truthout--2020-05-07--The TSA Hoarded 1.3 Million N95 Masks Even Though Airports Are Empty

The Transportation Security Administration ignored guidance from the Department of Homeland Security and internal pushback from two agency officials when it stockpiled more than 1.3 million N95 respirator masks instead of donating them to hospitals , internal records and interviews show .
Internal concerns were raised in early April , when COVID-19 cases were growing by the thousands and hospitals in some parts of the country were overrun and desperate for supplies .
The agency held on to the cache of life-saving masks even as the number of people coming through U.S. airports dropped by 95 % and the TSA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid being infected .
Meanwhile , other federal agencies , including the Department of Veterans Affairs ’ vast network of hospitals , scrounged for the personal protective equipment that doctors and nurses are dying without .
“ We don ’ t need them .
People who are in an infectious environment need them .
Nobody is flying , ” Charles Kielkopf , a TSA attorney based in Columbus , Ohio , told ProPublica .
“ You don ’ t take things for yourself .
It ’ s the wrong thing to do.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whistleblower complaint he filed Monday .
In it , he alleges the agency had engaged in gross mismanagement that represented a “ substantial and specific danger to public health.
” TSA has not required its screeners to wear N95s , which require fitting and training to use properly , and internal memos show most are using surgical masks , which are more widely available but are less effective and lack the same filtering ability .
Kielkopf raised a red flag last month about the TSA ’ s plan to store N95 respirators it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protection , which found more than a million old but usable masks in an Indiana warehouse .
Both agencies are overseen by DHS .
That shipment added to 116,000 N95s the TSA had left over from the swine flu pandemic of 2009 , a TSA memo shows .
While both stockpiles were older than the manufacturer ’ s recommended shelf life , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that expired masks remain effective against spreading the virus .
Kielkopf and another TSA official in Minnesota suggested that the agency send its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , records show .
Instead , TSA quietly stored many of them in its warehouse near the Dallas-Fort Worth airport and dispersed the rest to empty airports across the nation .
“ We need to reserve medical masks for health care workers , ” Kielkopf said , “ not TSA workers who are behind an X-ray machine.
” The TSA didn ’ t provide answers to several detailed questions sent by ProPublica , but spokesman Mark Howell said in an email that the agency ’ s “ highest priority is to ensure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workforce and the American people.
” “ With the support of CBP and DHS , in April , TSA was able to ensure a sufficient supply of N95 masks would be available for any officer who chose to wear one and completed the requisite training , ” the statement read .
“ We are continuing to acquire additional personal protective equipment for our employees to ensure both their and the traveling public ’ s health and safety based on our current staffing needs , and as supplies become available , ” TSA said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows the agency has mostly made modest purchases such as a $ 231,000 purchase for gallons of disinfectant , but has not reported any new purchases of N95s .
An internal TSA memo last month said the surplus of N95s was expected to last the agency about 30 days , but the same memo noted that estimate did not account for the drastic decline in security officers working at airports .
ProPublica asked how long the masks were actually going to last , accounting for the decreased staffing levels .
“ While we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passenger throughput and corresponding operations have certainly decreased , ” the TSA statement said .
The trade journal Government Executive reported this week that internal TSA records showed most employee schedules have been “ sharply abbreviated , ” while an additional 8,000 security screeners are on paid leave over concerns that they could be exposed to the virus .
More than 500 TSA employees have tested positive for COVID-19 , the agency reported , and five have died .
The CDC has not recommended the use of N95s by TSA staff , records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean workers who have or want to wear them can ’ t .
In one April 7 email , DHS Deputy Under Secretary for Management Randolph D. Alles sent guidance to TSA officials , urging them to wear homemade cloth face coverings and maintain social distancing .
But the N95s , which block 95 % of particles that can transmit the virus , were in notoriously short supply and should be “ reserved ” for health care workers .
“ The CDC has given us very good information about how to make masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can continue to reserve medical masks and PPE for healthcare workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic , ” Alles wrote .
But two days later , on April 9 , Cliff Van Leuven , TSA ’ s federal security director in Minnesota , followed up and asked why he had been sent thousands of masks despite that guidance .
“ I just received 9,000 N-95 masks that I have very little to no need for , ” he said in the email , which was first reported by Government Executive .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , of the officers who wear masks , they overwhelmingly prefer the surgical masks we just received after a couple months on back order.
” Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz had publicly asked that anyone who had PPE donate their surplus to the state ’ s Department of Health , Van Leuven said in the email to senior TSA staff .
“ I ’ d like to donate the bulk of our current stock of N-95s in support of that need and keep a small supply on hand , ” he wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had screened fewer than 1,500 people the previous day , about a third of which were airport staff .
Later that day , Kielkopf forwarded the concerns to TSA attorneys in other field offices , trying to get some attention to the stockpile he felt would be better used at hospitals .
“ I am sharing with you some issues we are having with n95 masks in Minnesota , ” he wrote .
“ And the tension between our increasing supply of n95 masks at our TSA airport locations and the dire need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weeks went by , and finally , on May 1 , Kielkopf wrote : “ I have been very disappointed in our position to keep tens of thousands of n95 masks while healthcare workers who have a medical requirement for the masks — because of their contact with infected people — still go without.
” DHS did not respond to ProPublica ’ s questions about why it transferred N95 masks to TSA despite a top official saying they should be reserved for healthcare workers .
“ So now the TSA position is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection of our people , ” Kielkopf said .
“ At the same time , most of our people aren ’ t even working .
It ’ s a complete 180 that doesn ’ t make any sense .
”

