As many of us at UPS are fighting for safety rights at our centers, we are acutely aware of the danger we face in this current pandemic. The burden on essential service workers is high. Many of us are avoiding loved ones due to our probable exposure, and are experiencing an immense level of fear and uncertainty every time we report to work. All the while, the UPS shareholders are able to profit off of the circumstances, so far being unaffected by the broader economic recession. We did not volunteer to be essential service workers during this global crisis, and we have every right to demand higher pay for its duration.

Local 705 in Chicago has been negotiating hazard pay with UPS, and we need to follow their lead nationally and apply pressure to the company. We have already won expanded paid sick leave rights on the basis of a national pressure campaign, and we can do the same for hazard pay.