The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a massive threat to the safety of U.S. workers. Black, Indigenous, and other workers of color are particularly vulnerable, as they are overrepresented in jobs with high exposure rates, and structural racism has led to disproportionate rates of COVID-19 infection and death.
COVID-19 will likely lead to a prolonged period of economic disparity and unemployment. This will fundamentally harm Black, Indigenous, and other workers of color, who risk exposure to COVID-19 in jobs with insufficient benefits and limited bargaining power. While states grapple with plans to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, advocates should build upon the momentum of the current racial justice movement to advocate for change in the workplace. (author abstract) #P4HEwebinarJune2024