Concerned about the effects of coming into contact with the coronavirus, unions representing firefighters, paramedics, nurses and hospital workers are asking lawmakers to act on their behalf.
As workers on the front lines of the epidemic, the unions said they want assurances — perhaps requiring additional legislation — that their benefits won’t be exhausted if they contract COVID-19 or miss work because they’re under quarantine after coming into contact with people with coronavirus.
The push came Thursday in letters to lawmakers and public statements from three unions: Minnesota Professional Firefighters, the union representing firefighters, paramedics and dispatchers throughout the state, including in St. Paul; Minnesota Nurses Association, which represents nurses at a number of Minnesota hospitals; and two branches of the Service Employees Union International, which includes healthcare workers and custodial staff at hospitals.