AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT JOHN T. NICCOLLAI - 4-16-2020

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT JOHN T. NICCOLLAI

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020

UPDATE ON COVID-19 PANDEMIC

LOCAL UFCW UNIONS, ALONG WITH OUR INTERNATIONAL, CONTINUE TO DEMAND GREATER SAFETY AND ECONOMIC PROTECTIONS FOR MEMBERS

According to the latest statistical analyses of COVID-19 cases from both New York and New Jersey, it appears that new cases are starting to plateau, although the loss of life is peaking.  The reason for this stems from the fact that those we are losing, for the most part, were sickened weeks ago. 

In store we are finally seeing the widespread use of masks by both members and customers.  Our demands for limits on customer counts have been reinforced by mandates from Governors Cuomo and Murphy.  Social distancing has been implemented at store level, but we still need to do better and we have informed our Employers of this fact.  Body temperatures of workers are also being used by some of our Employers to protect others from those ill.

Your Local Union is part of a Coalition to have COVID-19 declared appropriate for a Workman’s Compensation claim for those who test positive for the virus.  Legislation now sits on the desk of Governor Murphy of New Jersey, which would declare that those essential workers such as food store employees who test positive, would have a presumption that they contracted the virus through work.  It would then be incumbent on the Employer to prove otherwise, which would completely change the existing Workman’s Compensation rules to favor workers.  This legislation, when signed, would grant to our members all the wage guarantees and medical coverages provided through the State Workman’s Compensation Program.  

As our economy begins to get closer to a reemergence from this economic lockdown, we need to be extremely careful that we continue to practice good hygiene and safe working practices.  As each day passes, remember we are getting closer to an end and further from the beginning of this pandemic.

Be assured your Union is here daily to help you with any issues or problems. 

CONTINUE TO WORK SMARTLY AND WORK SAFELY!