Worker claims safety note led to firing
A Trader Joe’s employee’s claims that he was fired for seeking stronger COVID-19 protections at a New York City store went viral over the weekend, sparking calls for a boycott and union protection for employees.
The Monrovia-based grocery chain said Ben Bonnema, who posted his letter to the CEO on Twitter, was terminated for the “disrespect” he showed to customers.
In a Feb. 26 email to Trader Joe’s CEO Dan Bane, Bonnema asked the store to improve its air filtration system, not allow anyone inside without a mask and adopt a three-strikes policy for uncooperative customers.
Bonnema referenced “more than a dozen scientists” who have called on the Biden administration to set better standards for workplaces. He also cited a Journal of Hospital Infection paper that recommends stronger air filtration systems to curb the spread of the virus.
“We put our lives on the line every day by showing up to work,” wrote Bonnema, who was fired shortly after writing his email. “Please, show up for us by adopting these policies.”
The chain’s response
Trader Joe’s spokeswoman Kenya Friend-Daniel said in a statement there was “misinformation” online about Bonnema’s termination. In an email cited by CNN, she said “store leadership terminated this crew member’s employment because of the disrespect he showed toward our customers.”
Friend-Daniel said the retailer would never fire an employee for raising safety concerns.
“We encourage all crew members to take an active role in store safety, and share their suggestions with leadership,” she said.
In Bonnema’s termination letter, the company took issue with his proposed three-strikes policy, which would require all shoppers to wear a mask. Bonnema suggested shoppers who couldn’t wear a mask could wait outside while an employee did the shopping for them.
“These suggestions are not in line with our core values,” the letter said. “In addition, you state that Trader Joe’s is not ‘showing up for us’ without adopting your policies. It is clear that you do not understand our values. As a result, we are no longer comfortable having you work for Trader Joe’s.”
Bonnema also shared on Twitter what he claims is his August employee review, in which Trader Joe’s gave him high marks. According to the review, he met expectations in every category and was praised for humor and kindness.
‘Two sides to every story’
Bob Phibbs, CEO of The Retail Doctor, a New York-based retail consulting firm, said there are “two sides to every story” and noted that Trader Joe’s is known for treating its employees well.
“Trader Joe’s, like Costco, puts employees first,” he said. “They are well trained and incredibly loyal to the brand. They have a can-do spirit you wouldn’t find in any other grocery stores.”
Phibbs said the company is likely looking to avoid a “he-said, she-said” dialogue surrounding Bonnema’s termination.
“Let’s be honest, a company like this wouldn’t fire someone for no reason,” he said. “But I also think that no HR director would want to get drawn into this.”
Support on Twitter
Bonnema’s Twitter posts drew thousands of comments, many in support and many others condemning his actions.
“I was going to shop at Trader Joe’s this afternoon — but now I’m going to take my business elsewhere,” Don Milton tweeted. Rob Gill also weighed in. “Read this thread, then call or email Trader Joe’s CEO Dan Bane,” he wrote. “Let Danny boy know that you’re boycotting.”
Others said they would have terminated him, too.
“I would have fired you for that ludicrous demand letter too,” wrote Steve Tobak. “Every store, business and school, including #TraderJoes, is doing its best to make it safe for employees and customers in an extraordinarily challenging time. If you don’t feel safe, stay home.”
Viral blow-over
David J. Livingston, a managing partner with the supermarket research firm DJL, figures a boycott and call for unionization wouldn’t gain much traction.
“I think it will just go away,” he said. “For one, COVID-19 probably won’t be a factor once everyone gets vaccinated. And two, Trader Joe’s has the highest consumer perception rating of any grocer in the country. They tend to hire good employees, and they pay them well above average. I’d say that employee’s 15 minutes of fame is about to run out.”
In a statement issued to BuzzFeed, Benjamin Dictor, Bonnema’s attorney, said his client plans to take his case to the National Labor Relations Board.
Trader Joe’s has more than 500 locations across the U.S.