A local labor group has asked local government entities to adopt a list of principles for re-opening the economy that gives workers a say in decisions that affect their health and safety.

“We are just trying to advocate for a safe re-opening and not just open up for the sake of money,” said Bob Wolf, business representative with IBEW Local 714 in Minot. “We want our employees and labor as a whole to have a say in some of what’s going on.”

Particularly, he said, workers should not feel forced to return to environments they believe could jeopardize their health because their employers have called them back and their unemployment then ends.

The Missouri Slope Central Labor Council Northern Chapter sent letters to area government entities, including the Minot City Council, Ward County Commission and Minot Public Schools. The letter asks for adoption of eight principles for re-opening the economy, including:

– giving workers a say in decisions.

– decisions based on worker safety and sound science.

– strong, clear and enforceable workplace health and safety standards in place.

– stronger protections against retaliation against workers who refuse to work because of inadequate protection or training.

– massive increase in adequate levels and types of personal protective equipment for workers.

– massive increase of rapid and reliable coronavirus testing.

– federal oversight of a system of recording, reporting and tracing worker infections.

– employers, in coordination with local and state public health departments, must trace the contacts of infected workers and remove exposed workers with pay and without retaliation.

The Missouri Slope Labor Council, Northern Plains United Labor Council, Northern Valley Labor Council and North Dakota State Federation AFL-CIO are backing the principles.

Minot Mayor Shaun Sipma said the city will continue to follow the guidance of the governor and State Department of Health. The city currently is restricting public access to its buildings, with hand sanitizing stations and other protections in place.

Ward County has organized a task force that includes commissioners and certain department heads to recommend policies for a safe re-opening. The county also has addressed other safety measures, such acrylic barriers, personal protective equipment, hand sanitizing stations and signage.

North Dakota schools have remained closed, with online learning and work-at-home occurring in most instances.

Wolf said Gov. Doug Burgum has done a fair job in providing guidance regarding re-opening, although he has concern the state has not fully followed guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in using declining case numbers as a condition of re-opening.