Moneda Moves (70): Families are now filing COVID-19 lawsuits over worker deaths
Bienvenidos, Moneda Moves readers. I'm wishing you and your loved ones are safe and continue to practice safety measures wherever you are. This week, I'd like to bring to your attention a story in The Wall Street Journal about the first wave of families filing lawsuits against corporate for their loved ones who contracted lethal cases of coronavirus while on the job. Yes, it's a grim subject, but it's so very important to talk about due to the outcome.
Companies in the leagues of Tyson, Safeway and Walmart have already been sued for negligence and wrongful death since this spring. However, families of the workers will seldom see additional responsibility assumed by the employer, much less a "successful" lawsuit. Thus far, companies have responded by merely saying they had procedure to combat COVID-19 and some have even said it's "impossible" to know where the employees got the virus, per the WSJ.
It is a known fact that Black, Latinos, Asian Americans have been by in large the people at the frontlines when we talk about essential workers. According to the Economic Policy Institute, people of color make 43% of all essential workers in the United States. In New York (home base for this newsletter), that number is up to 75%. We also know that the virus has devastated the Black and Latino community across the country. Start piecing these different elements together and its no wonder our communities have been especially vulnerable during the pandemic.
To me, this reads as a call to continue to support our frontline workers and local businesses with our money, but also bear in mind the systems at play that put communities of color in not only disadvantaged but also dangerous circumstances. It also serves as a reminder that the pandemic is still here. PSA from me to you and those you cherish the most:
Credit: Giphy
A few headlines to keep on your radar.
Families File First Wave of Covid-19 Lawsuits Against Companies Over Worker Deaths | WSJ Journal
Black, Latino and poor people are less likely to get $1,200 coronavirus stimulus checks, new report says | USA Today: The Tax Policy Center reported that there were big disparities in terms of income, race, ethnicity and family citizenship in terms of who received the money. A jarring stat: Only 6/10 adults (nearly 59 percent) with incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty level reported receiving the payments. 74% of white adults received checks compared to 64% of Latinos.
No paid internships? Group's cash stipends help young Latinos during coronavirus pandemic | NBC Latino: You may recognize this name and you should because Moneda Moves did an interview with Pay Our Interns co-founder Carlos Mike Vera earlier this year! He spoke with NBC Latino about how the organization has been helping young Latinos secure stipends for internships during the pandemic.
Con poder✊🏽,
Lyanne
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