EMS and Corrections Officers Union Demands Support From Congress

WASHINGTON D.C. – EMS and Corrections Officers from across the country are calling on Congress to “develop a robust aid plan to fund critical public services at the state and local levels in the fight against the Coronavirus outbreak.” 

The efforts are being led by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union that is demanding more support from the government to support those who work on the front lines.

“While the Trump administration continues to display incompetence in efforts to contain COVID-19, first responders and public service workers in states and localities across America are doing the real work needed to respond to the public health emergency,” said the union in a press release.

AFSCME will be hosting a press call on Tuesday, March 24 at 12:30 p.m. Union workers argue that EMS works are first in line when responding to COVID-19 cases and that corrections officers are tasked with keeping inmates safe while working in close proximity to large groups of people.

“These front-line workers put themselves in harm’s way, and for that, they deserve to have every resource and tool available to protect themselves and keep our communities safe and healthy.”
The press call will feature the president of AFSCME, Lee Saunders, and union members from different industries.

Including: 

• Jared Rosenberg, paramedic supervisor, Town of Greenburgh Police Department, Greenburgh, N.Y.,
• Tanisha Woods, a correctional officer at Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Dr. Lane Murray Unit, Gatesville, Texas
• Aimmee Reyes-Greaves, industries supervisor at the Osborn Correctional Institution, Somers, Conn.
• Dalia Thornton, AFSCME Director of Research and Collective Bargaining