Press Release: The Biden Administration’s Mask Mandate Will Save Lives
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2021
Contact: Travis Reuther, treuther@twu.org
The Biden Administration’s Mask Mandate Will Save Lives
In response to the Biden Administration’s announcement of a federal mask mandate, the following statement should be attributed to Transport Workers Union (TWU) President John Samuelsen:
“It’s about damn time our government lived up to its obligations to public health. This action, taken on day one of President Biden’s leadership, is a stark contrast to the failures of the past administration. A federal nationwide mask mandate is a long overdue measure to protect workers. President Biden’s immediate and decisive action will help keep our members safe on the frontlines.
“There has never been any doubt that masks save lives. Throughout the pandemic, the TWU has seen this up close. Our members have risked their lives for the past year to keep America moving – often without appropriate personal protective equipment to keep them safe while doing this essential work. As a result, over 10 percent of our membership has died, tested positive for, or quarantined after exposure to Covid-19. The President’s mask mandate will go a long way toward protecting our members on the job.
“This work is not over. The TWU is demanding that states and localities follow the President’s example and implement enforceable mask mandates in transportation systems under their jurisdiction. As we mourn the workers who have lost their lives to this virus, we will continue to fight alongside the Biden Administration to ensure that our members – as well as our fellow Americans – have the protections that they need. The only way our country can recover from this awful pandemic is by prioritizing the safety of frontline workers as we reopen our transportation system and our economy.”
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The Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, represents more than 150,000 workers in the airline, railroad, transit, universities, utilities and services sectors.
