Inequity in Treatment of Essential Workers

In early April, it became clear that hospitals had started cutting the salaries and hours of healthcare workers because they were losing money since emergency rooms were emptier and elective surgeries were not taking place. At a time when we need as many healthcare professionals as possible and where they are risking their lives, this should not be happening.

Later, one of the largest hospitals, and employers, in MI and has decided to lay off thousands of employees even after getting government assistance. I have a friend, who wished to remain anonymous, that worked for Beaumont and was recently furloughed. They have been working the COVID-19 unit since the start of the pandemic despite still being in training. They were told they were going to get hazard pay but Beaumont changed the rules so exclude any trainees from receiving hazard pay. They risked their life to help others and rather than be rewarded for that, they have instead been furloughed and will no longer receive the hazard pay they were promised.