PRWA STATEMENT
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A statement from Pittsburgh Restaurant Workers Aid following the announcement of Allegheny County's stay-at-home advisory and the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.
Yesterday Allegheny County had reported a record-breaking daily increase of 620 new COVID-19 cases and today it was reported that there were 609 new cases. Despite this, multiple levels of leadership have failed those of us who rely on the service industry to make a living. Local and state levels of government have sat on policies that would greatly benefit the lives of restaurant workers, especially now more than ever during this pandemic. When it comes to restrictions or a shutdown, we have only heard that Allegheny County leadership will “intervene if necessary.” Eviction moratoriums were never extended on the local and state levels and the moratorium of utility shut-offs in PA just ended.
Restaurant industry workers have seen absolutely zero targeted public support during this pandemic, in spite of representing a significant portion of lost jobs, reduced income, and new Unemployment Insurance claims. As an industry with notoriously suppressed wages and little benefits or worker protections, many do not have the basic resources to survive through this crisis without aid.
It is very understandable that some restaurant workers are vocal about not wanting to see dine-in service shuttered. Unemployment benefits have been difficult for many to access, insufficient to live on, and are running out for those whose jobs have been affected by COVID-19. There are some who genuinely want to be working in spite of the risk, as these are the careers they chose and love. Some are feeling the effects of social isolation, and being in the company of others is something to be appreciated. Without economic relief for those in the service industry, many of us can simply not afford to stay home.
There is clear evidence that the pandemic has only gotten worse, with the number of cases at record highs. It is going to be a long season of restaurant workers gambling their health and safety if bold actions to support us aren’t taken.
We cannot thank our community enough for the hours and dollars donated to support our efforts. Together we are ensuring that restaurant workers have access to the resources they need. We absolutely need the direct support of our neighbors and government leaders, to push for the assistance and protections our industry needs. We cannot do this alone.
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