Press Releases

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) today announced that he has introduced a resolution, with the support of 13 of his House colleagues, recognizing the essential workers across the nation who are keeping the critical parts of our economy running during the fight against COVID-19.

While much of the nation — including the commonwealth of Pennsylvania — follows stay-at-home orders and other social distancing measures, warehouse, food production, distribution centers, and logistics employees have been called to maintain the U.S. food supply and meet the surging demand for delivery services. They often work long hours in physically challenging roles and in close proximity to one another, most of them doing this grueling work for $15 per hour or less.

Clusters of workers and their family members across the country have become infected with the virus. This includes workers at Cargill Meat Solutions outside Hazleton, Pennsylvania, where more than 100 employees have tested positive for COVID-19.

“These are hardworking, everyday Americans who have always kept this country going. But this pandemic has shown how much we all rely upon them to stock our grocery stores, deliver items straight to our doorstep and more,” said Rep. Cartwright. “It has also laid bare how uniquely vulnerable they are in a public health and economic crisis. This resolution is not just an expression of gratitude, but also a commitment to fight for well-deserved hazard pay, a safer work environment, and stronger benefits.”

“Hardworking Americans who are stocking our grocery stores and delivering products to our doorsteps are putting themselves in harm’s way as they continue their jobs during this pandemic,” said Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, a co-sponsor of the resolution. “It is only right that these essential men and women receive adequate health coverage and the ability to take care of their loved ones just like every American deserves.”

Cartwright authored the resolution as the representative in Congress for the nearly 30,000 transportation and warehouse workers in Pennsylvania’s Eighth District.

This resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), Joseph P. Kennedy III (MA-04), Daniel T. Kildee (MI-05), Ted Lieu (CA-33), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Adam Smith (WA-09) and Norma J. Torres (CA-35).

See the resolution, H.Res. 923, pasted below and here.

Recognizing the contributions of distribution and warehousing workers during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic.

Whereas the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to a state of unprecedented economic disruption in the United States;

Whereas the widespread implementation of stay-at-home measures and restrictions on many categories of businesses produced a surge in demand for delivery services, with its effects felt at every link in the supply chain;

Whereas employees in warehouses, shipping, and distribution centers have been called upon to fulfill this increased demand as essential workers during the pandemic;

Whereas these employees work for long hours in physically demanding roles doing tasks essential for the economy;

Whereas these employees have frequently lacked the personal protective equipment needed to fully guard against COVID-19;

Whereas some employees are reported to have contracted the virus, and many workers fear that they may contract the virus because their essential work means they cannot remain at home; and

Whereas workers in many facilities have requested their companies support them by providing information, safety equipment, adequate compensation, and other conditions necessary for them to do their jobs with confidence: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

1. declares that workers involved in the warehousing, distribution, and delivery industries play a vital role in sustaining the Nation during this emergency;
2. expresses gratitude to these workers and all who are performing essential tasks during this outbreak;
3. supports these workers’ receiving hazard pay, personal protective equipment, and adequate health insurance; and
4. calls upon the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to ensure that employers in these industries are maintaining a safe workplace free from hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, including from COVID-19.