Workers now deemed ‘essential’ want more: How the coronavirus crisis might bring permanent labor gains on unionizing, sick leave and other issues

Businesses operating through the coronavirus pandemic are rolling out new safety measures as COVID-19 cases proliferate inside and out of their workplaces.

Masks are being distributed. Temperatures are being checked. Sneeze guards are being installed at checkout.

But some workers at businesses deemed essential, like grocery stores, fast-food restaurants, factories, warehouses and delivery services, say the steps being taken, which started with extra cleaning, aren’t enough.

Some concerned workers have walked off the job after their colleagues became ill. Employers have searched for protective equipment as federal guidelines have changed. And companies have had to respond to customers’ worries about the health of the store clerk, the delivery driver and the restaurant cook.