Here’s What Maine’s Essential Workers Want You To Know: Sanitation Workers

We asked our Facebook friends to give us a piece of their minds.

Specifically, we wanted those essential workers that are working with the public right now during the pandemic what they wanted Maine and the world to know about being an essential worker during this time.

Today, we focus on Maine's those cleaning up after the rest of us.  They pick up our trash bags off of the side of road, clean our homes, offices, hospitals and long-term care facilities.  They may not be face-to-face with the public but are face-to-face with the virus we are all trying to avoid.  They continue to work during the pandemic and have a risk of getting the virus due to the nature of their livelihoods.

Here's what they had to say:

Mike:
I work in sanitation (trash pickup) I feel we are subjected to alot more due to the obvious fact we have to handle more germs and viruses than most anyone else. I feel we should get a hazard pay and not be getting paid less than someone at home on unemployment

Amanda:
I work at the hospital, cleaning patient rooms and outside areas (kitchens, waiting rooms, bathrooms), including the covid rooms, so I feel EXACTLY the same way!

Elizabeth:
I clean people's homes and businesses. I'm an essential worker. Trying to stay busy (over half our clients have canceled for this month) and make a good paycheck to pay bills, but it's a little frustrating when unemployed people can sit at home and make more money then us.

Amanda:
I think I’m essential?? . I work at the hospital. My department cleans, sanitizes and disinfects everything imaginable there. I clean patient rooms, including the COVID19 rooms. I’m grateful everyday to still have my job and income intact. With no loss of hours. Opposite actually. OT is always available. I do feel we deserve hazard pay or to at least make the same as unemployment ‍♀️. I want everyone to know that the quarantine and social distancing IS working. It’s 100% working. I know it’s hard and sucks but you ARE saving lives by staying home. And we thank you for that ❤️❤️