Over 450 million people all over the world are currently employed in the transportation and logistics industry but regrettably, they have never come to the public eye despite providing us with indispensable services. In fact, most of us are still unaware of the significant role of the frontline logistics workers who are putting their lives at risk to keep us stocked with our everyday essentials. However, ever since the pandemic the crucial role of the logistics workers is being recognized by our society and the services they are providing is being regarded as an ‘essential service’ all over the world because of their massive contribution in providing us with all the basic commodities and boosting the economy of their respective countries.
They are rendering essential services
Ever since the commencement of the pandemic, the logistics personnel are playing an important role in stabilizing the economy of the country while taking care of the fundamental needs of the global population. Even when most of the countries enforced strict lockdown measures to contain the spread of the virus, the logistics workers were working outdoors every day to ensure that we never run out of the indispensable items. Hospitals, groceries, pharmacies would not be running without their relentless support. This is why we need to remember how they helped us during these difficult times and we should continue to appreciate their contribution to society even once the pandemic gets over.
The authorities are also recognizing their services
Political leaders from many countries have also spoken out about the crucial function of the supply chain personnel in enhancing the economy during this crisis. For example, the leaders of China, Germany, France, USA, and Australia have reaffirmed the important role of the frontline workers in the supply chain industry. Xi Jinping, the Chinese President during a speech given at the Zheijiang Province, stressed the maintenance of smooth global supply chains for increased international trading activities. French President Emmanuel Macron called the delivery persona a “second line of defence…playing a crucial role in allowing life as we know it to continue.”
Supply chain workers are facing a high risk of exposure to the virus
According to Ms. Melissa Jezior, the CEO of Eagle Hill Consulting, “The number one focus of employers right now should be employee engagement. That means understanding at the most granular level employee sentiment about COVID-19, their challenges returning to the workplace and how to keep the workforce safe- and then taking action to address employee feedback.”
Although the long-distance truck drivers spend a majority of time inside the vehicles, they are still at a high risk of contracting the virus. The reason for this is that the drivers often come in close contact with the dock workers, store workers, and truck-stop attendants. Additionally, because of the exigencies in the times of Coronavirus, they are required to work extra-time with limited breaks. This is why the frontline workers in the supply chain industry are being vocal about the necessity for greater availability of PPEs such as masks, face shields, gloves, and sanitizers so that they have a greater degree of safety during their work hours.