Members of the Service Employees International Union Local 105 say the coronavirus outbreak is exposing deep flaws in a low-wage economy. Colorado workers on the front line of the state's economy say they need paid sick time and financial help to weather what's both a public health and economic crisis.
"We’re hearing a lot of talk about a corporate bailout, there needs to be a people’s bail out," said Ron Ruggiero, president of SEIU Local 105.
Ruggiero helped organize an online press conference with service workers feeling the impact of the coronavirus.
Aurora firefighter Jimmy Allen shared his observations about a lack of emergency supplies.
"Masks, gowns, plenty of albuterol treatments, oxygen treatments -- the supplies [that] should just be endless are just down and out everywhere for supplies," he said.