The Transportation Security Administration ignored guidance from the Department of Homeland Security and internal pushback from two agency officials when it stockpiled more than 1.3 million N95 respirator masks instead of donating them to hospitals, internal records and interviews show.
Internal concerns were raised in early April, when COVID-19 cases were growing by the thousands and hospitals in some parts of the country were overrun and desperate for supplies. The agency held on to the cache of life-saving masks even as the number of people coming through U.S. airports dropped by 95% and the TSA instructed many employees to stay home to avoid being infected. Meanwhile, other federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs’ vast network of hospitals, scrounged for the personal protective equipment that doctors and nurses are dying without.
“We don’t need them. People who are in an infectious environment need them. Nobody is flying,” Charles Kielkopf, a TSA attorney based in Columbus, Ohio, told ProPublica. “You don’t take things for yourself. It’s the wrong thing to do.”
Kielkopf shared a copy of an official whistleblower complaint he filed Monday. In it, he alleges the agency had engaged in gross mismanagement that represented a “substantial and specific danger to public health.”
TSA has not required its screeners to wear N95s, which require fitting and training to use properly, and internal memos show most are using surgical masks, which are more widely available but are less effective and lack the same filtering ability.
Kielkopf raised a red flag last month about the TSA’s plan to store N95 respirators it had been given by Customs and Border Protection, which found more than a million old but usable masks in an Indiana warehouse. Both agencies are overseen by DHS. That shipment added to 116,000 N95s the TSA had left over from the swine flu pandemic of 2009, a TSA memo shows. While both stockpiles were older than the manufacturer’s recommended shelf life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that expired masks remain effective against spreading the virus.
Kielkopf and another TSA official in Minnesota suggested that the agency send its N95 masks to hospitals in early April, records show. Instead, TSA quietly stored many of them in its warehouse near the Dallas-Fort Worth airport and dispersed the rest to empty airports across the nation.
“We need to reserve medical masks for health care workers,” Kielkopf said, “not TSA workers who are behind an X-ray machine.”
The TSA didn’t provide answers to several detailed questions sent by ProPublica, but spokesman Mark Howell said in an email that the agency’s “highest priority is to ensure the health, safety and security of our workforce and the American people.”
“With the support of CBP and DHS, in April, TSA was able to ensure a sufficient supply of N95 masks would be available for any officer who chose to wear one and completed the requisite training,” the statement read.
“We are continuing to acquire additional personal protective equipment for our employees to ensure both their and the traveling public’s health and safety based on our current staffing needs, and as supplies become available,” TSA said.
A review of federal contracting data shows the agency has mostly made modest purchases such as a $231,000 purchase for gallons of disinfectant, but has not reported any new purchases of N95s.
An internal TSA memo last month said the surplus of N95s was expected to last the agency about 30 days, but the same memo noted that estimate did not account for the drastic decline in security officers working at airports. ProPublica asked how long the masks were actually going to last, accounting for the decreased staffing levels.
“While we cannot provide details on staffing, passenger throughput and corresponding operations have certainly decreased,” the TSA statement said.
The trade journal Government Executive reported this week that internal TSA records showed most employee schedules have been “sharply abbreviated,” while an additional 8,000 security screeners are on paid leave over concerns that they could be exposed to the virus.
More than 500 TSA employees have tested positive for COVID-19, the agency reported, and five have died.
The CDC has not recommended the use of N95s by TSA staff, records show, but that doesn’t mean workers who have or want to wear them can’t.
In one April 7 email, DHS Deputy Under Secretary for Management Randolph D. Alles sent guidance to TSA officials, urging them to wear homemade cloth face coverings and maintain social distancing. But the N95s, which block 95% of particles that can transmit the virus, were in notoriously short supply and should be “reserved” for health care workers.
“The CDC has given us very good information about how to make masks that are suitable, so that we can continue to reserve medical masks and PPE for healthcare workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic,” Alles wrote.
But two days later, on April 9, Cliff Van Leuven, TSA’s federal security director in Minnesota, followed up and asked why he had been sent thousands of masks despite that guidance.
“I just received 9,000 N-95 masks that I have very little to no need for,” he said in the email, which was first reported by Government Executive. “We’ve made N95s available to our staff and, of the officers who wear masks, they overwhelmingly prefer the surgical masks we just received after a couple months on back order.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz had publicly asked that anyone who had PPE donate their surplus to the state’s Department of Health, Van Leuven said in the email to senior TSA staff.
“I’d like to donate the bulk of our current stock of N-95s in support of that need and keep a small supply on hand,” he wrote, adding the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport had screened fewer than 1,500 people the previous day, about a third of which were airport staff.
Van Leuven declined to comment, referring questions to a TSA spokesperson.
Later that day, Kielkopf forwarded the concerns to TSA attorneys in other field offices, trying to get some attention to the stockpile he felt would be better used at hospitals.
“I am sharing with you some issues we are having with n95 masks in Minnesota,” he wrote. “And the tension between our increasing supply of n95 masks at our TSA airport locations and the dire need for them in the medical community.”
Weeks went by, and finally, on May 1, Kielkopf wrote: “I have been very disappointed in our position to keep tens of thousands of n95 masks while healthcare workers who have a medical requirement for the masks — because of their contact with infected people — still go without.”
DHS did not respond to ProPublica’s questions about why it transferred N95 masks to TSA despite a top official saying they should be reserved for healthcare workers.
“So now the TSA position is that we desperately need these masks for the protection of our people,” Kielkopf said. “At the same time, most of our people aren’t even working. It’s a complete 180 that doesn’t make any sense.”
Tired of reading the same old news from the same old sources? So are we! That’s why we’re on a mission to shake things up and bring you the stories and perspectives that often go untold in mainstream media. But being a radically, unapologetically independent news site isn’t easy (or cheap), and we rely on reader support to keep the lights on.
If you like what you’re reading, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. We’re not asking for a handout, we’re asking for an investment: Invest in a nonprofit news site that’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers, not afraid to stand up for what’s right, and not afraid to tell it like it is.
This piece was reprinted by Truthout with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.


truthout--2020-05-07--Union Busting During a Pandemic Could Prove Lethal to Workers

