(This call was recorded on July 25, 2020)
Hear the stories of essential workers, labor and workers’ rights advocates. This panel discussion will feature the voices of essential workers, who are often unprotected. In many cases, they are denied adequate PPE, paid sick leave or job security. When they complain about the lack of protection or the existence of workplace safety and health hazards, they are threatened with termination, shorter hours, demotions and other forms of retaliation.
Because they disproportionately are Black and Brown workers, essential workers have few options. They often are assigned to the dirtiest and most dangerous jobs. In the time of COVID-19, many cannot shelter in place and must go to work every day, regardless of the health risks. Non-union Essential workers often do not have adequate health care benefits or paid leave. Essential workers who are not employed by government entities are not afforded hazard pay or paid sick leave. They are among the lowest paid and languish in unrelenting poverty.
