HEALTH | Grocery-store workers in Vermont and Minnesota will shortly be classified as emergency employees, Mother Jones reported on Thursday. They’ll occupy the same tier, legally, as first responders, and will be eligible for benefits they currently lack, including child care. The move recognizes the role that cashiers, stockers, and others play by maintaining the nation’s access to food. With the novel coronavirus stoking panic and now driving people indoors, grocery-store workers have endured long hours and angry hoarders… NY Magazine
• IRS extends tax return deadline to July 15
• Maryland income tax deadline extended to July 15
• Truck stops will remain open for now
• Coronavirus strikes at Amazon’s operational heart
• Unions across U.S. are screaming for paid sick leave
• Maryland’s April 28 primary moves to June 2
• Coronavirus shock will likely claim 3 million jobs by summer
• Stores helping the elderly, vulnerable amid coronavirus
• Maryland emission locations will be drive-thru test sites
• HOS rules eased for truck drivers moving COVID-19 relief supplies
Mar. 20, 2020 | FOR THE GREATER GOOD | As the U.S. combats the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), Teamsters throughout the country have been on the frontlines serving their communities. Throughout every division and in every local, Teamster members are hard at work for the greater good—ensuring that essential items are being transported and in stock, hospitals are up and running, and that our streets are kept clean and safe. For more than 100 years, the Teamsters Union has been at the forefront in times of national crisis. Be it relief efforts in response to natural disaster, influenza outbreaks or acts of war, your Teamster brothers and sisters have heeded the call. This public health crisis is no different. Together, united as one, we will prevail and come out stronger than ever. Teamster Heroes