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic , the workplace was estimated to be the fifth-leading cause of death for Americans .
Now , for most essential workers — from health care workers and first responders to grocery and warehouse workers — it is now undoubtedly number one .
Virtually every day we read wrenching stories of essential workers getting infected , falling ill or even dying by the dozens , not just in hospitals and meat plants , but also at Walmart , Target , Trader Joe ’ s , Whole Foods and Amazon .
In the past few days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says workers are coming in “ because they want to serve ” — tested positive for COVID-19 in a single store in Worcester , Massachusetts .
More than two months into the pandemic , corporate America is still doing way too little to stop COVID-19 from killing workers .
As reflected in thousands of worker complaints to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration , corporations have been too slow to adopt essential precautions that could save workers ’ lives — masks , gloves and sanitizing supplies , limits on customer numbers , greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast and free access to COVID-19 testing , accommodations for vulnerable workers , strictly enforced social distancing , and so on .
Instead , in the midst of the pandemic , powerful corporations are pushing to limit their legal liability for worker illness and deaths , and intensifying their war against one thing that would almost certainly make their workplaces safer — unionization .
More “ Mayday ” Than May Day for Essential Workers On May Day , employees at Walmart , Target , Amazon , Whole Foods , Trader Joe ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests : workers took unscheduled sick leave en masse to protest working conditions .
In response to this wave of activism , one of the country ’ s most prominent anti-union lobbyists has warned corporations about an increased interest in unionization “ for the first time since the early 1980s.
” But these protest actions are unlikely to signal any new dawn for the U.S. labor movement , as some have argued .
In most cases , these are low-paid employees , often lacking critical health care and paid sick leave benefits , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at some of the world ’ s wealthiest corporations .
They are protests borne of utter desperation .
Instead of allowing their employees an independent voice on safety concerns , corporations have enlisted the help of so-called “ union avoidance experts ” to fight these organizing campaigns .
Having opposed paid sick leave and higher minimum wages for years , corporations want to decide unilaterally what level of safety is sufficient , what medical benefits workers deserve and what pay is low enough .
The jobs are essential — sales have skyrocketed — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much disposable .
Behind the cloak of the pandemic , some corporations have enlisted the expertise of anti-union consultants and law firms .
In the past , one leading union avoidance law firm likened unions to a “ virus ” and recommended anti-union actions to “ inoculate ” new employees against the threat of unionization .
The actions of union avoidance consultants and law firms during the coronavirus pandemic suggest the same visceral hatred of unions .
Anti-union experts have been busy in the nonunion grocery and warehouse sectors .
After its workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO sent employees a “ dear valued crew member letter ” — replete with decades-old consultant anti-unions tropes — calling unionization a “ distraction ” and advising employees that unionization was incompatible with being a crew member .
The CEO regretted that pandemic restrictions meant that top management was unable to “ travel the country talking directly with our Crew Members [ presumably on the evils of unionization ] as we normally do.
” The letter , which circulated widely on social media , bears all the hallmarks of being written by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of “ driving discontent ” and “ seeking to capitalize on the current unstable environment , ” telling employees that the union is spreading “ misinformation and fear , ” and characterizing its own anti-union propaganda as “ facts.
” Following standard operating procedure in consultant-led campaigns , Trader Joe ’ s also distributed anti-union talking points for store managers to use with their workers .
Workers at Amazon warehouses and Amazon-owned Whole Foods grocery stores have protested unsafe conditions during the pandemic , as their colleagues have fallen ill or died .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and worker surveillance to new heights — has repeatedly used anti-union consultants and their “ explainer videos ” to crush labor campaigns in recent years .
In the past few weeks , Amazon has sacked and smeared the leader of a union drive at its Staten Island warehouse , and fired two Seattle headquarter-based tech workers who criticized unsafe conditions in the warehouses , which an Amazon vice president lambasted as a “ chickenshit move ” in his letter of resignation .
For years , consultants have conducted union vulnerability assessments or audits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychology tools .
Amazon is now using data-powered “ heat maps ” ( which aggregate data on “ external ” and “ internal ” risk factors , including store proximity to union activity , employee complaints about store labor violations and the “ diversity index ” of the store ’ s workforce ) — which , along with “ dark sites ” and spyware , are new technologies of union avoidance — to assess the vulnerability of its Whole Foods stores to unionization .
Like other tech giants , Amazon ’ s deep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by union avoidance experts and their bag of tricks .
Forced Anti-Union Meetings and the Specter of Pandemic Unemployment In the midst of the pandemic , consultants have conducted many other anti-union campaigns that are much less likely to attract national attention .
During several campaigns , they have forced essential workers to attend “ captive audience speeches ” — mandatory anti-union meetings which are unlawful in most developed democracies — even if doing so could risk their health .
One might think that the union avoidance industry would draw the line at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But even at hospitals preparing for the pandemic , anti-union consultants have forced nurses to attend captive audience meetings .
In Asheville , North Carolina , a hospital administration has twice pleaded with the National Labor Relations Board to delay a union election for its nurses — consultants always advocate election delay because it lengthens the duration of anti-union campaigns — claiming that pandemic preparations have prevented it focusing on the election .
At the same time , the hospital ’ s anti-union consultants have required nurses from each department to attend captive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to union officials , could have spread infection throughout the hospital .
Several union avoidance firms specialize in health care campaigns .
Some consultants have even blamed hospital protests for shortages of masks , gloves , gowns and other personal protective equipment on nurses who “ point fingers ” and “ socially irresponsible ” health care unions that are always seeking to “ blame the system.
” The “ pandemic economy ” has also featured prominently in consultant anti-union campaigns .
For example , at a nuclear power station in Glen Rose , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pandemic unemployment .
According to union officials , anti-union consultants have required workers to attend multiple captive meetings — in groups of nine , so as to comply with local regulations prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people — and have raised the issue of high unemployment in the Texas oil industry to discourage workers from voting for the union .
The specter of pandemic-level unemployment will likely haunt consultant campaigns for some time .
The United States is the only nation on Earth to have an entire industry of consultants and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forming unions , one that doesn ’ t even stop during a deadly pandemic .
Indeed , corporate anti-union activities have likely intensified , as these actions have largely gone unnoticed as the pandemic has dominated the country ’ s attention .
Union busting started long before coronavirus and it will likely continue long after , no matter how many low-paid grocery and warehouse workers or “ finger-pointing ” nurses die in the process .
The scourge of union-busting has always hurt workers — contributing to unsafe workplaces and lousy nonunion wages and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is potentially lethal during the pandemic .
It doesn ’ t have to be this way .
Essential employees deserve proper protections and unions would provide them with a voice in determining their own conditions .
If we want the safe workplaces that will enable us to restart the economy , we must tame the union busters .

Part of the Series Despair and Disparity: The Uneven Burdens of COVID-19
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the workplace was estimated to be the fifth-leading cause of death for Americans. Now, for most essential workers — from health care workers and first responders to grocery and warehouse workers — it is now undoubtedly number one. Virtually every day we read wrenching stories of essential workers getting infected, falling ill or even dying by the dozens, not just in hospitals and meat plants, but also at Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Amazon. In the past few days, over 80 Walmart workers — whose CEO says workers are coming in “because they want to serve” — tested positive for COVID-19 in a single store in Worcester, Massachusetts.
More than two months into the pandemic, corporate America is still doing way too little to stop COVID-19 from killing workers. As reflected in thousands of worker complaints to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, corporations have been too slow to adopt essential precautions that could save workers’ lives — masks, gloves and sanitizing supplies, limits on customer numbers, greater store security, masks for customers, fast and free access to COVID-19 testing, accommodations for vulnerable workers, strictly enforced social distancing, and so on.
Instead, in the midst of the pandemic, powerful corporations are pushing to limit their legal liability for worker illness and deaths, and intensifying their war against one thing that would almost certainly make their workplaces safer — unionization.
More “Mayday” Than May Day for Essential Workers
On May Day, employees at Walmart, Target, Amazon, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Instacart engaged in “sickout” protests: workers took unscheduled sick leave en masse to protest working conditions. In response to this wave of activism, one of the country’s most prominent anti-union lobbyists has warned corporations about an increased interest in unionization “for the first time since the early 1980s.”
But these protest actions are unlikely to signal any new dawn for the U.S. labor movement, as some have argued. In most cases, these are low-paid employees, often lacking critical health care and paid sick leave benefits, protesting an absence of essential safety precautions at some of the world’s wealthiest corporations. They are protests borne of utter desperation. Instead of allowing their employees an independent voice on safety concerns, corporations have enlisted the help of so-called “union avoidance experts” to fight these organizing campaigns. Having opposed paid sick leave and higher minimum wages for years, corporations want to decide unilaterally what level of safety is sufficient, what medical benefits workers deserve and what pay is low enough. The jobs are essential — sales have skyrocketed — but the workers are still considered very much disposable.
Behind the cloak of the pandemic, some corporations have enlisted the expertise of anti-union consultants and law firms. In the past, one leading union avoidance law firm likened unions to a “virus” and recommended anti-union actions to “inoculate” new employees against the threat of unionization. The actions of union avoidance consultants and law firms during the coronavirus pandemic suggest the same visceral hatred of unions.
Crushing Unions With Consultants, “Explainer Videos” and “Heat Maps”
One leading union avoidance law firm likened unions to a “virus” and recommended anti-union actions to “inoculate” new employees against the threat of unionization.
Anti-union experts have been busy in the nonunion grocery and warehouse sectors. After its workers started organizing, Trader Joe’s CEO sent employees a “dear valued crew member letter” — replete with decades-old consultant anti-unions tropes — calling unionization a “distraction” and advising employees that unionization was incompatible with being a crew member. The CEO regretted that pandemic restrictions meant that top management was unable to “travel the country talking directly with our Crew Members [presumably on the evils of unionization] as we normally do.” The letter, which circulated widely on social media, bears all the hallmarks of being written by a union avoidance expert: accusing the union of “driving discontent” and “seeking to capitalize on the current unstable environment,” telling employees that the union is spreading “misinformation and fear,” and characterizing its own anti-union propaganda as “facts.” Following standard operating procedure in consultant-led campaigns, Trader Joe’s also distributed anti-union talking points for store managers to use with their workers.
Workers at Amazon warehouses and Amazon-owned Whole Foods grocery stores have protested unsafe conditions during the pandemic, as their colleagues have fallen ill or died. Amazon — which has taken algorithmic management and worker surveillance to new heights — has repeatedly used anti-union consultants and their “explainer videos” to crush labor campaigns in recent years. In the past few weeks, Amazon has sacked and smeared the leader of a union drive at its Staten Island warehouse, and fired two Seattle headquarter-based tech workers who criticized unsafe conditions in the warehouses, which an Amazon vice president lambasted as a “chickenshit move” in his letter of resignation.
For years, consultants have conducted union vulnerability assessments or audits for corporations using various data-driven and industrial psychology tools. Amazon is now using data-powered “heat maps” (which aggregate data on “external” and “internal” risk factors, including store proximity to union activity, employee complaints about store labor violations and the “diversity index” of the store’s workforce) — which, along with “dark sites” and spyware, are new technologies of union avoidance — to assess the vulnerability of its Whole Foods stores to unionization. Like other tech giants, Amazon’s deep commitment to anti-unionism has been well served by union avoidance experts and their bag of tricks.
Forced Anti-Union Meetings and the Specter of Pandemic Unemployment
In the midst of the pandemic, consultants have conducted many other anti-union campaigns that are much less likely to attract national attention. During several campaigns, they have forced essential workers to attend “captive audience speeches” — mandatory anti-union meetings which are unlawful in most developed democracies — even if doing so could risk their health.
Even at hospitals preparing for the pandemic, anti-union consultants have forced nurses to attend captive audience meetings.
One might think that the union avoidance industry would draw the line at harassing nurses caring for COVID-19 patients. But even at hospitals preparing for the pandemic, anti-union consultants have forced nurses to attend captive audience meetings. In Asheville, North Carolina, a hospital administration has twice pleaded with the National Labor Relations Board to delay a union election for its nurses — consultants always advocate election delay because it lengthens the duration of anti-union campaigns — claiming that pandemic preparations have prevented it focusing on the election. At the same time, the hospital’s anti-union consultants have required nurses from each department to attend captive meetings, a practice that, according to union officials, could have spread infection throughout the hospital. Several union avoidance firms specialize in health care campaigns. Some consultants have even blamed hospital protests for shortages of masks, gloves, gowns and other personal protective equipment on nurses who “point fingers” and “socially irresponsible” health care unions that are always seeking to “blame the system.”
The “pandemic economy” has also featured prominently in consultant anti-union campaigns. For example, at a nuclear power station in Glen Rose, Texas, consultants have raised the threat of pandemic unemployment. According to union officials, anti-union consultants have required workers to attend multiple captive meetings — in groups of nine, so as to comply with local regulations prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people — and have raised the issue of high unemployment in the Texas oil industry to discourage workers from voting for the union. The specter of pandemic-level unemployment will likely haunt consultant campaigns for some time.
Union Avoidance Just Turned Deadly
The United States is the only nation on Earth to have an entire industry of consultants and law firms dedicated to preventing workers from forming unions, one that doesn’t even stop during a deadly pandemic. Indeed, corporate anti-union activities have likely intensified, as these actions have largely gone unnoticed as the pandemic has dominated the country’s attention. Union busting started long before coronavirus and it will likely continue long after, no matter how many low-paid grocery and warehouse workers or “finger-pointing” nurses die in the process. The scourge of union-busting has always hurt workers — contributing to unsafe workplaces and lousy nonunion wages and benefits — but the harm it inflicts is potentially lethal during the pandemic.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Essential employees deserve proper protections and unions would provide them with a voice in determining their own conditions. If we want the safe workplaces that will enable us to restart the economy, we must tame the union busters.
Tired of reading the same old news from the same old sources? So are we! That’s why we’re on a mission to shake things up and bring you the stories and perspectives that often go untold in mainstream media. But being a radically, unapologetically independent news site isn’t easy (or cheap), and we rely on reader support to keep the lights on.
If you like what you’re reading, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. We’re not asking for a handout, we’re asking for an investment: Invest in a nonprofit news site that’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers, not afraid to stand up for what’s right, and not afraid to tell it like it is.
Copyright © Truthout. May not be reprinted without permission.


