All articles tagged with #essential workers
During the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association has instructed its members to continue working despite the lack of pay, citing safety concerns and legal obligations, while noting a slight increase in sick calls among TSA staff, which could lead to delays in air travel.
HISD superintendent Mike Miles expressed regret for closing only three schools during the winter storm, acknowledging issues with heating and hot water at some campuses. He emphasized the essential role of school employees and students, particularly for providing meals to students in need. The decision to close schools was discussed with the mayor, but some faculty members criticized the decision, citing freezing temperatures in classrooms. The administration is considering whether students will need to make up the missed instructional day, pending TEA standards.
Essential workers in New York City, including delivery app workers, are forced to work through hazardous air quality caused by Canada's wildfires, as they cannot afford to take a day off due to the lack of minimum wage and worker protections. The city had the worst air quality in the world on Wednesday, prompting calls for more protections for workers. Los Deliveristas Unidos have been distributing N95 masks to workers, as delivery app companies have not been providing personal protective equipment.
John Oliver highlights the poor working and living conditions of immigrant farm workers, who are among the lowest-paid workers in the US and face dangerous conditions on the job. Oliver calls for better conditions and a path toward citizenship for these essential workers who provide much of the nation’s food.
The Service Employees International Union Local 99, which represents 30,000 LAUSD employees including bus drivers, custodians, and food service workers, is preparing for a three-day strike on Tuesday in their drive for higher wages. The union is pushing for a 30% pay hike plus an additional $2 per hour for the lowest paid workers. The closures caught parents by surprise, sending them scrambling to find daycare or take time off work. Teachers are sending home packets of schoolwork and computers. The school district and community organizations are throwing together plans to feed tens of thousands of children who rely on schools for most of their meals during the week.