The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) Communications Manager Melissa Moriarty joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the organization’s efforts to chronicle unsafe working conditions in workplaces across the U.S.
In April, National COSH released its Dirty Dozen report listing the top 12 employers who put workers and communities at risk due to unsafe work practices which lead to preventable illnesses, injuries and fatalities. Several of these companies also engaged in harassment and retaliation against workers who stood up to unsafe working conditions on the job. Among the companies on the list were Amazon, Dollar General and Starbucks.
On Workers’ Memorial Day, National COSH held a virtual press conference regarding the release of the report. It included workers from Amazon and one of the seven Memphis Starbucks employees who were fired for efforts to unionize their store, she said.
Moriarty also talked about the council’s WorkedUp initiative that compiles workers’ stories about how they have been exploited on the job. She shared the story of one particular group of erotic dancers at Star Garden in North Hollywood who reported being harassed, physically assaulted and intimidated. When workers addressed their concerns to management, some were fired for speaking out. These workers are now organizing to form a union, she added.
She invited listeners to share their stories of workplace exploitation on WorkedUp.
Moriarty also spoke about the effort by National COSH to document COVID-19 deaths in the workplace, working in conjunction with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.