Many unions have called for a dramatic upheaval and change in the treatment of low-paid and key workers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Tara Pilkington reports.
The coronavirus pandemic has in recent months exposed many of the inequalities that exist across traditionally under-valued and low-paid industries, unions have reported.
John Phillips, the acting general secretary of the GMB union, has said: “In the wake of this pandemic, we will see huge changes to business and whole industries.
“Looking forward to the next 100 days and beyond, we must see a change in the way people view key workers, many of whom are low paid, who we’ve all relied on to keep us safe and the country moving during the crisis. Clapping is not enough.”
However, in contrast to this sentiment, Boris Johnson yesterday urged the public to “clap for bankers” in much the same way that we did for the NHS key workers, while also appearing to rule out tax hikes on the rich to pay for the economic crash sparked by the coronavirus.
Speaking in the West Midlands, Johnson hinted the rich were safe from future tax increases and said: “I don’t believe in tearing people down any more than I believe in tearing down statues that are part of our heritage”, in a tone-deaf reference to the recent removal of racist statues which have been torn down following Black Lives Matter protests.
Johnson’s comments go against any sort of recognition into the value of our key workers and the need to provide them with a living wage which is reflective of their value to society.
Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC, has said: “Lockdown has shown that big changes in the world of work are possible, with millions working remotely and from home for the first time.
“But it has also exposed age-old inequalities in our labour market, with low-paid and insecure workers like carers and cleaners being forced to take on the most risk.
“As we emerge from this crisis, there is an opportunity to create a better and fairer and economy: one that has decent work, fair pay and flexibility for working families at its heart.”
