4 vaccinated front-line workers cope with pandemic's toll

The early months of the coronavirus pandemic shined a spotlight on essential workers

NEW YORK -- The early months of the coronavirus pandemic shined a spotlight on essential workers. As cities shutdown, thank you signs went up on windows and applause rang out each evening for the workers still out there. At the time, there was hope the pandemic would be short-lived. Instead, the virus spread, evolved and unleashed new challenges. More than 60% of U.S. workers had jobs that couldn’t be done from home during the pandemic, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Front-line workers struggled with inconsistent masking policies, fought for hazard pay and campaigned for lasting changes, including a $15 minimum wage and adequate paid sick leave.