Bulletin: "Operator, Get Me Mayor Kenney on the Phone"

As some states around the country begin making moves toward prematurely ending lockdowns, Pennsylvania remains under a stay-at-home order until at least May 8. For those of us working safely from home, that’s all well and good; for those of us in frontline sectors like healthcare, transportation, and logistics, these promises that workers will be “kept safe” have started to ring hollow.

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As some states around the country begin making moves toward prematurely ending lockdowns, Pennsylvania remains under a stay-at-home order until at least May 8. Per Governor Wolf’s latest announcement on April 25: “For employers, remote or telework should be the primary option if possible. If remote or telework are not possible, employers must follow the guidance developed by the commonwealth in order to reduce the risk of coronavirus spread and to ensure workers are kept safe.”

For those of us working safely from home, that’s all well and good; for those of us in frontline sectors like healthcare, transportation, and logistics, these promises that workers will be “kept safe” have started to ring hollow. “If we are so essential,” Teamsters Local 623 leader Richard Hooker told Democracy Now! a few weeks back, “then we need to make sure our people are protected, and not feel like we're disposable.”

To that end, Local 623, along with more than forty other local unions and organizations (including the Philly AFL-CIO, PASNAP, the BWMED, several AFSCME locals, TAUP, and, of course, Philly DSA), sent a letter to Mayor Kenney’s office on Monday calling for expanded testing, anti-retaliation provisions, strict safety and sanitation guidelines, and the reopening of Hahnemann Hospital. “Workers were called upon to deliver us through this crisis,” the letter begins. “It's time they are delivered the respect and protections they deserve.”

You can read the full text here, but the bigger ask is that you call Mayor Kenney’s office of labor at (215) 686-2163 and tell him to protect essential workers in Philadelphia, and follow up with an email message. It’s as easy as thanking your local postal worker, and it’s the best thing you can do right now to keep them safe. (Still thank your postal worker, though. We love our postal workers. 📬)

 

This Week in Unions

Are you a union worker affected by the coronavirus crisis? Are you organizing in your shop or workplace to demand higher safety and sanitation standards? PHLDSA’s Labor Commission is convening a series of calls where representatives from unions in the greater Philadelphia area are discussing and coordinating responses. Email Paul Prescod for more information.

  • We’re hosting a call-in TODAY to Save the USPS! Click over to the Facebook event now (2:30 pm – 4:30 pm) to hear from American Postal Workers Union Local 89 president Nick Casselli and then make calls to Senators Pat Toomey and Bob Casey to demand they vote for USPS relief in the next stimulus bill.
  • On Friday, May 1, the Philadelphia Domestic Workers Bill of Rights goes into effect. This new law gives the city's 16,000 nannies, house cleaners, and private pay caregivers the right to rest and meal breaks; written contracts in English and, if necessary, their first language; protection against harassment and retaliation, including around immigration status; and more.
  • Also tomorrow: Councilmembers Helen Gym and Kendra Brooks have said they plan to introduce an Essential Workers Bill of Rights in response to concerns raised in the 623 Essential Workers Letter. RSVP here to demonstrate in support of the legislation tomorrow. 
  • Management at the American Civil Liberties Union of New York have predictably set aside their “👆Union Liker Here” shirts and giant foam fingers in response to NYCLU staffers’ request for voluntary recognition. Follow the NYCLU Staff Union here to support their efforts.
  • Finally, Philly DSA would like to join Phang, the Phanatic, Franklin the bulldog, and Swoop in wishing a Happy Birthday to Philadelphia Union captain Alejandro Bedoya. Hope to see you back on the pitch soon, Ale!

Events

Phonebanking for Rick and Nikil!
 Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3 | Shifts available all day | Remote

PILOTs Speak Out Event
Tuesday, May 5th | 6:00 pm | Remote

Night School: Gender & Sexuality
Tuesday, May 5 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Zoom

DSA Mass Membership Call: Beyond Bernie: Building Power with Rep. AOC
Tuesday, May 5 | 8:00 pm | Zoom

Phonebanking for Rick and Nikil!
Saturday and Sunday, May 9-10 | Shifts available all day | Remote

Marx Reading Group: Capital Vol. 1
Wednesday, May 13 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Zoom

Upcoming Committee Meetings & Branch Events

BuxMont DSA: May Day Virtual Happy Hour
Friday, May 1 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm | Zoom

Canvassing Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 6 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Zoom

Political Education Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 6 | 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm | Zoom

Steering Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 7 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Zoom

BuxMont DSA: Virtual New Members Meeting
Tuesday, May 12 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm | Zoom

BuxMont DSA: May Virtual General Meeting
Tuesday, May 19 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm | Zoom

Announcements

Support 👏 Philly 👏 DSA 👏!
Local Dues - support our campaign work and cover everyday operating costs like meeting space // Contribute to Philly DSA PAC - help fund our independent electoral campaigns // Accommodations, Accessibility, Childcare - let us know what you need to stay involved // Moved away from Philly? - update your address on the DSA national database.

Harassment and Grievance Process
In accordance with Article XIII of our Bylaws, a commission has been formed to receive, process, and review grievances for disciplinary action. To read more about the process or to file a grievance you can do so here.

 

Stay safe and wash your hands,

Philly DSA Bulletin Team

 

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PAID FOR BY PHILADELPHIA DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS OF AMERICA (WWW.PHILLYDSA.ORG.) NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE.

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