coronavirus

One year of COVID: How the pandemic economy crashed on women

Women make up nearly two-thirds of the essential workforce in the commonwealth, according to an analysis by the Keystone Research Center. That is likely due to the number of health care jobs in the state, said Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center director Marc Stier. Many in essential fields, such as food production, health care, and transportation, suddenly had more to do than ever — with less support. | From: WHYY (Read more.)

coronavirus

Online holiday shopping is crushing warehouse workers during the pandemic. But overtime is a powerful lure.

That’s the reality for workers in the region’s warehouses and distribution centers responsible for moving an unprecedented volume of merchandise bought online at a time when in-person shopping carries risks. The overtime that workload requires is a boon to those financially struggling during the pandemic, noted Richard Hooker Jr., the top union official with Teamsters Local 623, which represents UPS workers in Philadelphia. Earning the extra pay, though, means taking health risks during a pandemic. | From: The Inquirer (Read more.)