On Thursday, Dec. 10, United Way of Monroe County hosted a panel discussion titled "Representing Workers During a Pandemic." The discussion covered topics including union membership, workers' safety, the CARES Act, unemployment insurance, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act), and mental health for workers during COVID-19.

The panel included Linda Gales, executive vice president of the IU Unit of Communications Workers of America, Local 4818; Neil Gath, attorney specializing in labor law at Social Security Disability and Workers Compensation; Joseph Varga, professor in the department of labor studies at the IU School of Social Work; and Brett Voorhies, president of Indiana AFL-CIO.

In case you missed it, this link will allow you to see a summarization of the event as well as be able to replay the presentation monroeunitedway.org/WakeUp-RepresentingWorkers. On behalf of the White River Chapter of the Southern Indiana Area Labor Federation, we’d like to suggest you check out the presentation in the link.

Jackie Yenna, president, WRC

Liz Feitl, secretary, WRC and AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison-United Way of Monroe County

Jerry Sutherlin, executive vice president, SIALF