Hazard Pay and Protective Gear for Grocery and Pharmacy Workers

One of the most affecting scenes in HBO’s Chernobyl series was of Russian coal miners digging tunnels under the nuclear reactor to prevent contamination of the Black Sea. They worked naked – without protective gear – and without any assurances that their families would be provided for if they perished. Today in the US, it seems grocery and pharmacy cashiers and take-out restaurant workers are playing the part of naked coal miners.

Like our medical professionals, these low-paid workers are playing a critical role during this time of quarantine. They’re exposed to daily threats while the rest of us practice social distancing from the comfort of our homes. And, just as with the medical professionals, our government is not doing enough to protect their health and safety.