truthout--2020-05-07--Top Trump and GOP Donor Picked to Lead US Postal Service in Time of Crisis

The U.S .
Postal Service ’ s Board of Governors — which is controlled by appointees of President Donald Trump — announced late Wednesday that it has unanimously selected a top Trump and GOP donor to serve as postmaster general , installing an ally of the White House to lead a popular agency that has long been a target of right-wing reforms and is currently under severe threat of collapse due to the Covid-19 crisis .
In a statement , the Board of Governors touted Louis DeJoy ’ s experience as “ an accomplished business executive ” in North Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeJoy — the head of fundraising for the Republican National Convention in Charlotte — is set to become the “ first postmaster general in two decades who did not rise through the agency ’ s ranks.
” DeJoy is expected to take over as postmaster general on June 15 , following the retirement of current USPS chief Megan Brennan .
Rep. Gerry Connolly ( D-Va. ) , a vocal critic of the president ’ s recent attacks on the USPS and refusal to provide the agency with desperately needed aid , slammed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no experience working at the Postal Service , particularly at such a perilous moment for the nation ’ s most popular government institution .
“ President Trump rewards a partisan donor by installing him at the United States Postal Service , ” Connolly said in a statement .
“ The Postal Service is in crisis and needs real leadership and someone with knowledge of the issues .
This crony doesn ’ t cut it.
” DeJoy ’ s appointment comes as the Postal Service is struggling to weather the sharp decline in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
The agency ’ s recent financial troubles have been compounded by a 2006 congressional mandate requiring it to fund its retirees ’ health benefits through 2056 .
Last month , Postmaster General Brennan told members of Congress that USPS — which has not received federal funding for decades , running entirely on revenue from products and services — needs an infusion of $ 75 billion to avert financial ruin within the next several months .
House Democratic leaders are reportedly pushing for $ 25 billion in emergency funding for the Postal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Trump continues to stand in the way of aid for USPS — dismissing the agency as a “ joke ” — and threaten to block legislation that includes any direct funding .
The CARES Act , which Trump signed into law in March , contained a $ 10 billion loan for the Postal Service — funding that the Trump administration is reportedly holding hostage in an effort to impose long-sought changes to the agency .
“ At a time when the country needs us now more than ever , [ Treasury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street cronies are attempting to exploit the crisis to raise prices , demonize heroic postal workers , and cut service , all so private delivery companies can profit , ” Mark Dimondstein , president of the 200,000-member American Postal Workers Union , said in a statement last month .
The collapse or privatization of the Postal Service could have disastrous and far-reaching implications , including for the prospect of nationwide vote-by-mail , which advocates say will be necessary to safely hold the November elections amid the Covid-19 pandemic .
Vanita Gupta , president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Civil and Human Rights , tweeted late Wednesday that it is “ hard not to be cynical about the motivations ” behind DeJoy ’ s appointment .
“ It ’ s an ominous sign , ” said Gupta .
“ The USPS is a public good .
So many jobs especially for people of color and delivery of essential items depend on it .
And our democracy ( vote-by-mail , the census ) amid COVID-19 depends on it.
” In a letter to members of Congress on Wednesday , more than 100 advocacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to save the USPS , the hundreds of thousands of jobs included in its diverse workforce , and the communities that depend upon this critical federal agency.
” “ A vote against adequate , timely funding for the USPS is an anti-civil rights vote , ” the groups wrote .
“ At a time where people in America need the Postal Service more than ever , we must prioritize funding to ensure that this agency has the resources it needs .
”

