essential worker
[/ɪˈsɛnʃəl ˈwɜrkər/]
nounpl: essential workers
trabalhador essencial
1. A person employed in a job considered vital to the functioning of society, particularly during emergencies or crises such as pandemics, who cannot work remotely and must continue working in person
Healthcare workers, grocery store employees, and sanitation workers are considered essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Profissionais de saúde, funcionários de supermercados e garis são considerados trabalhadores essenciais durante a pandemia de COVID-19.
2. An employee in a critical infrastructure or service sector whose work is necessary for public health, safety, or basic needs
The government designated nurses, police officers, and utility workers as essential workers who must report to their jobs.
O governo designou enfermeiros, policiais e eletricistas como trabalhadores essenciais que devem comparecer ao trabalho.
The term 'essential worker' gained widespread prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021) in both the United States and Brazil. In Brazil, it sparked significant debate about labor rights, hazard pay, and workplace safety for professions like healthcare workers, delivery personnel, and public transportation employees. In the USA, the designation highlighted economic inequality and exposed which workers society deemed necessary despite low wages and limited benefits. Both countries continue to use this terminology when discussing critical workforce needs during emergencies.
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