Trader Joe's
Grocery store · Golden Triangle ·
Fresh produce, flowers, frozen foods, and unique snacks
Fresh produce, flowers, frozen foods, and unique snacks
"Crew members with symptoms have been offered up to two additional weeks of paid sick time and an ongoing $2/hour “thank you pay.” After early reports that some managers discouraged masks, company policy now provides masks (urged for use) and optional gloves; stores have adopted distancing measures, installed plexiglass, and begun one-day precautionary store closings for deep cleaning in some locations. Worker organizers and a coalition argue the response has been slow and insufficient—raising concerns about increased customer capacity limits, requests for higher hazard pay, paid sick leave for high-risk workers, and alleged cuts to hours that could jeopardize health insurance—while company spokespeople say benefits and staffing adjustments are being managed to protect employees." - Rachel Sugar
"Employees at several locations reportedly were told by managers not to wear masks or gloves because it might make customers uncomfortable, a directive workers say actively discourages measures they need to stay safe. The chain’s resistance to unionization has also made coordinated collective actions and strikes more difficult." - Jaya Saxena
"A grocery chain implemented a blanket prohibition on reusable bags at its locations during the pandemic, a precautionary policy that has contributed to greater single-use plastic use among shoppers." - Lisa Held
"A large grocery purveyor that can be a buyer for artisan producers but operates on inventory and promotion timelines that are planned months in advance; as a result, it cannot provide a quick, nimble outlet for cheesemakers facing sudden surpluses." - Anne Saxelby
"Employees reported being discouraged from wearing face masks and gloves early in the pandemic, with managers allegedly asking staff to avoid masks because they might “frighten customers.” Stores were reportedly kept open even after employees tested positive for COVID-19, and workers struggled to maintain safe social distancing amid high public interaction, contributing to elevated infection risk and worker alarm." - Jaya Saxena
