Many low-wage earners in Michigan risk falling through the cracks

By Dennis Archambault

Several years ago, there a phrase was used in conjunction with the social safety net: “falling through the cracks.” It doesn’t get much use anymore, but Danielle Atkinson, founder and executive director of Mothering Justice (https://motheringjustice.org/), a coalition of mothers advocating for paid sick time, suggests that the crack may be a lot larger today. If her numbers are correct, 1.5 million low wage workers are at risk of serious financial calamity if they become infected by the coronavirus.

In a commentary published by the Detroit Free Press (https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/contributors/2020/03/11/michigan-coronavirus-paid-sick-leave-snyder/5020241002/?utm_source=native&utm_medium=capi_retrofit&utm_content=inapp&build=native-web_i_p ) Atkinson writes, “…While quarantine, staying at home and don’t go to work will be key advice to halt the spread of this pandemic, that’s not really an option for one out of three Michigan workers. Many of those are poorly paid workers, in restaurants or retail operations, who must work even when they are sick — spreading disease — because not working while sick could mean they won’t be able to pay bills, buy food or make their rent and car payment.”

Atkinson’s point really draws attention to the tenuous balancing act the working poor need to perform to get by. Rent. Car payment. Utility bills. Food. Medical expenses. These workers often have complicated family arrangements and may have second jobs, with different hours and stressors. In the best of circumstances, it’s a tough way to go.

A crisis like the coronavirus outbreak, causes us to consider the implications of investing in the public health and social system. We are forced to consider the “what if” scenario should even more serious crises were to occur. It also causes thoughtful people to consider what happens to those who can’t afford even 14 days off work without pay.

There still is a population very much at risk of falling through the cracks. We’ve enjoyed an extended period of prosperity. Everything comes to an end. How will this population fare when a 14-day absence?

Dennis Archambault is vice president of Public Affairs for Authority Health.