For many employed workers working from home, the expected return to the workplace has once again been delayed due to the current fourth wave of the pandemic thanks to the Delta variant of COVID-19. For some working in workplaces, health and safety restrictions have been re-introduced to prevent outbreaks, including masking and physical distancing. In addition, more and more businesses are requiring their employees to be vaccinated in order to enter workplaces. In a recent Willis Towers Watson survey of nearly 1,000 American companies, which together employ almost 10 million people, 52 percent of respondents said they planned to have vaccine mandates by the end of the year, compared with 21 percent that said they already had vaccine requirements. For those companies in which the employees have no union, the workers may not have any choice but to be vaccinated or loose their jobs.
For the unemployed, the end of government aid has arrived, especially in the U.S. It is estimated that more than 7 million out-of-work people across the U.S. are set to lose all of their jobless benefits this week as three federal programs expire. For Canadians, COVID-related unemployment benefits have been extended for now to November and special wage supports to October 2021. With a current unemployment rate of nearly 8 percent, one has to ask what will happen to the thousands of unemployed Canadians in the near future? Will current government financial aid programs continue to exist next year?
For those working on the front lines, including first responders and health care workers, the rise in COVID cases and increased hospitalization rates is again producing mental and physical strains on the workforce. Many are experiencing varying degrees of burn-out and mental health issues, potentially leaving many to simply withdraw their services. With the re-opening of their businesses, among the reasons that employers are currently having difficulties in finding workers is the fear of returning to the workplace because of the highly contagious Delta variant and lack of adequate health and safety measures. In addition, many low-income parents are facing a lack of affordable, quality child care and inexpensive housing. Some immunocompromised individuals are further worried about COVID exposure in workplaces with unvaccinated employees or clients, especially where masking is not mandated. Furthermore, many employers do not provide health benefits, leaving employees to bear the costs associated with COVID-related hospitalization and medical treatment.
As for gig workers in the U.S., such as Uber and Lyft drivers, when the federal benefits expire, they most likely will be ineligible for state aid because gig workers do not traditionally qualify. This situation applies to any individuals who are considered to be “independent contractors” in their respective jurisdictions. This leaves them in a very precarious financial situation should they become ill and unable to work.
For many workers who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons and where the employer cannot accommodate them in terms of their usual work, the employment situation is precarious to say the least this Labour Day. One has to feel a great deal of concern for both those employed and unemployed given the pandemic’s fourth wave. Unfortunately, both lawmakers and employers assumed the pandemic wouldn’t last as long as it has. Millions of workers have been caught in the obvious dilemma of having to put food on the table or having to ensure their occupational health and safety. It appears that some businesses and governments have recognized this reality, while others appear to living on another planet. In order for all of us to survive this pandemic and cope with its on-going consequences, it’s essential that we reflect on these critical issues today and after Labour Day.
FROLITICKS 