WOODBRIDGE, VA – As the pandemic roars on in Virginia, Latino and immigrant essential workers join together with Delegate Elizabeth Guzman amidst wintry conditions to urgently clamor for paid sick days. As the bill advances for crossover in the General Assembly, the frontline workers will draw attention to how Latinos have disproportionately been hit by the pandemic, pointing to how they face the worst the virus has to offer.
These frontline workers urge Virginia lawmakers to pass the bill sponsored by Delegate Elizabeth Guzman (HB 2137) that would require employers to provide essential workers with 40 hours of paid sick leave.
WHAT: Outdoor virtual press conference.
Rain or shine. Masks and social distancing required.
WHEN: February 2, 2021 @ 10:00 am
WHERE: CASA Woodbridge Welcome Center parking lot
1455 Old Bridge Rd #203, Woodbridge, VA 22192
The lot is salted and clear of snow.
WHO:
- Delegate Elizabeth Guzman, sponsor of HB 2137
- Ana Machado, janitorial services with no paid sick leave
- Yamileth, fast food worker
- Monica, restaurant worker
- Luis Aguilar, CASA’s Virginia Director
MORE: In Virginia, 39 percent of Hispanic workers and 36 percent of White workers report having paid time off. Sadly, the figure drops to a meager 26 percent for Black employees. Similarly, rates are lower for parents with children under the age of 10. The lack of paid sick days creates a crisis for low wage workers who must choose between taking a sick day for themselves or to care for a family member and getting paid. If they bring COVID-19 into the workplace, they risk the health of hundreds and potentially thousands of people.
RSVP: For more information on the actions, please contact Jossie Flor Sapunar, 240-706-2624, [email protected]
###
