In this crisis moment, food factory workers are doing the heroic work of keeping our society functioning. They’re risking their lives to ensure that our community - the front-line health care providers, the teachers, the childcare providers - that each and every one of us has enough to eat. Brandworkers members at Amy’s Bread continue to work when health experts are recommending social distancing as the most effective way to avoid contracting Covid-19. In doing so, they expose themselves to coronavirus at every juncture - in their transit, at the worksite, and from daily close contact with coworkers.

In return, Amy’s Bread has laid off a critical mass of workers and severely reduced hours for the rest. This financial impact deals another blow to an already highly marginalized community of Black and immigrant workers.

As allies to the workers who feed us, we demand that Amy’s Bread CEO Amy Scherber immediately implement the following:

• Amy Scherber must provide laid off workers with emergency relief funds of at least three weeks

• A minimum of 1.5x hazard pay must be given to workers who are continuing to work during this time

• A minimum of four weeks of extended paid sick leave benefits

• A full transparency policy that immediately informs workers should they learn of a positive test for coronavirus in the workforce

• Full compliance with the OSHA’s Personal Protective Equipment standards which require using not only gloves and respiratory protection, but also eye protection

• A policy prohibiting retaliation against workers raising concerns about safety and health standards, or those organizing for a safer workplace