Unemployed workers to GOP Senators: “Don’t Let Our Families Starve”

Thousands To Take Part in #FastAction National Fast in Solidarity with Hungry Families

WASHINGTON, D.C.— For months, unions and progressive allies have led efforts to push Congress to pass legislation that provides support to unemployed workers, secures funding for state and local aid, public schools and more to protect jobs and essential public services during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, Aug. 11, these groups will host fasting actions and food drives outside Senate offices to help families in need and push for Senate action on the HEROES Act.

Millions of American families are struggling to feed their families, with record numbers of working people filing unemployment claims amid the economic fallout from COVID-19. In many places where the state unemployment benefit is minimal or has run out, the supplemental $600 UI checks were a lifeline to many families. The last $600 UI checks distributed under the CARES Act were issued on July 25th.

Tuesday’s events will take place outside the Senate offices of Senator McSally in Arizona, Senator Cornyn in Texas, Senator Tillis in North Carolina, and Senator Loeffler in Georgia. Actions will be organized by the AFL-CIO and UNITE HERE, with support from the AFT, AFSCME, WGAE, Actor’s Equity, IATSE, Jobs with Justice, The Center for Popular Democracy, Unemployed Action, Restaurant Opportunities Center United and more.

Simultaneously, thousands of supporters nationwide pledge to fast in solidarity with working people struggling to feed their families as a result of losing their $600 UI checks. Across social media platforms, supporters will showcase their participation in the fast with “empty plate” posts carrying messages to Senators refusing to pass the HEROES Act, using the hashtag #FastAction.