USDA's Decision to Terminate Relief Program: A Betrayal of Essential Workers

THIS IS A DISASTER FOR OUR ESSENTIAL WORKERS!

The USDA has just pulled the rug out from under the very people who kept our food supply chain running during the darkest days of the pandemic. The Farm and Food Workers Relief Program, which provided a lifeline to frontline farm and meatpacking workers, has been terminated. This is a slap in the face to the heroes who risked their lives to keep us fed.

THESE WORKERS WERE ON THE FRONT LINES, AND NOW THEY'RE BEING LEFT TO FIGHT FOR THEMSELVES!

The UFCW International Union, representing 1.2 million workers, has called out the USDA for this misguided decision. Milton Jones, the UFCW International President, didn't mince words: "Meatpacking workers put their lives on the line during the pandemic to keep America’s food supply secure and communities fed. They were among one of the hardest-hit industries, facing extreme risk and, at times, financial strain, to do their jobs."

THIS ISN'T ABOUT DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION—IT'S ABOUT SURVIVAL!

The relief payments were never about race, gender, or any other protected characteristic. They were about providing relief to those who had to pay for things like emergency childcare and personal protective equipment in order to do their jobs. This program was a promise by the government to deliver long-overdue support to the workers who carried this country through a global crisis. Breaking that promise sends a dangerous message about how essential workers are valued in this country.

THE NUMBERS DON'T LIE!

THIS IS A CRISIS, AND IT'S TIME TO ACT!

The termination of this program could lead to increased financial hardship, job insecurity, health and safety concerns, and social inequality. These workers were as much as 70 times more likely to contract COVID-19 than the general population, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. They deserve better than this.

DO SOMETHING NOW!

Contact your representatives, demand action, and let them know that we won't stand for this betrayal of our essential workers. They kept us fed during the pandemic, and now it's our turn to keep them afloat. This is a no-brainer—support our essential workers, or face the consequences!