Forbes: Restaurant Employees Rally To Support Each Other Amid Sudden Closures

According to a report in Forbes, the mass-closures of bars and restaurants across the nation are leaving industry workers in a tight situation. Official mandates have ordered all non-essential businesses to close in states including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The CDC has also recommended that all gatherings of groups of 50 or more should be cancelled indefinitely.

While some restaurant groups have chosen to launch independent fundraisers to keep staff afloat during the closures, Forbes reported that other groups including Johnnie Walker and Ketel One have donated $100,000 to the U.S. Bartender’s Guild’s fundraising efforts.

The lack of work for people in the hospitality industry has also sparked grassroots campaigns, like this one raising funds for workers in Seattle that may have no way to pay rent or bills.

Fobes reported that many leaders in the hospitality industry are urging complete shutdowns for businesses that have stayed open but eliminated dine-in options, as the transit to and from work, and working in a crowded environment still puts cooks and others at risk.