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Hazard pay amid coronavirus virus

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April 14, 2020 5:23 PM
Published 12:05 PM

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Healthcare workers are at the frontline of this pandemic many hospitals are struggling to provide them with personal protective equipment and the majority of them aren't receiving hazard pay. What exactly is hazard pay?

The Department of Labor defines hazard pay as additional pay for performing a hazardous duty or work involving physical hardship. Work duty that causes extreme physical discomfort and distress which is not adequately alleviated by protective devices is deemed to impose a physical hardship.

Lesly Duetsch is a Nurse Practioner in Los Angeles. Los Angeles has been one of the most affected cities in California. She says that it has been very tough.

"It's been a little tough because we're seeing a lot of people come in very sick. And we're trying our best to give them supportive treatment we're trying our best with Calponin, azithromycin and we're hoping these measures help them recover faster but it varies per patient," she said.

Hospital employees around the country have been signing petitions requesting hazard pay. in imperial County, none of the public health officials have announced any hazard pay for healthcare workers.

"As a Nurse Practioner, I feel like the people that should really have it are the nurses that are really there 24/7 and our CNA's that are there turning the patients and working so hard. I really think they deserve it. I think it would be amazing and really rewarding. They're working so many hours with these N95 masks that are really tight on their faces and I've even seen nurses get wounds from them."

Currently, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and other Democrats are proposing to give doctors, nurses and other essential workers, such as grocery store clerks, up to $25,000 in hazard pay as part of the phase four coronavirus relief bill.

The bonus pay, that would amount to a $13-per-hour raise, would also go to truck drivers and janitors, who Democrats say are also essential to keeping the economy running during the crisis.

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Gianella Ghiglino

Peruvian-born and LA raised Gianella Ghiglino joins the team from the San Fernando valley. “LA is the place that taught me how to breath and Peru is my breath.” She says she was inspired by the community she grew up in and began documenting her experience through poetry at the age of 7. “I wrote about everything I saw, felt and everything that inspired me.” When she entered High School she joined her school news station and realized that broadcast journalism allowed her to pursue her passion and her purpose all at once. Gianella attended Cal State Northridge and received a Bachelors degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Spanish Broadcast Journalism, and Political Science. She did several internships while in College but most notably interned for PBS’s local LA station for three years. “My purpose is to share my story and of those in my community, my passion is writing.”

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