Today, UNITE HERE Local 25, a hospitality workers union representing over 7,200 members in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., called on Governor Northam and the Virginia General Assembly to move immediately to protect workers affected by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

“The layoffs and closures caused by the spread of Coronavirus are wreaking havoc on the lives of our members,” said John Boardman, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of UNITE HERE Local 25. “This crisis demands urgent action from Virginia’s political leadership, who must act now to keep working people and families afloat.”

Local 25 is calling on lawmakers to waive the “seeking work” and one week waiting period for unemployment insurance, so that workers can obtain immediate relief during what may be protracted layoffs. They are also advocating a moratorium on evictions to make sure that no one loses their home during layoff.