The American Staffing Association today released this statement to the news media from Richard Wahlquist, president and chief executive officer, about the staffing industry’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
“During one of the worst crises ever to face our country, staffing agencies are playing a vital role in helping to ensure the flow of essential goods and services the American people need to weather the storm.
Businesses and governments alike are turning to the staffing industry to supply temporary and contract employees to help produce and deliver food, pharmaceuticals, and other necessities; provide critically-needed health care services and medical professionals to hospitals and other facilities; and help state and local governments manage the massive unemployment and financial assistance programs.
As part of this effort, the American Staffing Association and the Retail Industry Leaders Association have launched a “staffing connector” to help fill openings for retail workers at essential businesses like grocery stores and pharmacies. Online, searchable directories on the ASA and RILA websites connect retailers with staffing agencies nationwide to fill high-demand jobs like warehouse workers, store clerks, cashiers and greeters, forklift drivers, and more.
“Staffing agencies are perfectly positioned to deploy temporary workers displaced due to COVID-19,” said Brian Dodge, RILA president, in a joint press release. RILA’s partnership with ASA will help retailers connect with staffing agencies so individuals who need jobs can find work in an industry that is unexpectedly seeing a surge in demand for essential goods.”
As staffing agencies supply essential workers to meet the crisis, a top priority is to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. ASA’s online resource library provides up to date information on how staffing companies and their clients can protect those workers. At the same time, ASA is engaging with Congress and federal agencies to ensure that staffing agencies and their employees have access to the financial assistance they need to carry on their critical mission.
ASA and the staffing industry remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting jobs and the economic health of our nation as we all work together to fight through the pandemic.”
Richard Wahlquist
President and Chief Executive Officer
American Staffing Association
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About the American Staffing Association (ASA)
The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.
