Today is Workers Memorial Day, a day to remember those who have suffered injuries and died on the job. Teamsters Local 2010 is deeply saddened to announce that one of our own Teamsters 2010 members succumbed this past Friday to COVID-19.
Our prayers go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Emmanuel Gomez, who was a Journeyman Electrician working at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center.
“Emmanuel was an inspiration to those who worked with him,” said Skilled Trades Shop Steward Laura Newman. “He was a tireless and selfless coworker and a kind and gentle person who loved spending time with family and friends.”
Teamsters Local 2010 is working to ensure that Emmanuel’s family receives all the benefits guaranteed by the Teamsters contract and membership. We are also working to ensure that all workers are as safe as possible through use of personal protective equipment and through following the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations regarding meetings and distancing.
“Our Teamsters family is devastated by the loss of our brother Emmanuel,” said Jason Rabinowitz, Secretary-Treasurer. “We have his family and loved ones in our hearts and in our prayers.”
Teamsters is working to set up a fund to assist Emmanuel’s family and planning a vigil/memorial. Details will be forthcoming.
It has been 50 years since the job safety laws were enacted in this country. Since then we’ve made great progress in making workplaces safer and protecting workers. Still, too many workers are being killed and injured on the job. This Workers Memorial Day, we demand personal protective equipment (PPE), paid sick leave, and hazard pay for all frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Join the statewide online actions through which we are calling on California state leadership and employers to protect workers from COVID-19. We encourage you to join us by sharing stories through your social media platforms that illustrate how the current health crisis is impacting workers, and exacerbating existing hazards and injustices.
In Loving Memory
Emmanuel Gomez – Electrician at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center
September 19, 1970 ~ April 24, 2020