The COVID-19 pandemic has finally revealed what millions of working people have always known — they are ESSENTIAL to ensuring we have everything we need. From farmworkers to grocery store clerks, nurses and hospital staff, to delivery drivers and warehouse workers — and so many more — we are essential. Not just during the pandemic — but ALWAYS.

Today, just five asset managers — Vanguard, Blackrock, State Street, Fidelity, and T. Rowe Price — control more than $21 TRILLION in assets and together they’re the largest shareholders in employers of essential workers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Dollar General, and Dollar Tree. When these asset managers are challenged about their enormous wealth, fund managers are quick to point out that the money that they’re managing actually belongs to workers’ retirement savings, college savings plans, and pension funds.

This year essential workers’ rights are on the ballot at many employers’ shareholder meetings. We’re calling on the big asset managers — Vanguard, Blackrock, State Street Fidelity, and T. Rowe Price — to vote with essential workers and against management teams that put workers and communities at risk. These asset managers should vote:

• YES on shareholder resolutions supporting paid sick leave, human rights, workplace safety, anti-discrimination, and worker voice policies.

• NO on the election of members of the boards of directors that are putting workers and communities at risk.