Firefighters, Nurses Take Coronavirus Concerns to MN Capitol

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Concerned about the effects of coming into contact with the coronavirus, unions representing firefighters, paramedics, nurses and hospital workers are asking lawmakers to act on their behalf.

As workers on the front lines of the epidemic, the unions said they want assurances — perhaps requiring additional legislation — that their benefits won’t be exhausted if they contract COVID-19 or miss work because they’re under quarantine after coming into contact with people with coronavirus.

The push came Thursday in letters to lawmakers and public statements from three unions: Minnesota Professional Firefighters, the union representing firefighters, paramedics and dispatchers throughout the state, including in St. Paul; Minnesota Nurses Association, which represents nurses at a number of Minnesota hospitals; and two branches of the Service Employees Union International, which includes healthcare workers and custodial staff at hospitals.

Some of what the unions called for related to sick time is contained in COVID-19-inspired proposals made be House Democrats Wednesday that have been received with openness by Republican leaders. But others involve more ambitious plans to expand family and medical leave coverage in general, and those plans are looked at more skeptically by Republicans.

In addition, unions said their members are are concerned about receiving proper training and having an adequate supply of equipment related to treating coronavirus patients. Representatives of a fire department and hospital couldn’t immediately be reached for comment Thursday evening.

The MNA and SEIU usually stage rallying events at the Capitol, but on Thursday they said they canceled the events, citing the risk of public gatherings.

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