COVID-19

Voices of Wisconsin Workers

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In the United States, COVID-19 has devastated the lives of essential workers, their families and their communities. While many in the U.S. can work from home during the pandemic, those who grow and prepare the country’s food, care for the sick, maintain the state’s infrastructure, and educate the nation’s children must leave home to do their jobs. These workers face risk of infection and illness each day on the job. Workers of color and Latinx workers face greater risks than their non-Latinx, white counterparts and suffer poorer health outcomes as a result. This report, prepared by the University of Wisconsin School for Workers (SFW) in partnership with the University of Wisconsin – Population Health Institute presents the concerns about workplace safety expressed by workers in several industries deemed essential. These workers play a vital role in the well-being of all Wisconsin residents and the economy and deserve to be kept safe and healthy and have their voices be heard.

File: Final-Voices-of-Wisconsin-Workers.pdf University of Wisconsin Crest logo

A community engaged study of essential workers during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic

Primary authors: Alexia Kulwiec and Armando Ibarra | Secondary authors: Jessica Wang, Kristi Anderson, Jonathan Heller, Shelly Shaw

Stylized report cover with title February 15, 2021 Voices of Wisconsin Workers a community engaged study of essential workers during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Image includes the School for Workers logo, six individuals in black and white wearing masks, and a large bright red COVID-19 virus in bottom left corner.Voices of Wisconsin Workers is a report that amplifies the experiences of essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School for Workers in partnership with the Population Health Institute, the study highlights significant challenges faced by workers in healthcare, education, food processing, agriculture, and construction.

Key findings reveal that many workers experienced unsafe working conditions, inadequate protective measures, and a lack of enforceable safety regulations. The report also underscores the disproportionate risks faced by Latinx communities. Workers reported barriers to speaking out about safety concerns and limited access to benefits such as paid sick leave, leading many to work while ill.

The report calls for stronger workplace protections, better health education, enforceable safety measures, and expanded benefits to support Wisconsin’s essential workforce. These recommendations aim to create safer, healthier, and more equitable working conditions for all.

Read the report