Employees Petition to Temporarily Close Starbucks Because of Coronavirus | Eater
"Employees at the national coffee chain launched a petition with over 20,000 signatures, started by Aniya Johnson, a Philadelphia barista, urging management to suspend nonessential operations until further notice while continuing to pay both hourly and salaried workers. Staff argue that, despite the company’s comparatively strong sick-leave offerings — including paid sick leave and a “catastrophe pay” program that provides an additional 14 days for employees diagnosed with COVID-19 or with prolonged contact with a diagnosed person — it’s nearly impossible to obtain a formal diagnosis because testing is so limited. Workers say protective measures haven’t eliminated risk, pointing to busy locations (often near schools and hospitals) that increase potential exposure, and cite leadership statements promising that employees shouldn’t have to choose between work and caring for themselves as inconsistent with on-the-ground conditions." - Jaya Saxena
