In outbreak, vital grocery workers are also fearful
AUSTIN, Texas — Every day, grocery workers are restocking toilet paper, eggs, produce and canned goods as fast as the items fly off the shelves.
They disinfect keypads, freezer handles and checkout counters as hundreds of people weave around them, sometimes standing too close for comfort amid the coronavirus pandemic. Some work for hours behind clear plastic barriers installed at checkout counters, bulwarks against sudden sneezes or coughs that can propel germs.
They have been praised for their dedication by Pope Francis, former President Barack Obama and countless people on social media, as infections and death counts rise.
From South Africa to Italy to the U.S., grocery workers — many in lowwage jobs — are manning the front lines amid worldwide lockdowns, their work deemed essential to keep food and critical goods flowing. Some fear falling sick or bringing the virus home to vulnerable loved ones, and frustration is mounting as some demand better workplace protections, including shorter hours to allow them to rest, and “hazard” pay for working closely with the public.
“Everyone is scared everywhere, here in South Africa and everywhere in the world,” said Zandile Mlotshwa, a cashier at Spar supermarket in suburban Johannesburg.
U.S. grocery and food delivery workers are insisting employers pay them more and provide masks, gloves, gowns and access to testing. Whole Foods workers called for a recent “sickout” to demand better conditions, including double pay. A group of independent contractors for the Instacart grocery delivery service walked out to force more protections.
Some of the biggest employers in the U.S. are responding.
Kroger, the nation’s largest grocery chain, said it will give all hourly employees a $2-an-hour “Hero Bonus” through April 18. That follows temporary $2 pay bumps by Walmart, Target and others.
Walmart’s raise is just for hourly employees in distribution centers, but it’s also giving bonuses to full- and part-time workers. Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, and Target will provide masks and gloves to front-line workers and limit the number of customers in stores. Walmart is taking the temperatures of its nearly 1.5 million employees when they report to work.
“Most will see it as a welcome relief,” Walmart spokesman Dan Bartlett said of the new measures.
But that doesn’t alleviate the fear when shoppers won’t follow the rules, including social distancing.
Jake Pinelli, who works at a ShopRite in Aberdeen, New Jersey, said customers don’t stay 6 feet away from others and typically don’t wear masks or gloves. Staffers have protective gear, but the younger employees often give it to older co-workers or those they know have health conditions.
“Most of us are terrified,” Pinelli said. But he stays on because he wants to help.
“I have not only bills to pay, but it’s the only way right now I feel like I can do anything for my community and help out,” Pinelli said.