UFCW Launches Campaign in Support of Grocery Worker Hazard Pay
The campaign that kicked off earlier this month is a response to the suspension of hazard pay for grocery store employees during the coronavirus pandemic.
- By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
- Sep 24, 2020
The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) introduced a national campaign earlier this month that called for the return of hazard pay for grocery store workers, according to Supermarket News.
The initiative announced on September 2 includes both targeted media and grassroots actions to stress the importance of continuing to provide hazard pay, also known as “hero” or “appreciation” pay, to grocery store workers because they are still at risk of contracting coronavirus while at work. It was reported by the UFCW that about 103 grocery store employees have died from coronavirus.
The UFCW named specific companies that have stopped grocer hazard pay in the announcement of the campaign, including Walmart and Whole Foods Market.
“Frontline grocery workers continue to put themselves at risk to ensure our families have the food we need,” said Marc Perrone, UFCW International President. “As long as the hazard of COVID-19 continues, these companies must do what is right and provide the hazard pay these grocery workers have earned and deserve.”
More information on the hazard pay campaign can be found at ufcw.org.
About the Author
Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.