In support of workers

I read about the debate in Congress over another stimulus package to help rebuild the economy with various stimulus programs. Several things in the reporting caught my attention, the infighting within the Republican Party notwithstanding. First and foremost is the notation that many Republican Party members have voiced concern that extending the current $600 weekly federal jobless benefit may allow unemployed workers to receive more in unemployment benefits than they would by returning to work. What?

It can be argued that if a worker receives more in unemployment than returning to work, then the employer is at fault by not paying an adequate wage. So let’s discuss raising the minimum wage and not giving tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy. And let us discuss help for the real small businesses of this country: the “mom and pop” shops, local (not chain) restaurants and small specialty contractors and fabricators who provide the real backbone of our economy. Yes, I know that chain restaurants employ local workers, but many local restaurant owners dip into their own pockets to help staff in times of need.

For most of the past 50 years I’ve worked various jobs in the entertainment industry. I’ve been a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees for 37 of those years, so I’m acutely aware of the unemployed workers (actors, designers, musicians, stagehands) that want to return to work but cannot until the country opens up. Congress wishes to penalize these people? To make matters worse, many are being criticized for asking that the $600 weekly benefit be extended; they are accused of asking for a “handout,” getting something for nothing. It’s not something they necessarily want and it’s not a wish for a handout, but until they can safely return to work, it is something that many of them need and deserve.

It’s time for Congress to act in support of the workers of this country, period!

JOHN COOKE North Little Rock