(WASHINGTON) – The following is a statement from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa about H.R. 6201, the “Families First CoronaVirus Response Act,” legislation approved by the House early Saturday and awaiting action in the Senate that expands paid sick leave and  family leave and provides for free COVID-19 testing and greater Medicaid benefits.

“Hardworking Americans nationwide are facing an unprecedented health calamity that is challenging our way of life. Working families not only need to worry about potential illness, but the loss of wages due to sickness and from businesses being shuttered.

“That’s why the Teamsters were pleased to see the House taking bipartisan action this weekend to make sure more working Americans who are facing great economic uncertainty get the assistance they need. But it is essential that the Senate follow suit as soon as possible. The needs of working Americans must be addressed.

“We acknowledge that this bill has many shortcomings, particularly in that it includes a carve-out for large businesses. But the Teamsters will continue to fight for these provisions and more as Congress continues to consider legislative responses to the coronavirus pandemic.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

 

 

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