(WASHINGTON) – The following is a statement from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa about the Senate’s passage of a coronavirus-related stimulus bill last night that expands unemployment benefits, makes money available to hospitals and provides relief to the nation’s airline industry.

“The Teamsters are pleased to see that the Senate took action on legislation that will boost unemployment benefits to those who have been put out of work by this pandemic, provides billions of federal dollars to hospitals and community health centers to be used for medical supply shortages, and makes available more than $60 billion in relief for the airline industry, almost all of which will go to support its workers.

“However, there were several important aspects not included in the Senate bill that must be dealt with by the Congress in any future legislation addressing this crisis. That includes addressing the health and safety needs of all essential frontline workers across industries, ensuring the pensions of hardworking Americans and retirees are protected, and further expanding paid leave and extended health care coverage to more workers so they can stay home and care for themselves and their families. We encourage the House to pass this bill now and then we will immediately turn to fight together for these shared priorities in the next stimulus bill.”

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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