Abstract
This report examines employment trends for essential workers over 12 months, beginning at the start of the pandemic. In particular, we highlight racial and gender inequities in the healthcare workforce and the experiences of Black women. Key findings include:
• While all essential workers suffered through the pandemic, Black women faced higher unemployment and lower wages than almost every other group.
• In health care, the occupations with a larger proportion of Black women had the highest unemployment and the lowest wages.
• While white healthcare workers were able to see rewards from their work through career advancement, Black women’s career standing more often stagnated or fell.