We’re in the midst of the worst public health crisis of our lifetimes. Many of us would probably like to curl into a ball and trust some body of experts somewhere to handle the proper response to coronavirus.

But the truth is that just as in more normal times, at a time of pandemic, workers need to fight to win a just response. Which is exactly what educators, students, and parents in New York City recently did, showing that an organized working class can rise to the occasion.

With so many inessential industries remaining open, and so many workers faced with unsafe conditions, there is no time to lose. Educators fought back and won in New York, saving countless lives. Workers everywhere can do the same.