The businessman is set to become the first postmaster general in two decades not to rise through the agency’s ranks.
The U.S. Postal Service’s Board of Governors — which is controlled by appointees of President Donald Trump — announced late Wednesday that it has unanimously selected a top Trump and GOP donor to serve as postmaster general, installing an ally of the White House to lead a popular agency that has long been a target of right-wing reforms and is currently under severe threat of collapse due to the Covid-19 crisis.
In a statement, the Board of Governors touted Louis DeJoy’s experience as “an accomplished business executive” in North Carolina. As the Washington Post reported, DeJoy — the head of fundraising for the Republican National Convention in Charlotte — is set to become the “first postmaster general in two decades who did not rise through the agency’s ranks.”
DeJoy is expected to take over as postmaster general on June 15, following the retirement of current USPS chief Megan Brennan.
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), a vocal critic of the president’s recent attacks on the USPS and refusal to provide the agency with desperately needed aid, slammed the selection of an executive and GOP donor with no experience working at the Postal Service, particularly at such a perilous moment for the nation’s most popular government institution.
“President Trump rewards a partisan donor by installing him at the United States Postal Service,” Connolly said in a statement. “The Postal Service is in crisis and needs real leadership and someone with knowledge of the issues. This crony doesn’t cut it.”
Trump appoints political donor as postmaster general. No experience at all! Just a rich dude who has zero qualifications for the job. We are back to the spoils system and just straight cronyism. Disaster. https://t.co/tOjKgFqtr7 — Mehrsa Baradaran (@MehrsaBaradaran) May 7, 2020
DeJoy’s appointment comes as the Postal Service is struggling to weather the sharp decline in mail volume brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. The agency’s recent financial troubles have been compounded by a 2006 congressional mandate requiring it to fund its retirees’ health benefits through 2056.
Last month, Postmaster General Brennan told members of Congress that USPS — which has not received federal funding for decades, running entirely on revenue from products and services — needs an infusion of $75 billion to avert financial ruin within the next several months. House Democratic leaders are reportedly pushing for $25 billion in emergency funding for the Postal Service in the next Covid-19 stimulus package.
But Trump continues to stand in the way of aid for USPS — dismissing the agency as a “joke” — and threaten to block legislation that includes any direct funding. The CARES Act, which Trump signed into law in March, contained a $10 billion loan for the Postal Service — funding that the Trump administration is reportedly holding hostage in an effort to impose long-sought changes to the agency.
“At a time when the country needs us now more than ever, [Treasury Secretary Steve] Mnuchin and his Wall Street cronies are attempting to exploit the crisis to raise prices, demonize heroic postal workers, and cut service, all so private delivery companies can profit,” Mark Dimondstein, president of the 200,000-member American Postal Workers Union, said in a statement last month.
The collapse or privatization of the Postal Service could have disastrous and far-reaching implications, including for the prospect of nationwide vote-by-mail, which advocates say will be necessary to safely hold the November elections amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, tweeted late Wednesday that it is “hard not to be cynical about the motivations” behind DeJoy’s appointment.
“It’s an ominous sign,” said Gupta. “The USPS is a public good. So many jobs especially for people of color and delivery of essential items depend on it. And our democracy (vote-by-mail, the census) amid COVID-19 depends on it.”
Hard not to be cynical abt the motivations for this appointment; it’s an ominous sign. The USPS is a public good. So many jobs esp for people of color and delivery of essential items depend on it. And our democracy (vote by mail, the census) amid COVID-19 depends on it. #SaveUSPS https://t.co/jOpn8Xr2pu — Vanita Gupta (@vanitaguptaCR) May 7, 2020
In a letter to members of Congress on Wednesday, more than 100 advocacy groups urged lawmakers to “act now to save the USPS, the hundreds of thousands of jobs included in its diverse workforce, and the communities that depend upon this critical federal agency.”
“A vote against adequate, timely funding for the USPS is an anti-civil rights vote,” the groups wrote. “At a time where people in America need the Postal Service more than ever, we must prioritize funding to ensure that this agency has the resources it needs.”
Tired of reading the same old news from the same old sources? So are we! That’s why we’re on a mission to shake things up and bring you the stories and perspectives that often go untold in mainstream media. But being a radically, unapologetically independent news site isn’t easy (or cheap), and we rely on reader support to keep the lights on.
If you like what you’re reading, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. We’re not asking for a handout, we’re asking for an investment: Invest in a nonprofit news site that’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers, not afraid to stand up for what’s right, and not afraid to tell it like it is.
This piece was reprinted by Truthout with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.


truthout--2020-05-07--Florida Judge Signals Clear Intent to Strike Down State’s New “Poll Tax” Law

A U.S. district court judge for the state of Florida made it evident on Wednesday in no uncertain terms that he intends to strike down or significantly alter the state ’ s restrictive rules process for restoring the right to vote for individuals with felonies on their records .
In a 2018 statewide constitutional referendum , Florida residents overwhelmingly supported a measure that would restore voting rights to such individuals .
But the following year , the Republican-controlled legislature passed a law requiring those with felony records to pay fees due to the state before their suffrage rights could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judge Robert Hinkle placed an injunction on that law , favoring 17 plaintiffs who said their constitutional rights were being violated by the requirement to pay fees .
The state appealed his injunction to the 11th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals , which upheld Hinkle ’ s injunction in February , elaborating that the law indeed violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution , due to the fact that the 2019 law “ punishes those who can not pay more harshly than those who can.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courtroom as a result , where , on Wednesday , he made clear that he was not going to change his mind on the matter .
Hinkle ’ s comments on the bench suggested he viewed the law passed by the state legislature last year to be equivalent to a poll tax .
“ The Legislature plainly intended that you had to pay the money in order to vote , and if you didn ’ t pay the money you didn ’ t vote , ” the judge said .
While recognizing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ language in an overt manner , Hinkle noted that there was “ clearly a racial impact ” with regard to the law because a higher proportion of people with felonies on their record in Florida are Black .
In fact , the state itself admitted that it identified at least 85,000 voters who might be affected by the Republican-passed law .
That number , however , is considered by many to be a conservative estimate .
A study conducted by University of Florida professor Daniel Smith and the ACLU demonstrated that as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote if the statute is upheld .
Felony disenfranchisement — a practice that some states across the nation employ to limit the ability of those with felony records to participate in the democratic process — affects around 6 million Americans , according to figures from The Sentencing Project .
Notably , it ’ s a rule that disproportionately affects people of color , with one out of every 13 Black Americans being negatively affected , versus one out of every 56 for non-Black voters in the U.S .
The impending decision by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statewide and federal elections in Florida later this year .
In 2016 , the presidential race in Florida between Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton was decided by just 112,911 votes — a margin of voters several times smaller than what the University of Florida ’ s study suggests will be positively impacted with the right to vote if Hinkle ’ s judgment is allowed to stand .

