Friends,
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread, our campaign will be an entirely digital one.
So,
over the next few days, I will be discussing how the Coronavirus
outbreak impacts working people, and highlights the need for structural
change in our society. We will discuss a different issue and solution
each day. I want everyone to be made aware of how this situation is
impacting folks, but also provide hope that with the right
We
are facing a rapidly expanding global pandemic. The times ahead will be
difficult, but we will get through this. Engaging in CDC recommended
practices like social distancing will help to flatten the curve and
prevent the overwhelming of our healthcare system so that everyone who
needs care, gets care.
Even
as we take steps to protect ourselves and others from the spread of
COVID-19, the impacts are huge. Millions of people are already
struggling in the wake of this unprecedented situation.
As self quarantining and social distancing become more common, people are facing difficult realities. One of the many issues
that millions are facing right now is whether or not they can continue
to provide for their families. In the United States Federally protected
paid sick leave does not exist. Employers are not required to provide
paid sick leave, so millions of people are left worrying about putting
food on the table in times of medical distress.
This
has been the reality for my own family, as my Dad struggles with
chronic illness. For years, he belonged to a union (Local 54 Atlantic
City) that ensured our family was taken care of when Dad counldn't work.
However, now he works as a
driver for a ride sharing service, that does not
provide
any sort of support, sick leave or healthcare whatsoever. As him and my
Mom struggle to raise my younger siblings, my Dad is forced to work
through intense pain and suffer at the hands of corporations without a
single thought for human compassion or dignity. Unfortunately, he is not alone. This has been the reality for millions of Americans long before the Coronavirus outbreak.
While the outbreak has forced millions of people
to work from home, take sick days or in the
worst cases be hospitalized, some companies
have stepped up and provided sick leave to staff,
but others have done the bare minimum.
Regardless, you should not have to depend on
your employer to do the right thing, or not. You
shouldn't have to worry now, or ever! We need to
have Federally mandated paid sick leave that
supports the most vulnerable among us for
365 days. Costs should be split between Federal
and state governments, as well as companies.
With Fedrally mandated sick leave, millions of us
will no longer have to live in fear.
This is not just what we need now, as we face a
pandemic, but what we have always needed. It is
time that we treat people with dignity and
humanity. No one should have to worry about
being able to feed their children if they get sick.
No one should have to work while enduring pain
and chronic illness. Not now, not ever!
These are not radical policies, or even
Democratic policies. These are policies of
compassion, policies that come out of caring
for people and extending a helping hand in
their time of most need.
I am Shaniyat Chowdhury, running for New
York's 5th Congressional District, and I support
fully compensated 365 day paid sick leave!
Thank you,
Shaniyat Chowdhury
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While this "pandemic" was emerging, the nation was absorbed with impeaching Trump. His press conference today was impressive. Money, and help, for all. He's done an FDR. Outflanked the left.
ReplyDeleteI just love those quotes around pandemic. Don't you know your leader has actually referred to it that way? Can't believe you took your eyes off FOX News.
ReplyDelete