Statement from EST Joseph Geiger on Safety and Members’ Eligibility for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

03.30.2020 jwatson

During this unprecedented pandemic, our number one priority at the District Council is your safety. We just received clarification on rules for unemployment insurance for members that have been directly impacted by COVID-19. Please read these documents carefully because you are now eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides payment to workers not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history, and others), who are unable to work as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

As we have said before, if you ever feel unsafe, go home. If your employer is not taking the proper safety precautions, go home. If you do not want to work during this pandemic, stay at home. Further, if you are ever on a job site that is not abiding by the proper safety protocols, please document it with pictures and video and share the evidence with your Shop Steward and Business Agent.

The District Council is here for you. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

View official statement here.