Challenges Facing Essential Workers During the Pandemic
Key workers play a crucial role in keeping societies functioning, especially during challenging times such as the pandemic. The International Labor Organization (ILO) has recently released a report shedding light on the importance of key workers in various sectors.
During the peak of the pandemic, when workplaces had to shut down in many countries, key workers continued to work tirelessly to ensure essential goods and services were provided. From producing, distributing, and selling food to cleaning streets and buses, ensuring public safety, and caring for the sick, key workers have been on the frontlines throughout the crisis.
According to the ILO report, key workers fall into 8 main occupational groups, including food systems workers, healthcare workers, retail workers, security workers, manual workers, cleaning and sanitation workers, transportation workers, technicians, and clerical workers. Shockingly, in the 90 countries surveyed, 52 percent of the workforce were identified as key workers. This percentage drops to 34 percent in high-income countries, highlighting the diverse economic activities in those regions.
It is worth noting that women play a significant role in the key worker workforce, with women accounting for 38 percent of all key workers globally. In certain occupations, such as healthcare and retail, women make up the majority of key workers. Additionally, high-income countries heavily rely on international migrants to fill key roles in sectors like agriculture, cleaning, and sanitation.
The report also highlights the undervaluation of key workers, with many facing inadequate working conditions. The ILO emphasizes the need for countries to invest in institutions and key sectors to build resilience and support key workers and businesses. Sectoral investments can not only improve working conditions for key workers but also enhance overall societal well-being.
As we continue to navigate through the challenges posed by the pandemic, it is crucial to recognize and appreciate the efforts of key workers who play a vital role in upholding our communities and economies.
