Grocery store workers across Texas are suddenly at the front lines of the new coronavirus crisis, as they interact with hundreds of people per day and stay open amid so many business closures. bit.ly/2QJIZeB
2/ But facing the ongoing pandemic has these workers are scared for their health. They lack
protective equipment reserved for medical professionals in what is increasingly becoming a high-risk work environment. bit.ly/2QJIZeB
protective equipment reserved for medical professionals in what is increasingly becoming a high-risk work environment. bit.ly/2QJIZeB
3/ In light of the risk they’re facing, workers around the state and union advocates are now demanding priority childcare, better access to testing, hazard pay and expanded sick leave policies. bit.ly/2QJIZeB
4/ They also want better access to protective wear including gloves, face screens and surgical masks since they interact with large crowds of shoppers. “It’s been like the day before Thanksgiving every single day,” one worker said. bit.ly/2QJIZeB
5/ Since grocery stores were deemed essential businesses by the state and federal government, they are among the few establishments that will remain open during the pandemic. bit.ly/2QJIZeB
6/ But grocery store workers in Texas are not considered essential employees like health care professionals and first responders. That designation makes employees eligible for government benefits like those grocery store workers are now demanding. bit.ly/2QJIZeB
7/ Some grocery chains — H-E-B, Kroger, Whole Foods, Target and Albertsons — have implemented temporary raises and bonuses. bit.ly/2QJIZeB
8/8 Stores have also implemented some safety precautions — closing every other register to space out cashiers, installing sneeze guards at registers and limiting how many customers can be in the store at once. bit.ly/2QJIZeB
