The UFCW has partnered with the University of Nebraska Medical Center and FORWARD, the national databank for rheumatic diseases, to launch a long-term, national Essential Worker Study to help our union understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our members. The new study will focus on rates of infection, which types of workplaces have had the most infections, and vaccination rates. All UFCW members are encouraged to participate in this research effort, which will also facilitate our union’s ability to improve workplace safety protections for our members.
Participating in the Essential Worker Study is easy and involves the following:
• Weekly Text Message: UFCW Members will receive a single text message each week inviting them to fill out a short survey if they have either contracted COVID-19 or received a vaccination. Survey responses will be kept anonymous and members’ privacy will be protected.
• Critical Safety Information: UFCW members will have priority access to COVID-19 informational newsletters and participate in Q&As with the top infectious disease doctors in the country.
• Sharing Your Views: By answering just a few questions a week, UFCW members will help strengthen workplace protections and protect essential workers for years to come.
All locals are encouraged to reach out to their members so that we can have maximum participation in this research effort. To help locals spread the word about the study, the Communications Department has created promotional materials, which are available here.
You can get more information about the Essential Worker Study here.