The Service Industry Deserves a Bailout Too!
Without my experience in the hospitality industry and, most importantly, my mentors, I would not be where I am today. Seeing the hurt the greater NYC service industry has endured since the mandatory shut down (no dine-in service), with no end in sight, makes my heart ache and my mind angry. Yes, I am mad. Mad at a system that has been failing the service industry since the beginning of time. Mad that our government seemingly only cares about big corporates. I am outraged that a sector that provides so much receives so very little in return. Where is the leadership? Where is their bailout? Where is the justice?
The COVID-19 pandemic is paralyzing the entire country (not to mention the world) and has impacted countless people’s ability to make a living; I would like to point out that service industry employees cannot work from home. As a business owner, what do you do? You "temporarily" close your doors, hoping not to lay anyone off. But, guess what? Since Monday, March 16, thousands of restaurant workers have lost their jobs and livelihoods around the country and have nowhere to turn.
This past week, Danny Meyer of Union Square Hospitality Group laid off over 2,000 workers, cutting 80% of its workforce. Per Danny Meyer, “If there were a time for the government to provide financial leadership for hospitality workers and the industry, it's NOW.” Tom Colicchio announced 300 layoffs: “It’s time for the politics to end and it’s time for leaders to step up. This crisis is our generation's World War II.” Gotham Bar & Grill, an NYC staple for 36 years, closed its doors for good last weekend. The National Restaurant Association estimates that 5 to 7 million restaurant jobs will be lost in the next three months.
Our system is failing the hard-working service industry employees. Employers are struggling to find a way to keep their staff. Most of them don’t have the cash-flow to sustain such expenses. Unemployed restaurant workers are eligible for unemployment benefits. However, in NY State, an employee had to have worked at least 120 days over the prior 12 calendar months before applying. This past week, Governor Cuomo thankfully waived the seven-day waiting period to register. As you can see, even if you qualify for benefits, they may take a while to kick in. Given that restaurant employees mostly work for minimum wage, with many relying on gratuities from restaurant patrons, they will not earn enough to make a living and provide for themselves and their families; they will be lucky if they are able to login to the NY State Labor Department’s website. See Eater's article, citing folks who experienced their sessions “timing out” and crashing “multiple times."
Here are ways you can help:
- Buy gift certificates from your local restaurants and bars.
- Order pick-up or delivery from your favorite local restaurants (check if a curfew applies).
- Virtual happy hour is booming right now. Order wine, beer, and spirits from your local store. Face time and catch up with friends.
You also can donate to various organizations:
- One Fair Wage: Emergency fund providing cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service, drivers.
- Union Square Hospitality Group's Relief Fund: 100% of every gift card sold will go directly to support team members affected by this public health crisis.
- RWCF COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund: The Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation is an advocacy and action nonprofit created by restaurant workers. To donate, click HERE.
- Sign the ROAR petition (Relief Opportunities for All Restaurants) to demand a relief bill for restaurant employees and employers.
Below are several compelling articles showcasing the pandemic’s impact on the hospitality industry:
Please call your Federal Representatives and Senators and demand that restaurant workers be a part of the Federal Stimulus Plan. You can connect to the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202.224.3121. I already have. Please spread the word.
Thank you for your support!
Anna