Part of the Series Voting Wrongs
A U.S. district court judge for the state of Florida made it evident on Wednesday in no uncertain terms that he intends to strike down or significantly alter the state’s restrictive rules process for restoring the right to vote for individuals with felonies on their records.
In a 2018 statewide constitutional referendum, Florida residents overwhelmingly supported a measure that would restore voting rights to such individuals. But the following year, the Republican-controlled legislature passed a law requiring those with felony records to pay fees due to the state before their suffrage rights could be restored.
Last October, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle placed an injunction on that law, favoring 17 plaintiffs who said their constitutional rights were being violated by the requirement to pay fees. The state appealed his injunction to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld Hinkle’s injunction in February, elaborating that the law indeed violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, due to the fact that the 2019 law “punishes those who cannot pay more harshly than those who can.”
The case returned to Hinkle’s courtroom as a result, where, on Wednesday, he made clear that he was not going to change his mind on the matter. Hinkle’s comments on the bench suggested he viewed the law passed by the state legislature last year to be equivalent to a poll tax.
“The Legislature plainly intended that you had to pay the money in order to vote, and if you didn’t pay the money you didn’t vote,” the judge said.
While recognizing the 2019 law didn’t use racist language in an overt manner, Hinkle noted that there was “clearly a racial impact” with regard to the law because a higher proportion of people with felonies on their record in Florida are Black.
In fact, the state itself admitted that it identified at least 85,000 voters who might be affected by the Republican-passed law. That number, however, is considered by many to be a conservative estimate. A study conducted by University of Florida professor Daniel Smith and the ACLU demonstrated that as many as 775,000 individuals might not be allowed to vote if the statute is upheld.
Felony disenfranchisement — a practice that some states across the nation employ to limit the ability of those with felony records to participate in the democratic process — affects around 6 million Americans, according to figures from The Sentencing Project. Notably, it’s a rule that disproportionately affects people of color, with one out of every 13 Black Americans being negatively affected, versus one out of every 56 for non-Black voters in the U.S.
The impending decision by Hinkle will likely have an impact on statewide and federal elections in Florida later this year. In 2016, the presidential race in Florida between Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton was decided by just 112,911 votes — a margin of voters several times smaller than what the University of Florida’s study suggests will be positively impacted with the right to vote if Hinkle’s judgment is allowed to stand.
Tired of reading the same old news from the same old sources? So are we! That’s why we’re on a mission to shake things up and bring you the stories and perspectives that often go untold in mainstream media. But being a radically, unapologetically independent news site isn’t easy (or cheap), and we rely on reader support to keep the lights on.
If you like what you’re reading, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. We’re not asking for a handout, we’re asking for an investment: Invest in a nonprofit news site that’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers, not afraid to stand up for what’s right, and not afraid to tell it like it is.
Copyright © Truthout. May not be reprinted without permission.


truthout--2020-05-07--Spills From Outdated Sewers Pose Coronavirus Risk to Drinking Water

In early April , as much of the East Coast continued to sink into COVID-19 crisis mode , a heavy storm dumped rain across Massachusetts and New Hampshire , overwhelming local wastewater treatment plants .
Plant operators would later report that millions of gallons of raw sewage overflowed into the Merrimack River , which supplies drinking water to a half million people and is a popular place to swim and fish .
April showers bring May flowers , but heavy rainfall also forces water utilities across the country to discharge raw sewage from outdated sewer systems into lakes , rivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to California , residents are familiar with the signs posted at beaches and lakeshores warning swimmers to stay out of the water for at least two days after a heavy rainfall .
Overwhelmed sewers can contaminate bodies of water with high levels of harmful bacteria found in human waste — and now with SARS-CoV-2 , the virus that causes COVID-19 .
About 860 billion gallons of wastewater overflow escapes overwhelmed sewer systems in the United States every year , and 3.5 million people get sick from swimming , boating , fishing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with contaminated water , according to the environmental group American Rivers .
The novel coronavirus can persist in human feces for up to 47 days , and environmental accountability organizations now say that sewer spills are putting drinking water supplies at risk .
The Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) advises that the virus has been found in untreated wastewater , but it remains unclear whether anyone has gotten sick from coming in contact with sewage .
Scientists across the world are well aware that coronavirus is found in sewers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to track the spread of the virus , a process that could be more accurate for modeling the pandemic than widespread testing .
Many people recover from COVID-19 without getting tested , but everyone flushes the toilet .
During the SARS outbreak of 2003 , a sewer leak caused a cluster of cases in Hong Kong , according to a recent op-ed by researchers at the University of California .
Like SARS , the novel coronavirus hitchhikes on tiny water droplets .
The researchers worry the virus may colonize slimy bacterial growths called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pipes , making shower heads a potential source of aerosolized transmission .
The researchers said water infrastructure should be updated in COVID-19 hotspots , and more testing is needed to ensure that water treatment methods are effectively removing the virus .
Standard treatment practices for drinking water and “ properly designed and maintained sewerage systems ” should prevent the spread of the virus , according to the CDC , but sewer overflows are a sign that systems across the country are outdated and in need of maintenance and upgrades .
Testing for SARS-CoV-2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in most areas .
Environmental watchdogs say overflows after heavy rains remain a “ blind spot ” for tracking sources of coronavirus transmission and must be taken seriously .
“ COVID-19 dramatically increases the public health consequences of these combined sewage overflows , ” said Kyla Bennett , a former New England water enforcement official for the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) , in a statement .
“ Our aging water infrastructure represents a growing public health vulnerability as these sewage spills become more common.
” Bennett is now the science policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( PEER ) , a watchdog group that represents current and former employees at agencies like the EPA and Interior Department .
PEER said this week that drinking water in the U.S. is not routinely tested for coronavirus , even after storms overwhelm wastewater systems and cause overflows .
The Trump administration has not ramped up testing at wastewater treatment plants run by local utilities that are losing billions of dollars in revenue due to the pandemic .
“ Much remains to be learned about the role of sewage overflows and disease transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a minimum , EPA should be conducting or funding screening of at-risk drinking water for the presence of coronavirus.
” In many cities , decades-old sewer systems combine sanitary waste , rainfall , industrial discharges , and other sources of wastewater into one pipe running to treatment plants .
When heavy rainfall or even snowmelt exceeds a treatment plant ’ s capacity , operators must discharge excess sewage into the environment to avoid flooded basements and backups in homes .
The wastewater then flows into lakes and rivers from which utilities draw drinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sewer upgrades that keeps stormwater and sewage separate , but approximately 1,000 municipalities have “ combined ” sewer systems that can experience overflows , according to the EPA .
Many are located in older cities in the Eastern U.S. and across the Great Lakes region , where decades-old sewer systems regularly dump sewage into large sources of freshwater .
The EPA reports that approximately 772 cities in the U.S. have “ major water pollution concerns ” due to combined sewer systems .
“ Once public health experts determine that we can safely re-open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risk of getting sick from pathogens in the water , ” said John Rumpler , the clean water director at Environment America , in a statement on Wednesday .
The good news is that conventional wastewater treatment methods are effective at removing viruses and other pathogens from drinking water , according to the World Health Organization .
EPA standards require utilities to remove pathogens from drinking water , and the agency has assured the public that the risk of COVID-19 transmission by drinking water is low .
However , the agency also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widespread problem .
Without testing of drinking water at risk of coronavirus contamination , there is no way to know whether the filtration and disinfectant processes at wastewater treatment plants are working correctly , according to PEER .
Meanwhile , water utilities nationwide are anxious about running out of personal protective equipment for workers , and the Trump administration has relaxed environmental enforcement at the EPA in response to the pandemic .
Climate change is also straining outdated wastewater systems as hotter temperatures and intensifying storms bring heavier rainfall , according to PEER @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the EPA should help local utilities monitor water supplies .
“ Given the weaknesses in our general infrastructure , the lack of monitoring , and climate change and heavier rainfalls and the burdens on this system , this certainly should be a priority at the EPA in terms of testing and working with public health departments to test and improve these systems , ” Whitehouse said in an interview .
Congress is still debating whether to include billions of dollars for sewer infrastructure upgrades that would reduce combined wastewater overflows in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disagreements have stalled the legislation .
House Democrats initially pushed for the bill to include $ 75 billion in water infrastructure spending , including $ 50 billion for clean water efforts and infrastructure upgrades that would help cash-strapped cities reduce sewer overflow .
However , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated last month that the infrastructure spending may have to wait .
On Wednesday , a Senate committee approved a pair of bipartisan bills that would increase funding for a clean water fund for states by $ 3 billion , providing cities and states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce sewer overflow and pollution runoff into lakes and streams , according to Environment America .
Rumpler said lawmakers rejected a loophole that would have allowed some wastewater treatment plants to continue dumping raw sewage at “ unacceptable ” levels for another decade , but the committee did not include “ crucial measures ” for removing toxic PFAS chemicals from the water supplies .
Industrial polluters are allowed to dump PFAS into public sewer systems , and scientists now say that virtually all major sources of drinking water are contaminated with traces of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are linked to cancer and a number of other health risks .
Whitehouse said fixing the wastewater system is expensive because sewers run under streets that must be dug up , so upgrades are difficult for cities with tight budgets to perform on their own .
He said robust federal investment in water infrastructure upgrades would help local governments improve wastewater treatment and provide cleaner drinking water while creating large numbers of jobs .
“ It ’ s a really important area that Congress can focus on , and the results will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but fewer sewer overflows and also better public health and more jobs , ” Whitehouse said .
“ This is an area where it ’ s a win-win-win .
”

