Covid Precautions Resolution

Co-authors: Sophia Gurulé (BxD), Sam Steinbock-Pratt (OAD)

Individual Endorsers: Sophie Cohen (NYLAG); Katherine Pecore (LAS); Michael Way (BDS); Naomi Schachter (NDS); Jackelinne Claros Benitez (NYLAG); Aviva Galpert (LAS); Maya Adelman Cabral (NYLAG); Kat Gafycz (LAS); Atusa Mozaffari (LAS); Lisa Edwards (LAS), Ryan Acquaotta (UJC); Parker Wingate (LAS); Ricky Blum (LAS)

WHEREAS, COVID-19, influenza type A and B, RSV, norovirus, and other viral infections continue to occur at significant rates, particularly in large gathering spaces; and

WHEREAS, respiratory infections can cause significant adverse symptoms even in “mild” cases; and

WHEREAS, even “mild” COVID-19 infections have been found to sometimes cause long-term symptoms – such as fatigue, brain fog, epithelial damage, and harm to other systems – that can last for months or years, referred to as “long COVID”; and 

WHEREAS, COVID-19 and other viral infections are particularly dangerous for immuno-compromised or otherwise susceptible individuals, and environmental racism and other social determinants of health mean the brunt of infection and illness falls upon marginalized and oppressed communities; and

WHEREAS, ALAA-UAW Local 2325 is committed through its bylaws to advancing the cause of disability justice as well as advocacy “through political outreach for the advancement of the interests of union members and poor and working class communities in general”; and

WHEREAS, the nature of ALAA-UAW Local 2325 members’ labor makes it challenging to fully recover from illness, thus resulting in further exploitation of our labor and potentially exposing our coworkers and other community members to further infection and illness; and

WHEREAS, many members of ALAA-UAW Local 2325 represent and owe a duty to people caged in congregate settings, many of whom are disabled and/or immuno-compromised, and one form of state violence wielded against our clients is the denial of their right to take protective measures against illness;

WHEREAS, while public health should be protected on a systemic rather than individual level, the total abdication of public health authorities requires that people work together to protect ourselves and one another; and

WHEREAS, acting collectively to protect each other from infection and illness is a gesture of solidarity and community; and

WHEREAS, during a time when public officials are threatening to ban masks in public spaces under a flimsy pretense of “public safety,” it is more important than ever for us to visibly support the right to mask for those who choose or need to do so; and
WHEREAS, the use of well-fitted masks is not only useful for preventing infection, but also protecting members’ right of privacy and to be free from dragnet mass surveillance;

THEREFORE, be it resolved that:

1. ALAA-UAW Local 2325 will use best efforts, where financially and logistically practical, to consider COVID-19 precautions when selecting union event venues, including adequate ventilation.

2. ALAA-UAW Local 2325 members are encouraged to observe COVID-19 precautions, including but not limited to maintaining a regular vaccination schedule; testing before attending large events; and wearing properly-fitted N95, KN95, or KF94 masks when attending large events, particularly ones held indoors.

3. ALAA-UAW Local 2325 calls on the Community Action Program (CAP) in Region 9A and Region 9 to consider precautions, including adequate ventilation, to prevent and minimize COVID-19 and other respiratory viral infections at the March 23-25, 2025 New York State Political Education/Lobbying Conference.

4. ALAA-UAW Local 2325 calls on management in all shops to advance these protective efforts and to facilitate other safety measures, including telecommuting, wherever practicable.