UNLV Scarlet & Gray Free Press. Published April 20, 2020.
CAPTION: Because essential workers are the backbone of society during this pandemic, they deserve proper benefits for risking their well-being. Photo by Mick Haupt.
Normalcy has been put on an indefinite hiatus. Because of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, nearly all public areas are closed. The Strip has turned into a ghost town, schools have locked their doors and most restaurants have transitioned to take-out only.
As the national coronavirus death toll creeps near 40,000, more and more states are extending their mandated quarantine dates. In order to flatten the curve of infection rates, the public must stay home as much as possible, but unfortunately, not everyone has that luxury.
Essential workers are on the front lines of this battle—stuck with the moral conundrum of choosing between their own well-being and the well-being of society. During this time, medical professionals are being applauded now more than ever, as they should be. However, it is important to also recognize the other essential workers that keep society functioning.
Besides doctors and nurses, there are grocery store clerks, waste collectors, delivery drivers, public transportation employees and many more who are keeping the world turning. With the general public anxious about the future, these essential workers provide as much relief as they can to maintain as much normalcy as possible.
Despite the importance of such jobs, many essential workers do not receive the benefits they need, like liveable wages or proper health care. For instance, based on data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cashiers are risking their lives for an average pay of only $11.17 per hour.
On top of that, the anxiety and health risks caused by the coronavirus has intensified the need for appropriate health care, especially in the workplace. In Las Vegas, there are still no health regulations in place for coronavirus inspections at local grocery stores, according to the Review-Journal. This lack of oversight in Southern Nevada has left a number of local essential workers unprotected and worried.
These sorts of concerns are popping up in states all across the country, and of course, the federal government has not let these issues go unnoticed.
To provide some relief, legislators recently passed an emergency bill that offers paid leave for workers affected by the coronavirus, but unfortunately, this only covers employees of companies with less than 500 employees.
Bigger companies like Walmart and Target have taken matters into their own hands, adding some benefits like two weeks of paid sick leave and a raise in wages by $2. While this may seem positive, such benefits are temporary with the wage increase only being effective until May.
Although quitting seems like a sensible way to avoid health risks, this is simply not a realistic option. According to Politico, a large number of workers who are most at risk earn an average wage of $40,000. Without their job, these people would not have the necessary income to sustain themselves or their families for weeks or even months.
To truly value and recognize essential workers, not only do they need additional benefits now, but they also need them when the pandemic calms down. As the people we rely on in every situation—chaotic or not, essential workers deserve paid sick leave, proper health care and livable wages.
If essential workers do not have the option of staying home, then we should not have the option of ignoring their rights.
Cassie Valdez 