Whole Worker Media Statement about Lynnfield Store Closure
NOTE: THIS PRESS RELEASE WAS WRITTEN IN MAY 2020 FOR WHOLEWORKER.ORG.
Two days ago, the Lynnfield, Massachusetts location was shut down temporarily after several team members tested positive. Today, we are disheartened to learn that the store has already reopened. As usual, Whole Foods is hiding critical information from the community, including the number of cases and the dates that these team members were last at the store. This is basic, necessary information that could be used to facilitate effective contact tracing.
The Lynnfield store was a virus hotspot up until May 10. Closing the store down for two days is laughable. The promised “deep cleaning” is not enough. Lynnfield needs to be shut down until team members have the opportunity to be tested. This is a reasonable expectation for Whole Foods, given that there’s free testing at emergency facilities for grocery store workers in Massachusetts. A longer shutdown would also provide adequate time for Lynnfield’s store and regional leadership to work in tandem with local health departments to effectively contact trace all cases.
It’s worth noting that the Lynnfield shutdown was an anomaly. Almost every other Whole Foods store has failed to shut down for a single day of cleaning — even stores with multiple infected team members. Whole Foods is refusing to do the bare minimum to protect its workers. Store closure and deep cleaning should be standard operating procedure every time a worker tests positive.
We cannot beat this virus if cases continue to skyrocket at our stores. As of May 11, Whole Worker tracked over 300 cases in nearly 150 locations from media reports and team member reporting. What Whole Foods is doing is not working. It continues to put both team members and customers at risk.
This company needs to change its tune. Here are our demands:
Immediate shutdown of any location where a worker tests positive for COVID-19. In such an event, all workers should continue to receive full pay until the store can safely reopen after being sanitized.
Guaranteed paid leave for all workers who isolate or self-quarantine instead of coming to work.
Reinstatement of health care coverage for part-time and seasonal workers.
Increased FSA funds to cover coronavirus testing and treatment for all team members, including part-time and seasonal.
Guaranteed hazard pay in the form of double pay during our scheduled hours.
Commitment to ensuring that all locations have adequate sanitation equipment and procedures in place.
We wish our fellow team members in Lynnfield a speedy recovery from this virus. We encourage workers at Whole Foods Lynnfield — and all stores with positive cases — to continue to blow the whistle and alert the community. If you’re interested in joining our movement, please visit our website for more information.
In love and solidarity,
Whole Worker
