Advocates are calling on Congress to pass a bill to provide service industry workers with COVID-19-related benefits.
Members of the union that represents the state’s service workers rallied outside a travel plaza on Interstate 95 in Darien in Connecticut.
A woman named Jocelyn, speaking through a translator, said she worked at a McDonald’s in a travel plaza for a year and a half.
“We have many coworkers that got infected by COVID-19 and they didn’t care. And that’s why we are here today, looking at justice for all.”
The HEROES Act would provide service industry workers with hazard pay, protective equipment and layoff protection.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who attended the rally, said he’d call on Republican leaders in the Senate to pass the bill.
“I will not rest until we have the HEROES bill…and with personal protective equipment…and with fair hours,” said Blumenthal, who spoke with a Spanish translator.
The rally was part of a nationwide “Strike for Black Lives” event.