World

‘Essential’ Employees Hesitate To Work Due To Lack Of Protection

Published

6 years ago

April 28, 2020

There are approximately 880,000 positive cases of COVID-19 in the United States alone, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. As the pandemic has put most of the country on lockdown, essential workers must still show up to their jobs. Some companies have taken a proactive action to help employees thrive in this crisis.

Amazon, for example, said that it has ramped cleaning efforts and social distancing. In addition, the company has changed its policy to allow unlimited unpaid sick leave. However, there is more that needs to be done to protect essential workers during this pandemic.

Calls For Aggressive Action

In the beginning of April, The National Safety Council has already called upon companies for an aggressive action regarding the safety of their workers. It’s not just because they are at high risk of being exposed to COVID-19, but many essential workers are paid the minimum wage. This reduces their chances of gaining access to healthcare services when they get sick. According to FVF Law, OSHA requirements will vary depending on the industry that the business is in. Understanding such rules and regulations in this time of a pandemic requires attention from a workplace injury lawyer.

Raising The Alarm

According to the NSC, around 70% of their member companies cannot work remotely since most of them are considered as essential workers. They further stated that the responsibility of the safety of their workers rests solely on the shoulders of the employers. Essential workers, including those who work in markets, delivery, and garbage collecting are feeling the impact of the pandemic. Since the lockdown has changed the workplace environment, it is up to NSC and their partner employers to come up with additional safety measures that will address the potential threat of the ongoing lockdown to their workers and customers alike.

Safety Recommendations For Essential Workers

As leaders, shifting schedules may help lessen the impact on the workforce while ensuring that they are still catering to their customers. Employees still working during the pandemic claim that proper safety measures are not being addressed. And some are even complaining about wrongful dismissal due to these situations during these tough times. A report by the Boston Globe says that GameStop employees were reportedly told to cover their hands and arms with plastic bags.

Hygiene practices, such as providing workers with hand sanitizers, should be implemented at all costs, including maintaining physical distancing as recommended by the CDC. Disinfection and cleaning must be done on high-traffic areas and equipment that are handled by several people.

These are trying times and it is only fair that many will feel frustrated about their current situation. The Shelter-in-Place order may grate on the public’s patience, but those who fall under the essential workers category do not have the luxury to remain at home. Their work is critical to keep the country functioning. With that being said, NSC has seen it fit to call upon business leaders to help their workers remain safe in the midst of the pandemic, while providing essential care to others.

World

Swiss International University Enhances Student Employability with Major Global Collaborations

Published

2 weeks ago

November 8, 2025

Jenny Jackson

New collaborations with Citibank, Abu-Ghazaleh Global, RAK Properties, and others strengthen SIU’s commitment to connecting academic learning with global career opportunities.

Swiss International University (SIU) has already informed about the new corporate partnerships that will start in October 2025 and that they will provide students with better access to internships, training programs, and job opportunities in various fields.

The new partnerships are aligned with SIU’s goal to combine education with the real world, as they ensure that the graduates are equipped with the required knowledge, skills, and professional exposure to be successful in the global economy of today.

In the last few weeks, SIU has formed alliances with several major companies, including those from the banking, business, hospitality, real estate, and consulting sectors. The students will be actively involved in each collaboration through internships, practical training, and the career opportunities that will be given to them during or after their studies.

Among the key collaborations are

Citibank, where students of the business and finance fields will get to experience international banking operations through special training and possible hiring programs.

Abu-Ghazaleh Global has given SIU’s programs its official blessing and access to practical experience in global business, accounting, and consulting.

RAK Properties is going to give real estate and business students a chance to learn about property development, investment, and project management.

The Signature Inn Hotel Al Riqa L.L.C. offers students of hospitality a chance through real-life interrelated scenarios to gain the knowledge of front-office operations and guest management.

Al Shabaka International Businessmen Services is opening a door for the students to meet the professionals involved in global business consulting and administration.

Galadari Motor Driving Center, where students will get a clear insight into corporate management, customer relations, and operational efficiency.

Women’s First Jobs is going to help female students and graduates through career counseling, professional networking, and empowerment initiatives.

MyFounders.Club Global is building up the students and aspiring founders in terms of innovation and entrepreneurship by taking them through the process of developing and launching new ventures.

Revival AE Project Development Consultant Co., L.L.C., where students will be working on consulting for sustainable projects and environmental management.

“The partnerships that we have formed represent our commitment not only to the business world but also to the world of academia,” said the Head of Swiss International University. “We are aspiring to equip every student in SIU with the power to win the global job market through robust academic credentials, practical exposure, and a web of real opportunities. Our target is not a teacher-student relationship whose only need is the job—our students will be the ones making changes in the various fields of tomorrow.”

The academic world and the global market are the two areas where SIU, collaborating with partners at the present time, shows the institution’s continued commitment to creating a career-oriented academic environment where learning takes place beyond the walls of the classrooms.

The deadline of October 2025 is approaching, but the university is still looking to make new strategic partnerships to grow its network of global partners. It is clear from the continuous activities of the university that it is striving to offer its students worldwide the possibility of not only utilizing their skills but also being a part of the industry via employment and thus empowering them to make a difference in international markets.