Are we paying “essential workers” fair wages?

Healthcare workers are essential-workers

The coronavirus is forcing America to confront its epidemic low-wage problem. The people who take care of "the people" – those individuals who perform their duties so that “all of society” has the services and products they need – when they need them.

Our country is in a moment of extreme crisis if you are a working person. The pandemic has brought an awareness to society’s dependence on the service sector — the essential workers: healthcare workers… food workers… law enforcement… and people that work behind the scenes. We rarely think of them as their work – is evident, yet we rarely see them performing their job — hospital cleaners, mortuary technicians, postal & delivery workers, utility workers, trash collectors, mass transit employees and others.

The awareness of our dependence on those individuals who serve “all of us” must include, not only the disparity in wages between workers but, also, equally as important – respect. Respect and appreciation for products and services – taken for granted. As a society, we must choose to value all workers — particularly those who keep essential services going during a crisis.

The pandemic has highlighted the healthcare workers who work tirelessly: “all shifts, all days, holidays, around the clock” – we expect them to be “available to treat us when we arrive”. Our society must address — “the gap in pay between healthcare workers – doctors and nurses, nursing assistants and home health care workers, technicians and others working at the bottom of the economic ladder.

The 'invisible' work force - those working behind the scenes

How do we start to close the wage-gap and respect all workers?

— We all play a part. Yes, we can ask the Government to do more – more in terms of regulations and requirements however, this is only one aspect of the metric.

— Individual companies must respect employees with fair wages. Think Walmart here – paying their workers “the lowest wages” for years. This mark is on the top leadership of the company's soul.

— Individual workers must be engaged – engaged with their employer, their organization, and groups relevant to the respective industry. Through these entities, value and respect is established to pay individuals fair wags.

— In addition, individuals must “keep current” – current with the industry they serve. Too often we think learning was complete when we finished high school or college but, the world is evolving too rapidly. One can no longer live with this mindset. We must be continually learning to contribute meaningfully to our career and be of service to society.

Take-away:

Low-wage workers comprise a substantial share of the workforce. The Brookings Institution notes, “More than 53 million people, or 44% of all workers ages 18 to 64 in the United States, earn low hourly wages.”

We must all be engaged and alert, regardless of our profession, our skill or education and, treat and respect workers for the services they provide. The pandemic has been a lesson with many messages – are we listening?

Related article — COVID-19 brings permanent changes to the way we live.