By Michael Sainato
Roughly 16 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits in the wake of immediate layoffs and furloughs due to shutdowns to try to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, triggering a generational economic crisis for millions of Americans.
Essential workers still on the job continue to get paid, but the stress of working as the coronavirus spreads throughout the United States is taking a heavy toll on those working in grocery stores, transportation, food service, sanitation and other areas as they risk exposure to the virus for themselves and their families.
The Guardian spoke to several workers who are on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic about their recent experiences.
Matt Monaghan: public transit bus operator for 24 years in Staten Island, New York
“I myself have anxiety, when people are on the bus, of catching this thing. We have families to go home to and we don’t want to bring it home to our families. It’s tough times right now but we’re doing the job and moving the city,” said Monaghan. “I carry my own Lysol on the bus, I disinfect what I can so I know it’s done right, because I’m afraid of getting this thing.”
Virender Rana: Uber driver for six years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
“We are taking chances. We’re risking our life out here, so they [Uber] at least do something to protect us, give us some type of credit, step up and do something for drivers still on the road. It seems they don’t care if you live or you die.”
Jerome Westpoint: sanitation worker for over 40 years in Atlanta, Georgia
“You do come into contact with hazardous material, sometimes you know it, sometimes you don’t because everyone doesn’t tell you what they’re putting in those containers.”
He said workers are still waiting on orders to receive face masks to wear during work hours and it took several weeks for management to impose limitations on waste pickup, such as not picking up waste outside of containers.
Joshua Spence: office janitor in Lubbock, Texas
“Every time folks go out unnecessarily we cleaning staff have to work extra hard and hope their carelessness won’t hurt us.”
Sainato, Michael. “’We’re Risking Our Life’: Coronavirus Takes a Toll on Essential Workers Still on the Job.” The Guardian, 12 Apr. 2020.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/12/essential-workers-coronavirus-outbreak-us
Analysis–
Several essential workers were interviewed to speak about their experiences during the pandemic. It was interesting to see what they valued and how the pandemic affected each person based off of their jobs. A common problem that the workers mentioned was the lack of PPE and sanitation equipment provided. Companies are not providing adequate resources for their workers, but still expect to pay them the same and work full time with no sick leave during a pandemic. It is evident that essential workers are not treated right, but they are the ones who are keeping the economy and our daily life going.
Giving these essential workers a voice helps us understand what they are going through. Many of those interviewed spoke about their fears whether it’s money related or safety related. It’s sad to see how they have to go out of their way to protect themselves, when the company hiring them should be protecting them. We have to remember to appreciate and help the essential workers because without them, our lives wouldn’t be the same.
