03.20.20

Durbin, Duckworth Discuss Coronavirus Impact on Workers with Illinois AFL-CIO

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today discussed the impact of the coronavirus pandemic with Tim Drea, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO, and the Illinois AFL-CIO executive committee.  On a call with the Illinois AFL-CIO, Durbin and Duckworth asked how the pandemic will impact the labor community and discussed the proposals Congress is considering to help workers during the pandemic. Durbin and Duckworth have supported direct cash payments to Americans, increased access to paid leave, and expansions to unemployment insurance. 

“We must put workers and families first in passing legislation to address the coronavirus pandemic. Members of the Illinois AFL-CIO are nervous about what the future holds, and Congress cannot rubber-stamp a historical stimulus bill without strong labor protections and support for workers who may be laid off because of this unprecedented crisis,” said Durbin.

“Working people throughout our country are being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and I appreciated the opportunity to speak with Illinois AFL-CIO leaders and discuss efforts to support their nearly 900,000 members in every corner of our state,” said Duckworth. “I look forward to continuing to work together and I will do all I can from the federal level to provide necessary resources during this public health crisis.”

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