The pandemic caused by the Coronavirus is yet to run its course.

In fact, we are only at the beginning of this rampaging disease. 

It is likely that several million people will die worldwide - and more than 100,000 in the US.

The numbers in our region – Western New York - are yet to be determined - but, they too, will be horrendous.

Working People will continue to be in the front line in the battle against this infectious disease.

We will continue to do whatever is in our power to effectuate the best possible outcome.

We will follow the lead of our state and local officials, our national and statewide Labor Federations and our national affiliates, and provide whatever assistance we can.

We will also pay heed to the only proven deterrent to the virus: Social distancing; Continuous monitoring of our own health; and Disinfecting our bodies and our clothing. 

The primary role of the Western New York AFL-CIO Area Labor Federation (WNYALF) is in the area of information sharing and as a clearing house for important announcements and support activity.

The daunting prospects of the post-pandemic world must also be faced.

The economic fallout is real, the workings of the economy will be shaped in ways we do not yet understand.

However, it is clear that the old economic system will not be replicated as it is today, in the years to come.

We are at a crossroads as a Nation and a world. 

Issues like the terrible lack of a fully-functioning health care system and the creation of a social safety net that works for ordinary people are now on the minds of tens of millions of people. 

Further, the role of science in the work of government cannot be denied. 

The obscene disparity between the ultra-rich and the ordinary person is a subject of grave concern.

Finally, we must have true international cooperation in solving any of the above issues.

The real question is - as always, a political one.

The role of government as the protector of the health and welfare of the general population can only be settled by political action.

For decades, the reactionary party of the Right Wing has denigrated government.

Most recently the analysis of the Right is that a vast “Deep State” exists and must be “deconstructed”.

This emergency has broken that analysis into a thousand pieces.

We need government that exists to protect the working people.

We need government that is prepared to weather the storms brought on by threats like the Coronavirus - and we need a government that believes in science and in international cooperation.

Such a government can be created. 

We can turn the tragedy of the Coronavirus into an opening to the creation of a new world - one that works for the vast majority of the people.