RI Trucking Assoc. Urges RI to Allow All Biz to Reopen Immediately Under 'Manufacturers' Pledge'

RI Trucking Assoc. Urges RI to Allow All Biz to Reopen Immediately Under 'Manufacturers' Pledge'

The Rhode Island Trucking Association is calling for all businesses in Rhode Island to reopen -- a position that is in conflict with that of public health experts, as Rhode Island is not expected to hit its peak for two to three weeks.

"'Non-essential' businesses in Rhode Island remain shut down by order of Governor Gina Raimondo even as unemployment filings shoot up and COVID-19 projections drop markedly.  While much of trucking has not been directly impacted by the shutdown order, as an industry that interacts with all businesses in Rhode Island - manufacturing, farms, restaurants, small shops, big box stores - trucking has a unique position and voice as Rhode Island looks to re-open," said RITA in its statement.

"The governor has said that she doesn't know what regulations will be issued to allow businesses to re-open," said RITA President Chris Maxwell.  "This is quickly and easily fulfilled: the state simply need to tell all businesses to follow the manufacturers' lead and take the same pledge that was exclusively afforded to this sector many weeks ago."

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Manufacturers' Pledge

According to the Trucking Association's statement, Rhode Island's entire manufacturing sector, even non-essential entities manufacturing luxury yachts, were exempted from the shutdown a month ago. They were allowed to remain operational because they took a pledge to adhere to an operational health protocol outlined by the Rhode Island Department of Health. RITA said it "concurs" with this course and questions why this opportunity has not been afforded to all businesses in Rhode Island who could similarly adopt protocols and protections specific to their operations. 

"Our members see the bigger picture and want all businesses in the state to flourish," Maxwell continued.  "Accordingly, RITA respectfully urges that Governor Raimondo immediately grant all shuttered businesses the opportunity to re-open provided they follow the "manufacturers' model".  

Ultimately, "All Rhode Island businesses and their employees are essential and deserve not to be subjected to what could be viewed as an arbitrary, subjective and preferential order," said RITA. 

To date, Rhode Island has 181 coronavirus deaths and 5,841 cases.