Part of the Series Despair and Disparity: The Uneven Burdens of COVID-19
In early April, as much of the East Coast continued to sink into COVID-19 crisis mode, a heavy storm dumped rain across Massachusetts and New Hampshire, overwhelming local wastewater treatment plants. Plant operators would later report that millions of gallons of raw sewage overflowed into the Merrimack River, which supplies drinking water to a half million people and is a popular place to swim and fish.
April showers bring May flowers, but heavy rainfall also forces water utilities across the country to discharge raw sewage from outdated sewer systems into lakes, rivers and streams. From Cleveland, Ohio, to California, residents are familiar with the signs posted at beaches and lakeshores warning swimmers to stay out of the water for at least two days after a heavy rainfall. Overwhelmed sewers can contaminate bodies of water with high levels of harmful bacteria found in human waste — and now with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
About 860 billion gallons of wastewater overflow escapes overwhelmed sewer systems in the United States every year, and 3.5 million people get sick from swimming, boating, fishing, and other activities that bring them in contact with contaminated water, according to the environmental group American Rivers. Environmental accountability organizations now say that sewer spills are putting drinking water supplies at risk.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises that the virus has been found in untreated wastewater, but it remains unclear whether anyone has gotten sick from coming in contact with sewage. Scientists across the world are well aware that coronavirus is found in sewers and are developing methods for using sewage samples to track the spread of the virus, a process that could be more accurate for modeling the pandemic than widespread testing. Many people recover from COVID-19 without getting tested, but everyone flushes the toilet.
During the SARS outbreak of 2003, a sewer leak caused a cluster of cases in Hong Kong, according to a recent op-ed by researchers at the University of California. Like SARS, the novel coronavirus hitchhikes on tiny water droplets. The researchers worry the virus may colonize slimy bacterial growths called “bioslimes” that line aging water pipes, making shower heads a potential source of aerosolized transmission. The researchers said water infrastructure should be updated in COVID-19 hotspots, and more testing is needed to ensure that water treatment methods are effectively removing the virus.
Standard treatment practices for drinking water and “properly designed and maintained sewerage systems” should prevent the spread of the virus, according to the CDC, but sewer overflows are a sign that systems across the country are outdated and in need of maintenance and upgrades. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in drinking water is limited or nonexistent in most areas. Environmental watchdogs say overflows after heavy rains remain a “blind spot” for tracking sources of coronavirus transmission and must be taken seriously.
“COVID-19 dramatically increases the public health consequences of these combined sewage overflows,” said Kyla Bennett, a former New England water enforcement official for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in a statement. “Our aging water infrastructure represents a growing public health vulnerability as these sewage spills become more common.”
Bennett is now the science policy director at Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), a watchdog group that represents current and former employees at agencies like the EPA and Interior Department. PEER said this week that drinking water in the U.S. is not routinely tested for coronavirus, even after storms overwhelm wastewater systems and cause overflows. The Trump administration has not ramped up testing at wastewater treatment plants run by local utilities that are losing billions of dollars in revenue due to the pandemic.
Drinking water in the U.S. is not routinely tested for coronavirus, even after storms overwhelm wastewater systems and cause overflows.
“Much remains to be learned about the role of sewage overflows and disease transmission,” Bennett said. “At a minimum, EPA should be conducting or funding screening of at-risk drinking water for the presence of coronavirus.”
In many cities, decades-old sewer systems combine sanitary waste, rainfall, industrial discharges, and other sources of wastewater into one pipe running to treatment plants. When heavy rainfall or even snowmelt exceeds a treatment plant’s capacity, operators must discharge excess sewage into the environment to avoid flooded basements and backups in homes. The wastewater then flows into lakes and rivers from which utilities draw drinking water.
Some cities have invested in sewer upgrades that keeps stormwater and sewage separate, but approximately 1,000 municipalities have “combined” sewer systems that can experience overflows, according to the EPA. Many are located in older cities in the Eastern U.S. and across the Great Lakes region, where decades-old sewer systems regularly dump sewage into large sources of freshwater. The EPA reports that approximately 772 cities in the U.S. have “major water pollution concerns” due to combined sewer systems.
“Once public health experts determine that we can safely re-open our beaches, swimmers should not face the risk of getting sick from pathogens in the water,” said John Rumpler, the clean water director at Environment America, in a statement on Wednesday.
At least 772 cities in the U.S. have “major water pollution concerns” due to combined sewer systems.
The good news is that conventional wastewater treatment methods are effective at removing viruses and other pathogens from drinking water, according to the World Health Organization. EPA standards require utilities to remove pathogens from drinking water, and the agency has assured the public that the risk of COVID-19 transmission by drinking water is low.
However, the agency also admits that combined sewer overflows remain a widespread problem. Without testing of drinking water at risk of coronavirus contamination, there is no way to know whether the filtration and disinfectant processes at wastewater treatment plants are working correctly, according to PEER. Meanwhile, water utilities nationwide are anxious about running out of personal protective equipment for workers, and the Trump administration has relaxed environmental enforcement at the EPA in response to the pandemic.
Climate change is also straining outdated wastewater systems as hotter temperatures and intensifying storms bring heavier rainfall, according to PEER Executive Director Tim Whitehouse, who says that the EPA should help local utilities monitor water supplies.
“Given the weaknesses in our general infrastructure, the lack of monitoring, and climate change and heavier rainfalls and the burdens on this system, this certainly should be a priority at the EPA in terms of testing and working with public health departments to test and improve these systems,” Whitehouse said in an interview.
Congress is still debating whether to include billions of dollars for sewer infrastructure upgrades that would reduce combined wastewater overflows in the next COVID-19 stimulus package, but partisan disagreements have stalled the legislation. House Democrats initially pushed for the bill to include $75 billion in water infrastructure spending, including $50 billion for clean water efforts and infrastructure upgrades that would help cash-strapped cities reduce sewer overflow. However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated last month that the infrastructure spending may have to wait.
On Wednesday, a Senate committee approved a pair of bipartisan bills that would increase funding for a clean water fund for states by $3 billion, providing cities and states with resources for infrastructure projects that would reduce sewer overflow and pollution runoff into lakes and streams, according to Environment America.
Rumpler said lawmakers rejected a loophole that would have allowed some wastewater treatment plants to continue dumping raw sewage at “unacceptable” levels for another decade, but the committee did not include “crucial measures” for removing toxic PFAS chemicals from the water supplies. Industrial polluters are allowed to dump PFAS into public sewer systems, and scientists now say that virtually all major sources of drinking water are contaminated with traces of the persistent chemicals, some of which are linked to cancer and a number of other health risks.
Whitehouse said fixing the wastewater system is expensive because sewers run under streets that must be dug up, so upgrades are difficult for cities with tight budgets to perform on their own. He said robust federal investment in water infrastructure upgrades would help local governments improve wastewater treatment and provide cleaner drinking water while creating large numbers of jobs.
“It’s a really important area that Congress can focus on, and the results will be not only be better drinking water, but fewer sewer overflows and also better public health and more jobs,” Whitehouse said. “This is an area where it’s a win-win-win.”
Correction: This article originally stated that SARS-CoV-2 can persist in human feces for up to 47 days. In fact, researchers detected the virus in the stool of one patient 47 days after the onset of symptoms in one early study, but that is not evidence of how long the virus survives outside the body.
Tired of reading the same old news from the same old sources? So are we! That’s why we’re on a mission to shake things up and bring you the stories and perspectives that often go untold in mainstream media. But being a radically, unapologetically independent news site isn’t easy (or cheap), and we rely on reader support to keep the lights on.
If you like what you’re reading, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. We’re not asking for a handout, we’re asking for an investment: Invest in a nonprofit news site that’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers, not afraid to stand up for what’s right, and not afraid to tell it like it is.
Copyright © Truthout. May not be reprinted without permission.


