World Essential Workers Day – March 15

World Essential Workers Day, celebrated annually on March 15, has its roots deeply intertwined with the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While essential workers have always been crucial to society, the pandemic served as a significant turning point in recognizing the invaluable contributions of these individuals across the world. The day was created to honor those who work tirelessly in various sectors to keep society functioning, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Before the pandemic, essential workers—such as healthcare professionals, delivery drivers, grocery store employees, and public service workers—often worked behind the scenes, and their roles were, for the most part, taken for granted. However, when the world faced the COVID-19 crisis, these workers became the unsung heroes of the pandemic response.

During lockdowns and periods of social distancing, most people stayed at home, while essential workers continued to show up to work every day. Hospitals, grocery stores, transportation networks, and food supply chains relied heavily on these workers to ensure that basic services and goods remained available. Many essential workers risked their health and safety to provide vital services to the public. The pandemic highlighted their importance in a way that no one could ignore.

The establishment of World Essential Workers Day is, in many ways, a direct response to the pandemic’s spotlight on these vital workers. The global community began to recognize that without the efforts of these individuals, society would grind to a halt. Healthcare workers, grocery store employees, public transport staff, and many other essential workers stepped up when the world needed them most.

In March 2020, the world began seeing major disruptions due to the virus, leading to the creation of this observance. The initiative was championed by a coalition of advocacy groups, unions, and community organizations who wanted to provide a day for reflection, appreciation, and acknowledgment of essential workers’ contributions. March 15 was chosen as the date for World Essential Workers Day because it was a time when the pandemic had already significantly impacted most countries, and people were beginning to realize the magnitude of the sacrifices essential workers were making.

Though the exact origins of World Essential Workers Day are somewhat recent, the broader recognition of essential workers is far from new. Many of these roles have existed for centuries—healthcare workers, farmers, and public service providers have always been necessary for the smooth running of society. What has changed, however, is the public awareness and appreciation of these workers’ contributions. Before the pandemic, many essential workers went unnoticed, despite the fact that their work was crucial to daily life.

The pandemic made the importance of these jobs undeniable. It is through the hard work of essential workers that we were able to maintain some semblance of normalcy. Their actions were a testament to resilience and dedication, even in the face of a global health crisis.