https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/low-wage-essential-workers-demand-better-protections-in-california
Low-wage, essential workers who can’t do their jobs from home are facing an unequal playing field as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue. In California, many of the state’s 556,000 fast-food workers have protested what they call a widespread lack of basic health and safety protections. Now, many are advocating for a new law to address long-standing issues in the industry. NewsHour Weekend’s Ivette Feliciano reports. This story is part of our ongoing series, Chasing the Dream: Poverty, Opportunity and Justice in America.
“Essential workers are the ones that are keeping our economy going. They’re integral members of our society. And even in this life or death situation, you know, we weren’t able to make it a priority to really protect them.” – Alejandra Domenzain, UC Berkeley LOHP
“Under administrations of both parties our labor law enforcement agencies have been chronically underfunded, understaffed to the point where they’re really not effective. It is not a credible threat to employers that someone will come and inspect them and cite them for their violations.” -Alejandra Domenzain, UC Berkeley LOHP
