Question

Who are the “working poor” and how the pandemic impacted them in the US.

Answer 1

Answer:

“The working poor” are working people whose job does not bring them enough money. As these jobs are often considered essential, they are more likely to get ill at the time, and not have adequate medical care. In the time of the pandemic, they also can’t negotiate working conditions and wages and are forces by circumstances to work, risk their health and life, and be underpaid.

Explanation:

“The Working poor” are people who do have the job, but they are still poor as the work they perform doesn’t pay enough to cover rational life expenses. The work these people do is usually difficult, either manual, physical work, work with long hours and without a weekend or work in the various bad conditions.

During the pandemic, the need for work became high, while prices started rising. Many people become unemployed, but as they need to support themselves and their families, they will take on the underpaid job. In a time of global crisis, it is unlikely people will be able to negotiate for better wages and working conditions.

Additionally, “working poor” are often considered essential workers (working in retail, production, delivery, cleaning, etc). They can’t work at home and are in more immediate danger to get ill. Their jobs often don’t cover the adequate health insurance they need, they are unable to take a paid leave and therefore are in greater life danger.