Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer addressed AFSCME delegates at our union’s 44th International Convention, highlighting the important work done by public service workers during the coronavirus pandemic and calling for more congressional support for essential workers.
“We cannot hope to beat this disease without your hard work, without your toughness, without the help of our public sector workers and public sector unions,” the New York senator said. “You risk it all to make sure that we can all be safe and healthy. America owes you a thank you, and it owes you more than that.”
Schumer said he asked Congress to pass hazard pay for essential workers and is fighting alongside AFSCME members for federal funding for state and local governments. And he pledged to continue pushing for key AFSCME priorities such as fair pay and collective bargaining rights.
“Let no one ever again doubt the dignity and importance of the work you do,” Schumer said.