Global Issues Essential Workers


The coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to re-evaluate what it means to be an “essential worker.” 

 While much of the world locked down or worked from home, these key frontline employees provided care to the sick and elderly; ensured that our communities stayed fed; maintained our hospitals, transit, and public spaces.Postal workers delivered for us all, and bank workers ensured access to critical financial services.

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Just as the crisis exposed how indispensable these jobs are, it also showed that our societies can no longer undervalue and ignore the needs of the people doing them. Building a fair economy in the aftermath of COVID-19, requires all of us to revalue their work.

And whether times of crisis or calm, we must stand to secure essential rights for essential workers—including union representation, a wage with dignity, safety on the job and sick pay.