Store workers need support
With the entire country on lockdown due to the recent pandemic and fears rising with the possibility of both a COVID-19 and flu outbreak in the coming fall, it’s not a stretch to say that those who can’t work from home are at risk every day. Doctors, firefighters, policemen and more continue working to keep people safe during quarantine, and we regard them as heroes for it. But the workers who may be at the highest risk despite earning barely over minimum wage are the people manning the check-outs.
Despite the recent distribution of hand sanitizer and face masks to employees, many of them continue to become ill and others are quitting their jobs because of the high risk. Considering how grocery stores have been making it easier for families to stock up and stay home over quarantine, it is criminal that the employees who bravely come to work there every day do not receive the compensation and recognition that they deserve. Social distancing and the sudden hoarding of supplies also means that stores are busier than ever before, forcing employees to work longer shifts and take on heavier workloads.
Considering the high risk of infection, the longer hours and the low income, most employees fear coming to work and will probably end up quitting their jobs. Knowing everything they do for us, we should help and support them by making sure that employees are safe and well-compensated and that their contributions during the pandemic do not go unnoticed.
Zo Baldree
Spokane