Contents:

• A Call to Action from the AFL-CIO:

Increase Relief for Laid-off Workers
• Suggested Text of Letter to Your US Senators

How much longer will laid-off workers and their families have to wait for relief?  On Tuesday, Democrats in the U.S. Senate will push for a vote to help laid-off workers with improved unemployment benefits. But in an outrageous move, for the fourth time since September 11th, Senate Republicans are now blocking worker relief from even coming up for a vote.

Even though our nation's unemployment rate has skyrocketed, Congress has yet to pass legislation that would provide relief to America's laid-off workers and their families.  The Republican minority in the Senate is holding economic stimulus legislation ransom for a bounty of corporate tax breaks and Big Business giveaways.

The proposal under consideration on Tuesday, introduced by Senator Durbin (D-Ill.), would extend and increase unemployment benefits.  In the last three months of 2001, more than 735,000 workers used up all of their unemployment benefits without finding work.  This legislation would help working families suffering job loss now and in the coming months.

It is urgent that your senators hear from you today.  Take a few minutes right now to fax your senators by clicking on this link: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/durbinui/dukizltex

Visit http://www.aflcio.org for updates on this issue.
 

I am writing to ask you to support the amendment proposed by Senator Durbin to increase relief for laid-off workers in the economic stimulus bill that is pending on the Senate floor.

Our nation's unemployment rate is increasing, yet Congress has not provided relief to laid-off workers and their families.  Thousands of families are losing needed unemployment benefits before they are able to find work.  Thousands more don't qualify for unemployment benefits because they worked only part-time.

America's workers need the relief provided by the Durbin amendment, including:

• At least 13 additional weeks of unemployment benefits for all unemployed workers who exhaust their regular benefits
• A modest additional weekly benefit for all unemployed workers
• Unemployment benefits for part-time and low-wage workers who have paid into the unemployment system but do not qualify for aid in many states
• Additional funds to help state unemployment systems cope with the anticipated surge in claims.

Sincerely,

Your name and address

Thanks for being involved in the legislative process!
Visit http://www.aflcio.org for updates on this issue.