Meghan McCain says essential workers should 'have their pay doubled' amid coronavirus outbreak
Meghan McCain spoke out on Tuesday’s episode of The View, calling for all essential workers to receive not only hazard pay but also a big raise during the coronavirus outbreak.
“I think that anyone who is doing any kind of essential work for us right now should not only get hazard pay but should have their pay doubled,” she said. “These people are putting their lives on the line, putting their families at risk just for us to be able to get our groceries and needed packages.”
McCain’s comments came after news that workers at Amazon and other companies are protesting over a lack of protection on the job against the virus.
Should companies refuse to pay workers more, McCain says the money will have to come from somewhere else.
“I think it is up to the government,” she said. “If we have to do another stimulus and aid package for essential workers that’s what we have to do at this time,” she added.
Viewers reacted to McCain’s call for higher wages, with some saying they agree:
I agree...folks working (grocery stores, janitorial workers, truck drivers, etc.) during this crisis should receive hazard pay... @MeghanMcCain
— Maria Rodriguez (@meddie54) March 31, 2020
I am an RN, at high risk for contracting CV19, but grocery store employees, delivery drivers, anyone working with the public are also front line. Front line without the training that nurses and docs have to know how to prevent this. They deserve hazard pay. @MeghanMcCain
— 🎚🦀🏩📚🇺🇸PAW (@RNMSN1975) March 31, 2020
@MeghanMcCain @TheView I agree with you. Give hazard pay to people who are working in the field under these scary conditions. Don't forget to include FIELD news reporters who are on the streets getting footage for the news stations & being offered no protection by their stations.
— No Drama Please (@GS4SG) March 31, 2020
But others said that doubling wages and giving hazard pay to all essential workers isn’t a great idea:
@MeghanMcCain While workers on the front line should get hazard pay, they should not get double pay because the companies allowed to open only do so out of necessity & are struggling themselves. Workers should be happy they're working, and getting a salary.
— Lattis Rosamond R (@LRosamondRich) March 31, 2020
@TheView Give hazard pay to the healthcare workers & first responders FIRST & then give it to the other “essential” workers.
— Life is Good (@AC3toRN) March 31, 2020
@TheView First responders aren’t even getting hazard pay. They are underpaid to begin with. I think it needs to start there then take into account the delivery drivers, grocery workers, etc.
— theres119 (@theres119) March 31, 2020
For the latest coronavirus news and updates, follow along at https://news.yahoo.com/coronavirus. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised continue to be the most at risk. If you have questions, please reference the CDC and WHO’s resource guides.
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