National Museum of American History | Essential Workers: Prestige versus pay | Pandemic Perspectives @SmithsonianAmHistory | Uploaded March 2021 | Updated October 2024, 21 hours ago.
The COVID-19 pandemic created ambiguity about the meaning of essential work. As many jurisdictions imposed quarantines with only essential workers allowed to go to work, professionals like engineers and lawyers were often told to stay home while frontline hourly workers were asked to come in. Suddenly grocery store employees, trash truck drivers, and hospital orderlies were referred to as essential with some receiving bonuses. This panel will explore the historical tension between societal perception and essential designation.

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