To kickstart our weekly conversation, let’s discuss Essential workers in the time of COVID-19. In my last post, I strongly urged that you allow your goal reminders to be on HIGH alert and to not let this virus outbreak get the best of your dreams and motivation. But it also remains important that this impromptu disruption of normalcy be addressed and its implications on Social Darwinism be highlighted.
To propose a conversation about Coronavirus would demand that somewhere in the collection of issues talked about, essential workers would be one of them. Defined by their title, essential workers are, by definition, people whose work is so vital to the sustenance of society and institutions, that they become essential to the maintenance of our safety.
Amid the social distancing directives and protective measures from the government and the CDC, it has been made clear that while we’ve all been affected by COVID-19, it affects some people more than others.
According to BuzzFeed News, “Many jobs- such as food and package delivery, health care, and grocery and restaurant service – simply cannot be done from the safety of one’s home. Other roles, such as poll workers and local volunteers, keep society functioning, especially for those who are home-bound or ill.”
Keep society functioning– but at what cost? What are some of the resounding implications that leave essential workers, one of the most vulnerable groups, in the world and what does this mean for their personal health and the security of their families?
It would be irresponsible of me to not recognize the intersectionality facets that make up this cohort of workers. Some of those considered essential workers come from low-income, lower class backgrounds that stunt their ability to receive employee protections and medical benefits.
“Federal mandates such as the CARES Act sought to address some of these concerns by implementing paid leave for those who must quarantine, but the law has many loopholes to allow companies to not provide protection.” – BuzzFeed
Are you serious?!?!?! In a time like this, large companies are continually finding ways to neglect certain workers for the sake of what? Saving on healthcare plan expenses?
And as a consequential emotion of this disgraceful behavior on the part of big companies that can hide behind their desks and avoid accountability, workers are feeling neglected and overlooked.
“Workers are increasingly feeling that they are abandoned on the front line of an invisible war, one that disproportionately affects minorities and the poor.” BuzzFeed
Oh but what about those who don’t have a voice, and are more unlikely to show their frustrations with the management of this catastrophe we’re in? I’m talking about farm workers, undocumented farm workers that is, becoming essential workers in this pandemic.
“Immigrant field workers have been told to keep working despite stay-at-home directives, and given letters attesting to their critical role in feeding the country.” NYTimes
How ironic is it that farmworkers are ostracized by the loud political climate of today, but are yet so essential to feeding the nation? Sounds a bit hypocritical, right?
But I won’t stop there- many of these farmworkers that are tasked with feeding the nation are undocumented. How can illegal immigrants who have oftentimes been viewed as unwanted, lazy human beings, suddenly become essential to America?
As Ms. Silva voiced in the New York Times article I read, “It’s like suddenly they realized we are here contributing…”. And to add to the travesty this logic in management has created, “The essential work letters that many now carry are not a free pass from immigration authorities, who could still deport Ms. Silva and other undocumented field workers at any time.”
I’m not saying that everything should be shut down. To be fair, I don’t think I’m in a position to say what should and shouldn’t be done when every process affected hasn’t become apparent to me. However, I can say, management of this pandemic has been and still is INADEQUATE! *sips tea*
Despite the frustration I have over this issue, I find myself reverting to the 8-year-old me that believed we should all live together in harmony, that we might get along with one another simply because we cherished the bond formed between each other, and that we would graciously welcome an outsider who has proven to be of character and good virtues.
Unfortunately, 8 year old me would be disappointed with the current times. Doesn’t mean I’ll stop urging us people, to have more compassion, show more sympathy, and explore beyond the book cover.
My purpose is to find humanity and bring it back to the forefront of our politics, economy, and society- bring it back to the conversation.
Bye for now, SH
TIME WITH SIG 
Thank you for covering this topic. Those who are deemed essential deserve all our praise during this time; not only are they risking their lives for the “common good”, but often times, these folks have some of the hardest yet lease appreciated jobs (I.e farmers, sanitation workers, etc). When considering how a large section of our workforce that are in these field are POC, it is imperative to weigh how it will impact our communities in the long-term.
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You incite a very poignant idea in your comment: it is extremely paramount to society, that we uphold democratic values that reflect EVERYONE. How can we consider our system one of which is governed by the people for the people- when not all of us are counted let alone recognized. There comes a time when knowledge, power and wisdom take the place of hypocrisy, inequity and inequality. May 2020 be that time!!!!
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Great read. I think when we say essential we can’t just think about the industry without considering the individuals and a lot of industries fail to do so. I appreciate those large corporations like mine who are still compensating their employees who are considered high risk but may not be able to physically go into the office or can’t work from home because their role is client facing. I think now is a time where we really self examine our lives and what we are passionate about and the companies we work for. Keep the blogs coming love! I absolutely enjoy reading!
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Thanks Elexi for you comment! It’s much appreciated to have you read AND enjoy the blog!!! 😉😉 I completely agree with your point on recognizing the corporations that are diligently looking after their employees during these uncertain times. Their efforts should not go unnoticed. But just as they are willing to publicly convey their values (the people working for them) so should other companies show the same respect and consistency in their care of essential workers. Such times like these definitely reveal what lies behind the curtains once they’re drawn.
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