Grateful for those essential workers in our midst who have been working seemingly around the clock throughout the coronavirus pandemic to help everyone else survive the threat, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued a proclamation marking today, June 17th as Essential Worker Appreciation Day in Michigan.
The governor says, “I am thankful for all of our essential workers for bravely stepping up throughout the pandemic to keep Michiganders safe and our economy running,” and adds, “From staffing our hospitals to keeping our grocery store shelves stocked, essential workers selflessly served during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the well-being of their fellow Michiganders. We all owe them a debt of gratitude.”
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist adds, “I am grateful for the essential workers who stood tall each day to keep our fellow Michiganders safe. We must remember that many of our essential workers are from communities of color that were disproportionally impacted by COVID-19. We must recommit ourselves to protecting worker’s safety, well-being, and economic security by continuing our work to eliminate racial health disparities and build Michigan into a safer, more inclusive state.”
Ron Bieber, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO, added his thoughts on the day, saying, “We could not have made it through the last 15 months as a state without the hard work, dedication and sacrifices of the working people on the front lines,” and adds, “Hardworking folks in essential roles have risked their lives to care for the sick, keep us fed and clothed, deliver goods and deliver us where we need to go, and so much more. Today as a state we say thank you to everyone who’s risked their health and safety to keep our state running, and on behalf of working people we say thank you to the governor for doing what’s necessary to protect and support frontline workers throughout the pandemic.”
Meanwhile, Tamara Blue, nursing home CNA and member of SEIU Healthcare Michigan, notes, “This year was the toughest year of our lives. Essential workers are proud of how we showed up for our communities but now, we need support,” adding, “We’ve been called heroes, but not treated as such. We work hard, but still can’t afford basic needs, like rent and healthcare. Many of us can’t afford to take time off to recover after this traumatic year. It is time for that to change — for essential workers to be valued and respected. It means a lot to see Governor Whitmer recognizing the commitment and sacrifices of essential workers. We know lifting up essential workers is how we can build a better future, where all Michiganders can live with dignity and respect.”
Last year, Governor Whitmer launched the “Futures for Frontliners” program to provide a tuition-free pathway to college or a technical certificate to essential workers who don’t have a college degree. To date, over 120,000 frontline workers have applied for Futures for Frontliners.
You can view the governor’s full proclamation by clicking below:
https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499_90639-561700–,00.html
