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Food, Retail Workers Union Against Retailers Easing Mask Rules

By Sarah Vaughan

Posted May 20, 2021

Kroger Worker

(Kroger)

The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union yesterday called on Kroger and other retailers to keep mask requirements in place, as retailers relax mask policies for vaccinated shoppers and employees in the wake of the Centers for Disease Control’s latest guidance.

The CDC last week said fully vaccinated people — those who are two weeks past their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine —can stop wearing masks outdoors and in most indoor settings. The guidance still says those  not fully vaccinated should continue wearing masks indoors, and that everyone should wear them in crowded indoor settings, such as buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters.

Kroger, the country’s largest grocery chain, announced yesterday that workers and customers can stop wearing masks today in states where mandates have ended.

Other companies with similar changes include Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Macy’s, Costco, Home Depot, Trader Joe’s and Target.

In response, UFCW International President Marc Perrone issued a statement yesterday, in which he pointed out that millions of Americans still are not fully vaccinated, leaving grocery and retail workers at continued risk of infection.

“America’s grocery workers are still facing daily COVID risks on the frontlines so that all our families can put food on the table as the pandemic continues,” Perrone said. “These essential frontline workers have been forced to play mask police throughout the pandemic with many shoppers not following COVID safety standards. Now, they are being asked to be the vaccination police.” 

Perrone and the UFCW urged the CEOs of all retailers to “take action to reassure the public that the majority of those in stores will still wear masks to keep shoppers and workers safe, given ongoing  COVID risks.”

Kroger’s corporate affairs manager for Indiana, Eric Halvorson, declined to be interviewed but said by email “We trust our customers to follow the CDC’s guidelines.”

It’s unclear if the relaxed mask restrictions will motivate those who are unvaccinated to get their shots. Some may feel more at risk of contracting COVID-19 but others may believe they can enjoy the same privileges as the vaccinated because no one is checking.

The UFCW also called on the Department of Labor to provide COVID workplace safety rules by issuing an OSHA emergency standard.

By its own estimate, the UFCW represents 1.3 million food and retail workers nationwide, and about 17,000 frontline food workers in Indiana.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page here. 

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