essential service
[ɪˈsenʃəl ˈsɜːrvɪs]
nounpl: essential services
serviço essencial
1. A service that is vital and necessary for the functioning of society and the well-being of the public, typically provided by the government or regulated utilities
During the pandemic, healthcare workers were recognized as providing essential services.
Durante a pandemia, os profissionais de saúde foram reconhecidos como prestadores de serviços essenciais.
2. Services that cannot be interrupted without causing significant harm to public health, safety, or welfare
Water, electricity, and emergency services are considered essential services.
Água, eletricidade e serviços de emergência são considerados serviços essenciais.
3. Services whose workers may be restricted from striking or engaging in labor actions due to their critical nature
Public transportation is classified as an essential service in most jurisdictions.
O transporte público é classificado como um serviço essencial na maioria das jurisdições.
The term gained prominence globally during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Brazil and the USA, where debates arose about which workers qualified as 'essential' and should continue working. In Brazil, the concept is deeply tied to government responsibility for public welfare (serviços públicos essenciais). American usage often emphasizes the tension between service continuity and workers' rights to strike.
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