With an infusion of $25 billion to help the postal service weather the coronavirus pandemic still in limbo awaiting consideration by the Senate, local mail workers continue to work extended hours under difficult conditions to beat back delays in mail delivery. Carriers and other mail workers are also grappling with absences as coronavirus spreads to and among staff.
Category: Essential Workers
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, “Civic” has talked with nurses, postal carriers, grocery store employees and other essential workers about coping with persistent challenges, including job security, access to protective gear, mental health and personal safety.
Posted in“Civic” Podcast, Coronavirus, Essential Workers, Health
Months Into Pandemic, Physician Reflects on Developing Coronavirus Knowledge
In March, Dr. Monica Bhargava, a pulmonary critical care physician at the county hospital in Oakland, predicted on “Civic” that the novel coronavirus would deeply affect the region’s health care system for many months to come. That, and some of her other observations, turned out to be correct. In recent months, scientists and doctors have […]
Posted in“Civic” Podcast, California, Coronavirus, Essential Workers, Labor
Labor Advocates Say Inspector Shortage Jeopardizes Workplace Coronavirus Safety
As workers head back to their jobs, they are navigating the new workplace safety reality of operating in a global pandemic. Labor organizers say the protections against catching the novel coronavirus on the job are insufficient at many workplaces, and lack enforcement. They allege that California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, better known as […]
Posted in“Civic” Podcast, Coronavirus, Essential Workers, Labor
Postal Workers Rally for Stimulus Support
The United States Postal Service is running out of money — the agency requested $75 billion in emergency funding in April, saying it would be out of money by September. Lower demand for its services and the health impacts of the pandemic have hit the agency hard, and legislators had planned to give the postal […]
Posted in“Civic” Podcast, Coronavirus, Essential Workers, Public Safety
San Francisco Firefighters Adapt Routines to Coronavirus Pandemic
San Francisco firefighters are still on duty, working shifts at the firehouse, responding to calls and conducting fire safety inspections.
Posted in“Civic” Podcast, Coronavirus, Essential Workers, Transportation
Muni Operators Work in Fear of Coronavirus Infection
As the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency makes drastic cuts to service to prevent further spread of the coronavirus, drivers are fearful and feel exposed. Five cases have been confirmed among Muni workers.
Posted in“Civic” Podcast, Coronavirus, Essential Workers, Labor
Gig Workers Face Uncertainty During Coronavirus Pandemic
Carlos Ramos, who drives for Lyft and is also an organizer with Gig Workers Rising, says gig workers including drivers should get the full protections and rights of employees under California’s AB 5.
Posted in“Civic” Podcast, Coronavirus, Essential Workers, Food Systems
Grocery Union Reaches Deal for Workers on Front Lines of the Coronavirus Pandemic
Grocery stores have been deemed essential during the pandemic, and their employees are stationed on the front lines. One San Jose grocery store worker has died of COVID-19.
Posted in“Civic” Podcast, Bay Area, Coronavirus, Essential Workers, Health
Pulmonary, Critical Care Doctor Prepares for Coronavirus Fallout in Health System
Dr. Monica Bhargava, a pulmonary and critical care physician, emphasizes that social distancing and other protective measures are crucial, but that the health care system is likely to be seeing effects for months to come.
Posted in“Civic” Podcast, Coronavirus, Essential Workers, Health
Nurses Say COVID-19 Guidelines, Poor Communication Increase Risk
Nurses around the country gathered outside hospitals today to call for a more decisive response to the coronavirus outbreak that now has more than a thousand confirmed cases and 32 deaths nationwide.