Apr 13, 2020 - It is with heavy hearts that we confirm the tragic passing of a Teamsters Local 89 member at UPS Worldport who had been off of work since April 1st. This sadly marks the first member of our Local Union who has lost their life to the COVID-19 pandemic that is sweeping our country.
We do not wish to bring any further stress to an already grieving family, so out of respect for them we will not publicize this members’ name. Please know that our thoughts are with our members’ family and friends during this terrible time of shock and mourning. We are in the process of reaching out to this members’ family to offer what assistance we can due to this horrible loss.
We would also like to take a moment to offer our sincere condolences to the friends and family of the member of management who was lost to COVID-19 at UPS Worldport last week. Although they were not one of our members, as Americans we must all be united in the face of this disease.
As we have since the beginning of this crisis, Teamsters Local 89 remains resolute in our belief that the safety and wellbeing of working people must come first. We continue to be in daily contact with UPS and all other Local 89 employers to bring attention to any and all safety concerns our membership has.
The seriousness of this pandemic cannot be overstated. It has affected nearly every aspect of private and public life for every working class American. It has taken the health and lives of friends, loved ones, and family from thousands across the country. We must all remain vigilant, we must all do everything we personally can to ensure our own health and safety, and that of others.
We are all in this together. We grieve together, and in time we will heal together. For the time being, spend this evening calling a friend or family member who you cannot visit right now. Make sure they are okay and let them know you are still there for them. Our relationships are more important now than ever before. This is not the time for bickering, this is a time for unity in the face of a common threat. Together, we will get through this crisis.
Local 89 represents workers at many different companies, each of which is handling this crisis in different ways. If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 and your workplace, PLEASE contact your Business Agent by calling us at (502) 368-5885, as they will have the most up to date information on your specific employer.
