Center for American Progress

COMMENTARY: The future of work: An epidemic of inequality? — Without action to close equity gaps, the world of work won’t change for the better
In the News

COMMENTARY: The future of work: An epidemic of inequality? — Without action to close equity gaps, the world of work won’t change for the better

Rich Stolz and Livia Lam explain how the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed equity gaps and threatens to exacerbated income inequality.

COVID-19 has exposed deep inequities in Washington’s economy and health system. Low-wage workers, immigrants and refugees, and people of color are in the majority of jobs now deemed essential. Without personal protective equipment, limited access to health insurance, lower wages , and fewer financial assets, the rest of us are depending on them to work and to stay healthy while working. It is a cruel reality that the workers on the front lines of the crisis have the fewest resources. Early data is showing communities of color are especially hit hard as Black and brown workers are dying at higher rates than other Americans. 

The above excerpt was originally published in Northwest Asian Weekly. Click here to view the full article.

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Authors

Rich Stolz

Livia Lam

Senior Fellow; Director, Workforce Development