Federal Aid Package for Trade Show Industry

Across the country, the need for social distancing has impacted many industries. One industry in particular stands at high risk for both economic catastrophe AND infection, and that is the community of Trade Show Industry Installers- Electrian’s, Teamsters, Security Guards, Concessionaires, Custodians, etc. 

Our families are facing a long list of economic catastrophes: losing our homes, retirements, extreme debt/bankruptcy, inability to provide food for our children and/or pay for much needed health insurance. Show cancellations across the world with no rescheduled show dates, and loss of child care during this novel coronavirus outbreak {COVID-19} are cause of grave concern to all who work in the Trade Show Industry as incomes plummet. Fear, anger and dread are being felt by all as our families begin to understand the monumental cost to help save our nation from the spread of the virus.

There is already no paid time off or sick leave. Many are facing potential bankruptcy. The very nature of our industry is close contact, wide population within an enclosed area where despite using our above-average knowledge of sanitation practices, we are exposed to airborne transmission with every possible cough or sneeze from our fellow tradesmen infected with COVID-19 has the ability to transmit the infection quickly from our attendees on any given day, even before symptoms arise. Therefore all convention centers have been closed globally, with total loss of employment. 

The need for an Economic Hardship package is immediate and should include the following;

-Emergency Medicaid Health insurance for those who are uninsured

-$100 billion in government-backed, low interest loans, to help support income that is disappearing. 

AND

-Equal relief/aid funding, as we are not covered under the current proposed relief bills being voted on at the Federal level. 

We the undersigned plead with our elected officials to hear our warnings and cries for help as we not only see our own economic plight but also the sacrifice of our livelihoods as we struggle to keep our communities healthy. 

Respectfully,

Anthony Cerasi, Local 510 Trade Show Installer- California