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COVID-19: Essential workers fight for their lives

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McDonald’s strike.
PHOTO: Joe Brusky, MTEA

 
McDonald’s workers went on a one-day strike in 20 cities in May, over inadequate Covid-19 protections. Scores of McDonald’s workers have Covid-19 and many reported being told not to wear masks and gloves by management. Workers came to work feeling sick, afraid they would be disciplined or penalized. (USA Today).
Almost 12,000 meatpacking and food plant workers have contracted Covid-19 and at least 48 died. Workers continue walkouts and protests against being forced to return to work. A Tyson plant in Iowa shut down after 555 of the plant’s 2,517 employees tested positive. Four giant food companies now control 85% of the slaughter and packaging of beef. The Trump administration rolled back plant regulations, helping their profits and hurting the workers. (Politico)
 

Bell pepper harvest in Coachella Valley. Elizabeth Jaime of Lideres Campesinas delivers masks as part of an effort to protect farmworkers’ health.
PHOTO: Elvira Herrera.
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