Essential workers call for workplace protections against COVID-19 at Jackson Heights rally

Essential workers rallied together at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights to call for state legislation that enforces personal protective equipment and other COVID-19 protection measures during the third phase of New York City’s reopening on Tuesday, July 7.

Workers from a wide variety of industries shared personal accounts of lacking PPE and COVID-19 testing at their workplaces. Many essential workers said they had to maneuver around the dangers of COVID-19, purchasing their own gloves and masks in an attempt to protect themselves when their employers did not offer these items. Workers also expressed a general feeling of being mistreated and under-appreciated by their respective employers.

Robert Pena, a sanitation worker, said he felt unsafe and exposed at work.

“To this day, we are still working under those same conditions,” he said.

There is currently no clear standard that requires employers to offer access to COVID-19 tests or make the work environment safe for their employees.

Read more: https://qns.com/story/2020/07/07/essential-workers-call-for-workplace-protections-against-covid-19-at-jackson-heights-rally/
(Queens Times Ledger)