The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 26, backed any legislation that would prioritize the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to essential waterfront workers.
The council’s resolution, introduced on Dec. 15 by Councilmen Joe Buscaino and Paul Koretz and passed unanimously Tuesday, described dockworkers as essential to both the local and national economy.
“The maritime industry has continued to operate throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic despite major disruptions to global supply chains,” the resolution read, “and the Port of Los Angeles is a linchpin in the economic vitality of multiple critical infrastructure sectors locally and nationally.”
Koretz said Tuesday that he hasn’t heard of another industry that has been as impacted by COVID-19.
“To keep our port functioning and to keep our workers safe, I think this is an incredibly high priority,” Koretz said. “I believe we should recognize this as a top priority for our city.”