Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Resources for Workers Impacted by Outbreak-Related Job Loss
Resources to Keep Yourself Safe
Local Updates
How To Help
Industry-Specific Resources
The recent outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is impacting the health, safety, and finances of Chicago's workers. At the CFL, we are committed to bringing our affiliates the resources they need to keep union members safe during these uncertain times. We are also working to mitigate the economic impact of the outbreak and to advocate for all workers with political leaders.
Right now, the health and safety of Cook County residents is paramount. Be sure to stay current with the latest information from trusted public health resource providers like the Chicago and Illinois Departments of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The CFL will be working with affiliates, businesses, and elected leaders to develop options for assisting workers whose livelihoods have been impacted by the outbreak. As we know more about the outbreak and the efforts to support workers and the local economy, we will share that information.
Resources for Workers Impacted by Outbreak-Related Job Loss:
Chicago Labor Relief Fund
In times of crisis, it is solidarity that keeps the labor movement strong. The Chicago Federation of Labor and its partners have set up the Chicago Labor Relief Fund to make direct payments to families who have lost their livelihoods because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are able, please consider donating to the Chicago Labor Relief Fund at www.ChicagoLaborReliefFund.org.
Illinois Department of Employment Security - Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment benefits may be available to some individuals whose unemployment is attributable to COVID-19. The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) recently adopted emergency rules to try to make the unemployment insurance system as responsive to the current situation as possible. Find out more at https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/default.aspx
CFL Workforce and Community Initiative
Any individuals who have had hours cut, are facing a possible lay off or closure, been laid off from their job, or are unemployed and have not been able to obtain employment on their own can receive job search, re-employment, training, referrals to partners, and support services from the Chicago Federation of Labor Workforce & Community Initiative. Visit www.cflinitiative.org or email info@cflwac.org to learn more.
Economic Impact Payment Information Center
Click here for IRS information regarding Economic Impact Payments. For most taxpayers, payments are automatic, and no further action is needed. This includes taxpayers who filed tax returns in 2018 and 2019 and most seniors and retirees.
COVID Support Services/Service Finder Tool
The United Way of Metro Chicago has created a service locator tool that uses zip-code based geo-location. It will help affected individuals find different services close to their home. Additional resources for those needing immediate food and housing assistance can be found on the United Way website as well.
Illinois Crisis Assistance Program
The Crisis Assistance Program provides payment for rent, food, clothes, household supplies and important essential furniture for families who are eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and:
- are homeless or may become homeless because of fire, flood or other natural disasters, such as tornado;
- do not have any food to eat because of fire, flood or other natural disaster;
- are homeless or may become homeless because they were evicted from their home for any reason;
- are deprived of food or needed clothing because of lost or stolen cash; or
- are homeless because someone in their former home physically abused them; or
- are deprived of food, clothing, or rent due to forcing an abuser who is the primary wage-earner from the home.
- Families who receive TANF cash assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services may also receive help paying for transportation, lodging and food needed for travel to get essential or specialized medical care.
Call the automated help line at 1-800-843-6154 or click here to be linked to their website.
Chicago Emergency Rental Assistance
Emergency Rental Assistance is available for people suffering financial hardship due to a crisis such as loss of job, home fire or illness. The program is intended to allow families to maintain housing during the time it takes to regain stability.Eligible clients must demonstrate that moving forward they will have sufficient income to cover rent and other living expenses. The program offers a one-time grant up to $900 to cover one month’s rent. Applications can be filed at any of the City’s six Community Service Centers.
For more information about Emergency Rental Assistance, visit your local Community Service Center or call 3-1-1.
The Emergency Fund
All Chicago administers the Emergency Fund which provides critical financial assistance to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness or another serious emergency. They can quickly provide payments on a person’s behalf for things like rent, utilities, or transportation. Click here to more.
Housing Forward – Suburban Cook County Emergency Services
Housing Forward has an Emergency Assistance program for suburban Cook County residents. The Emergency Assistance program provides referrals and emergency financial assistance for food, housing, utilities and transportation to individuals and families at urgent risk. The goal is to address the immediate crisis so the individual or family can work on additional steps on the path toward stability. The Prevail program’s staff and volunteers listen to each person’s individual situation and, working together with the client, use solutions-based counseling to develop a plan of action. Plans could include assistance for a range of services.
Go to www.housingforward.org to learn more.
Job Openings
Chicago Area Grocers
Chicago-area grocers Jewel Osco and Marianos are hiring additional staff in light of a recent spike in demand. Many employees are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW). For more information on open positions at Jewel Osco, click here. For more information on open positions at Marianos, click here.
2020 U.S. Census
The federal government is looking to fill thousands of jobs for the ongoing 2020 U.S. Census. The jobs pay between $25 to $30 an hour. Click here for more information and job applications.
Resources to Keep Yourself Safe:
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Steps to Prevent Illness (CDC)
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Map of COVID-19 testing sites in Illinois (State of Illinois)
Local Updates:
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 Update (Chicago Department of Public Health)
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Illinois Department of Public Health)
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Gov. JB Pritzker's "Stay at Home" Executive Order (Issued March 20, 2020)
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Resources for Immigrants During COVID-19 Crisis (Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights)
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Guide for Workers in Illinois (UIC Public Health)
How to Help
Donate Personal Protective Equipment
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold, healthcare workers in Illinois have been hit by a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Our nurses, doctors, paramedics, and other healthcare providers need PPE to effectively care for their patients and keep themselves safe on the job. Some workers are being forced to ration, reuse, or substitute for basic PPE.
The Chicago Federation of Labor, in conjunction with the Pritzker Administration, is requesting donation of any unused PPE that can safely be spared at this time.
The equipment most urgently needed includes:
- Surgical masks
- N95 masks
- Gowns
- Gloves
- Eye shields
- Face shields
Anyone with unused PPE can arrange for donation of those materials by emailing PPE.donations@illinois.gov.
People or organizations should not donate PPE if that equipment is needed in ongoing work as essential employees unless there is a surplus of PPE that can safely be spared for others.
All items should be in the manufacture's original packaging and unopened. Unfortunately, the state cannot accept open product or homemade items. We recommend you contact your local first responders (Police, Fire, EMS) to see if they can utilize your items.
If you have any questions, please contact Gus Fuguitt, CFL Director of Community Engagement at gfuguitt@chicagolabor.org.
