On May 1, International Workers’ Day, some workers at Amazon, Instacart, Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, and Shipt (owned by Amazon and Target) took action to protest their low pay, unsafe conditions, and the astronomical profits the bosses are making from their work. Workers in these stores and services have become vital to life in the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
Meanwhile, their lives are risked by working without proper protective equipment for the same low pay as always, at risk of contracting COVID-19. It’s unclear how many workers participated in the actions, but thousands around the country had pledged to participate by walking out and protesting, or calling in sick. As one sign held by a protesting worker put it, “If we are essential, treat us as such!”
Featured image credit: Valerie Macon / AFP