truthout--2020-05-08--Republicans Say They’d Break Rule They Invented to Derail Obama’s SCOTUS Pick

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was discharged from Baltimore ’ s Johns Hopkins hospital on Wednesday evening after having been treated for an infection in her gallbladder .
Ginsburg is “ doing well and glad to be home , ” according to a spokeswoman for the Court , but that hasn ’ t stopped some Republicans in the Senate from considering what they might do if her seat ( or even somebody else ’ s ) were suddenly to become vacant .
Such considerations are typically considered uncouth and not expressed out loud , but GOP lawmakers on Capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would act on the vacancy should the worst happen .
“ We ’ re going to fill it , ” Sen. John Barrasso , the Republican ’ s third-ranking member , said of Ginsburg ’ s seat .
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas agreed , noting that it ’ d be a controversial process , but one they ’ d attempt to carry out anyway .
“ If you thought the [ Brett ] Kavanaugh hearing was contentious , this would probably be that on steroids , ” Cornyn explained .
“ Nevertheless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then it ’ s our responsibility to take it up.
” The move to fill any vacant Supreme Court seat that might come up between now and November would be viewed by many as hypocritical .
Republicans stood in the way of former President Barack Obama nominating Merrick Garland , chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia .
The vacancy occurred in February 2016 , when there were still 11 months in Obama ’ s term remaining , and Garland ’ s nomination was officially made in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their not allowing Obama ’ s nominee to be considered was that it was a presidential election year .
“ Let ’ s let the American people decide , ” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said at the time .
“ The Senate will appropriately revisit the matter when it considers the qualifications of the nominee the next president nominates , whoever that might be.
” If a vacancy occurred today , it would be a shorter timeline than the one Republicans justified blocking in 2016 — there are just eight months until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t seem to show any concern about remaining true to principles they espoused just four years ago .
Sen. Chuck Grassley may be the one exception , although he hasn ’ t weighed in on the situation in recent days like others in his party have .
In 2018 , when asked about a hypothetical situation involving a vacancy occurring in 2020 , Grassley , who was then the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee , said he wouldn ’ t consider a new nominee by President Donald Trump .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that committee — staunch Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham is , and when pressed this week to give his opinion on what should be done if a vacancy occurs , he was mum on the matter .
McConnell , meanwhile , has definitely changed his tune .
In February of this year , the Majority Leader took a hypocritical stance instead of a consistent one .
“ If you ’ re asking me a hypothetical about whether this Republican Senate would confirm a member of the Supreme Court due to a vacancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would fill it , ” he said .

The GOP obstructed Obama’s SCOTUS nominee in 2016, but several said they’d consider a pick by Trump this election year.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was discharged from Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins hospital on Wednesday evening after having been treated for an infection in her gallbladder.
Ginsburg is “doing well and glad to be home,” according to a spokeswoman for the Court, but that hasn’t stopped some Republicans in the Senate from considering what they might do if her seat (or even somebody else’s) were suddenly to become vacant.
Such considerations are typically considered uncouth and not expressed out loud, but GOP lawmakers on Capitol Hill spoke to Politico about whether they would act on the vacancy should the worst happen.
“We’re going to fill it,” Sen. John Barrasso, the Republican’s third-ranking member, said of Ginsburg’s seat.
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas agreed, noting that it’d be a controversial process, but one they’d attempt to carry out anyway.
“If you thought the [Brett] Kavanaugh hearing was contentious, this would probably be that on steroids,” Cornyn explained. “Nevertheless, if the president makes a nomination then it’s our responsibility to take it up.”
The move to fill any vacant Supreme Court seat that might come up between now and November would be viewed by many as hypocritical. Republicans stood in the way of former President Barack Obama nominating Merrick Garland, chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The vacancy occurred in February 2016, when there were still 11 months in Obama’s term remaining, and Garland’s nomination was officially made in March.
The justification back then for their not allowing Obama’s nominee to be considered was that it was a presidential election year.
“Let’s let the American people decide,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said at the time. “The Senate will appropriately revisit the matter when it considers the qualifications of the nominee the next president nominates, whoever that might be.”
If a vacancy occurred today, it would be a shorter timeline than the one Republicans justified blocking in 2016 — there are just eight months until inauguration day 2021. Yet, Republicans don’t seem to show any concern about remaining true to principles they espoused just four years ago.
Sen. Chuck Grassley may be the one exception, although he hasn’t weighed in on the situation in recent days like others in his party have. In 2018, when asked about a hypothetical situation involving a vacancy occurring in 2020, Grassley, who was then the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he wouldn’t consider a new nominee by President Donald Trump.
However, Grassley is no longer the chairman of that committee — staunch Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham is, and when pressed this week to give his opinion on what should be done if a vacancy occurs, he was mum on the matter.
McConnell, meanwhile, has definitely changed his tune. In February of this year, the Majority Leader took a hypocritical stance instead of a consistent one.
“If you’re asking me a hypothetical about whether this Republican Senate would confirm a member of the Supreme Court due to a vacancy created this year — yeah, we would fill it,” he said.
Tired of reading the same old news from the same old sources? So are we! That’s why we’re on a mission to shake things up and bring you the stories and perspectives that often go untold in mainstream media. But being a radically, unapologetically independent news site isn’t easy (or cheap), and we rely on reader support to keep the lights on.
If you like what you’re reading, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. We’re not asking for a handout, we’re asking for an investment: Invest in a nonprofit news site that’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers, not afraid to stand up for what’s right, and not afraid to tell it like it is.
Copyright © Truthout. May not be reprinted without permission.