Macy’s workers strike due to unaddressed safety concerns
The Days of Retail Stores Prioritizing Criminals Over Employees
Gone are the days when retail stores would fire employees for shoplifting. Now, they punish employees for trying to prevent shoplifting. It seems that being “woke” and catering to the latest news-worthy “ism” has made it difficult for shoppers to have a safe experience in retail stores, while also putting low-wage employees at risk.
Recently, hundreds of retail workers went on strike outside a Macy’s store in Washington to demand improved worker rights and safety policies. The strike aimed to bring attention to the lack of clear policies on handling security threats and when to call 911. Workers expressed feeling unsafe due to short staffing and stretched coverage.
This weekend, I visited the brave @UFCW_3000 workers on strike at Macy’s in Southcenter. I stand with the dedicated employees fighting for fair wages and better working conditions. Your voices matter! pic.twitter.com/t2Vjaj0EoX
— Adam Smith (@electadamsmith) November 27, 2023
Unfortunately, Macy’s is not the only store prioritizing criminals over their own employees. Target has also been accused of preventing authorities from apprehending shoplifters in their stores. Sheriff Jim Cooper of Sacramento County, California, revealed how Target’s security policies hindered law enforcement from intervening in theft incidents.
I can’t make this stuff up. Recently, we tried to help Target. Our Property Crimes detectives and sergeant were contacted numerous times by Target to help them with shoplifters, mostly who were known transients. We coordinated with them and set up an operation with detectives and… pic.twitter.com/2TJCXApGMs
— Jim Cooper (@SheriffJCooper) November 9, 2023
Lululemon, too, faced backlash when it fired employees for calling the police during a robbery. The company’s CEO defended the decision, stating their zero-tolerance policy on engaging during a theft.
JUST IN: Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald doubles down on his decision to fire two employees who called the police after three men robbed their store in Georgia.
“It’s only merchandise,” he said.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy that we train our educators on around engaging… pic.twitter.com/8DB0gDq93b
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 5, 2023
It’s clear that retail giants prioritize public perception and potential liability issues over the security of their inventory and the safety of their employees. They expect floor staff to simply allow theft to occur while giving the illusion of security by locking up basic everyday items. This strike by Macy’s workers may finally force companies and local prosecutors to take employee concerns seriously. If nothing changes, brick-and-mortar stores may soon become a thing of the past.
The post Fed-Up Macy’s Workers Go On Strike After Store Fails to Address Safety Concerns appeared first on The Western Journal.
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What factors contribute to retailers adopting policies that prioritize the rights of criminals over the safety and well-being of employees?
T’s security personnel regarding theft incidents in their stores. However, these security personnel were instructed by Target management not to involve law enforcement unless the value of the stolen merchandise exceeded a certain amount. This policy not only undermines the efforts of law enforcement in combating theft but also puts Target employees at risk by allowing criminals to go unpunished. It is a clear case of prioritizing the rights of criminals over the safety and well-being of employees.
So why are retailers adopting such policies? One possible explanation is the fear of being labeled as discriminatory or racist. In an era where social justice movements are at the forefront of public discourse, retailers are afraid of being accused of racial profiling or targeting specific demographics. By limiting their interaction with suspected shoplifters, they hope to avoid any potential backlash or negative publicity. However, this approach fails to take into account the real-world consequences for employees and the overall impact on society.
Another factor contributing to this problem is the increasing influence of social media. One viral video of an employee accused of racial profiling or using excessive force can have a devastating impact on a retailer’s reputation. Companies are therefore hesitant to take any action that may be perceived as aggressive or confrontational, even if it means sacrificing the safety of their employees and customers.
However, it is essential to find a balance between protecting the rights of employees and ensuring a safe shopping experience for customers. Retailers must develop clear policies on how to handle security threats and shoplifting incidents. They should provide adequate training for employees to identify and address potential theft situations without putting themselves at risk. Furthermore, collaboration between retailers and law enforcement agencies is crucial in deterring criminal activity and apprehending offenders.
In conclusion, the days of retail stores prioritizing criminals over their employees are a concerning trend that needs to be addressed. It is unacceptable that employees who try to prevent theft and ensure the safety of customers are punished or discouraged from doing their job. Retailers must prioritize the well-being of their employees and the overall security of their stores. Adopting clear policies, providing adequate training, and collaborating with law enforcement agencies are essential steps towards achieving this goal. Only then can we create an environment where both employees and customers can feel safe and protected.
References:
Smith, A. (November 27, 2023). This weekend, I visited the brave workers on strike at Macy’s in Southcenter. I stand with the dedicated employees fighting for fair wages and better working conditions. Your voices matter! [Twitter post]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/electadamsmith/status/1729280280433676474?
Sheriff Cooper. J. (n.d.). I can’t make this stuff up. Recently, we tried to help Target. Our Property Crimes detectives and sergeant were contacted numerous times by Target’s security personnel regarding theft incidents in their stores. [Twitter post]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/SheriffCooper/status/1729192893426801111?
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