Governors Should Prioritize Port Workers for COVID-19 Vaccines, AAPA Says

Port workers should have early access to COVID-19 vaccines, the American Association of Port Authorities said. In a letter from AAPA and nine other groups to the National Governors Association, the organization is pushing for port workers to be prioritized for the vaccines and spotlighted the significant impact to local and national economy.

“Acknowledging the myriad demands you are managing due to the persistent effects of the pandemic, we respectfully propose a means for alleviating a substantial area of concern – the potential for supply chain disruptions, delays in vaccine distribution, and further adverse economic impacts, locally, regionally, and nationally,” the letter stated. “As we saw at the outset of the pandemic, when supply lines are disrupted, consequences are fast to follow.”

These workers are essential to the economy and work in conditions that make them vulnerable to the virus.

“America’s ports and their workforce of more than 650,000 personnel have kept essential goods moving to medical professionals, first responders, vital manufacturing, and retail businesses during the pandemic,” Christopher Connor, AAPA’s President and CEO, said in a statement. “Their dedication has ensured continuity at great risk to their personal health.”

By Pacific Maritime