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The following is a media release from Sen. Ed Markey’s offices. He was elected by voters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to serve the state in Washington DC in the US Senate. He is a Democrat.

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WASHINGTON DC – Today, March 19, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) called on Senate leadership to protect gig workers who are struggling during the coronavirus emergency. In a letter sent to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senator Markey says that the next relief package Congress considers must recognize that these workers are some of the most valuable employees during this crisis, but also the most vulnerable.

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“The United States government must step up and provide economic support for every impacted worker,” writes Senator Markey. “But we must act with the recognition that one of the most vulnerable segments of our population is gig economy workers, who are likely to face some of the most challenging dynamics from this crisis.” 

In his letter, Senator Markey urges Senate Leadership to include key protections for gig economy workers including:

  • Ensure that paid leave provisions specifically apply to gig workers
  • Broaden paid leave provisions to include employees who are feeling sick 
  • Expand paid leave to include workers at companies of more than 500 employees

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A copy of the letters can be found HERE.

By editor

Susan Petroni is the former editor for SOURCE. She is the founder of the former news site, which as of May 1, 2023, is now a self-publishing community bulletin board. The website no longer has a journalist but a webmaster.