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Discombobulated
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Default Mar 27, 2020 at 06:41 PM
  #1
I know there must be many of you out there who are providing essential service and must continue to work among people within this pandemic.

I am due to return to my essential service job in retail soon, I am nervous.

How is it going for those of you working through this? I am starting this thread with the hope we can contribute our experience, share and get support.
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Default Mar 27, 2020 at 08:02 PM
  #2
One of my family members recently got a job in retail--it is not as high stress as most retail places from what I hear. Three out of four of us are not worried about the virus but it is a reasonable worry for the person that is and perhaps some of us should be more worried than we are.

What makes you the most nervous? The stress from the anxious customers or the virus?
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Default Mar 28, 2020 at 01:24 AM
  #3
It was the customers before my annual leave who were often aggressive and negative atmosphere in store but now it's the virus.

We are told it's virulent and we must stay home but yet many of us are being told we must work in these high traffic environments. I am not concerned about me but my husband and son who are both in higher risk groups and staying home.

As per advice I have colour coded all cutlery and crockery, separate towels and I will shower thoroughly immediately on return plus hot wash my uniform daily.

Just hoping this is enough. It's impossible to buy disinfectant now so just doing what I can with what cleaning materials I have.
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Default Mar 28, 2020 at 10:23 AM
  #4
I work in an essential store. so I must report to work, or I can take time off with no pay. it is difficult because comes in looking for the elusive paper products and hand sanitizer, which we don't have. some are decked out in enough haz mat material to withstand an atomic explosion. everyone is on edge.

had one woman yesterday with her "not so service service dog" who did not have a leash on, when I told her it needed to be leashed for it's own protection she said "oh from the virus!" yea, ya can't fix stupid."

our company just authorized hazardous duty pay by upping our hourly wage and our shopping % off, which helps. and they are also looking into getting sneeze guards at the registers which would so help.

I don't enjoy working at this time but I do enjoy a paycheck.
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Default Mar 28, 2020 at 08:42 PM
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Default Mar 30, 2020 at 10:10 AM
  #6
As a nervous customer myself, I think the work that needs to be done is very important in order for us to continue to function as we re-learn how to co-exist with over population and global warming in mind. Best to practice consideration and safe distancing. Learn to protect yourself. I would feel a lot better if I had access to cleaning gloves that were different than gloves used to handle money and food. Ideally these precautions would not be necessary, but to know when they are and when they are not is disconcerting to me. Uniforms in the workplace should help distinguish between a few of these tasks. One being- do not take out trash in your food service apron and another- keep harsh chemicals away from self, and- personal items you may touch at beginning or end of shift like purses, backpacks, Phones and wallets should be kept away from food prep.
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Default Mar 30, 2020 at 11:23 AM
  #7
I spoke with my manager today, she was very supportive and specified what tasks I am to avoid to maintain best social distance to help protect my vulnerable husband and son. I feel more confident now. I am also politely but firmly enforcing our new one way system in store.

The company I work for is a bit lacking but I have to say our in store team are great. I am happy to work for them as long as mine and my families health is not at risk.
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Default Mar 31, 2020 at 07:11 AM
  #8
My husband is required to continue to work with the public, and I am scared and worried sick about him getting sick. As of this morning, two of his co-workers are sick, one with flu-like symptoms, and the other, we do not know yet. I am livid that his workplace won't shut down temporarily, but he works in automotive and it's considered essential. They're put at risk every single day. His hours were drastically cut due to lower demand, but he still goes in 2-3 days per week right now. We're both sick with worry. On top of that, we have to take out a personal loan to cover the loss of income, which his workplace doesn't cover. Unemployment for part-time income loss is insanely low and barely enough to cover a week's worth of food. We are stressed... I am very stressed.

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Default Apr 02, 2020 at 04:50 PM
  #9
Quote:
Originally Posted by resurgam View Post
had one woman yesterday with her "not so service service dog" who did not have a leash on, when I told her it needed to be leashed for it's own protection she said "oh from the virus!" yea, ya can't fix stupid."
Oh, oh, thank you! This gave me a belly laugh on a day when I really needed it.

Quick, someone alert the CDC! We all need to start wearing leashes to protect us from the virus!
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Default Apr 03, 2020 at 01:41 PM
  #10
our company stepped up and added a 2% surcharge to all items in the store which will be an add on to the hazard pay and we are still getting the $#2/hr extra as well. still sucks tho..like waiting for the bomb to land. and some crappy customers don't want to pay the 2%- it's optional.
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Default Apr 03, 2020 at 03:08 PM
  #11
Quote:
Originally Posted by resurgam View Post
our company stepped up and added a 2% surcharge to all items in the store which will be an add on to the hazard pay and we are still getting the $#2/hr extra as well. still sucks tho..like waiting for the bomb to land. and some crappy customers don't want to pay the 2%- it's optional.
Glad you are getting extra pay
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Default Apr 04, 2020 at 02:07 AM
  #12
Quote:
Originally Posted by resurgam View Post
our company stepped up and added a 2% surcharge to all items in the store which will be an add on to the hazard pay and we are still getting the $#2/hr extra as well. still sucks tho..like waiting for the bomb to land. and some crappy customers don't want to pay the 2%- it's optional.
My family member is also getting a little hazard pay. Retail is not a high paying industry and it is so essential. The extra pay is well deserved. One of the grocery stores in our area is giving employees two weeks paid leave when they test positive for the virus--I am so glad. It is important to support all of the people on the front lines. It will be good when everyone in retail can get tested--this will help with stopping the virus from spreading.

Also, I will be glad when there is a test that shows that we have had it and are now recovered--this would be a great way to get our economy moving again.
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Default Apr 04, 2020 at 02:40 AM
  #13
Over here the big supermarkets have all given promises for bonuses, it varies between 10% to 6% to a week's extra pay. They need to budget as despite the high profits during panic buying this situation is costing them dear with paid leave for vulnerable staff and also charitable donations.

I have taken unpaid leave indefinitely as my family situation involves 2 vulnerable people who I live with, I cannot take the risk. I feel guilty for my colleagues left. Although we have temps in.

Thanks to all those still working.
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Default Apr 04, 2020 at 02:58 AM
  #14
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Originally Posted by Discombobulated View Post
I have taken unpaid leave indefinitely as my family situation involves 2 vulnerable people who I live with, I cannot take the risk. I feel guilty for my colleagues left. Although we have temps in.

Thanks to all those still working.
Never feel guilty for putting your family first. Your colleagues will make the choices that suit them as well. It is a time of reflecting on what we value most and doing what we have to do. I am glad you can take unpaid leave.

I am sorry for the people who are getting seriously sick but this might be the opportunity the temps and new hires (I assume the people choosing to work are at a lower risk--many people recover) need to get a job. We are in a new cycle. People who were not thriving before might find ways to thrive again. Everything has a season. Enjoy your time off. Rest, reflection and family are important too!

I thank everyone at the store for working.
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Default Apr 04, 2020 at 04:31 AM
  #15
Our local grocery store (major chain) hiring temporary workers, a month or longer if needed. On a spot. They don’t pay too bad and they offer variety of shifts, day, night, part, full etc I saw it on nextdoor app. Couple people posted that they got the job right away
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Default Apr 04, 2020 at 06:14 AM
  #16
Yes same here, on the spot hires, they are mostly young fit people who are low risk.
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Default Apr 07, 2020 at 09:01 AM
  #17
@resurgam is the 2% separate from the donation they ask about at the end? I want to pay the 2% but I said no to a donation.
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