Whole Foods and Instacart Workers Protest for Enhanced COVID-19 Protections

As the pandemic has unfolded, our dependency on grocery store staff and delivery workers has become more apparent. However, it has also highlighted the struggles these essential workers face, particularly in safeguarding themselves against COVID-19. Many lack fundamental protections, such as paid leave. In response, workers from Instacart, who have been tirelessly delivering groceries, staged a walkout on Monday, while Whole Foods employees organized a “sick out” to voice their demands for better safety measures.

Instacart Workers Take a Stand

On March 30, Instacart employees took to the streets, expressing their need for basic protective equipment like hand sanitizer, soap, and disinfectant wipes. They are also advocating for paid sick leave, hazard pay, and a minimum tipping policy. The Gig Workers Collective stated in a Medium post, “For weeks, we have urged Instacart to implement proper safety measures, but our pleas have gone unheard.” They criticized the company for prioritizing public relations over the safety of their workers, claiming that Instacart has failed to provide essential protections that could prevent employees from becoming carriers or falling ill.

Moreover, they pointed out that while Instacart had recently introduced a paid leave program, the stringent qualifications made it nearly impossible for many workers to benefit from it.

Whole Foods Employees Join the Protest

Meanwhile, on March 31, Whole Foods employees staged their protest by walking off the job, calling for paid sick leave, hazard pay, and financial support for COVID-19 testing and treatment, as well as essential safety equipment like hand sanitizer. The labor group Whole Worker raised concerns about Amazon—Whole Foods’ parent company—keeping two stores operational despite confirmed COVID-19 cases among staff. Alarmingly, employees were even asked to “donate” their accrued paid time off to sick coworkers, rather than extending paid leave to all.

“Whole Foods employees are already getting sick. We must act NOW,” Whole Worker emphasized in their statement. They highlighted the increased risks workers face and the urgent need for their demands to be met.

Amazon Under Scrutiny

In a related context, Amazon is also facing scrutiny for the lack of protective measures for its warehouse workers. Reports indicate that 14 warehouses have seen positive COVID-19 cases, prompting some workers, particularly from Staten Island, to take similar action by walking off the job, demanding paid leave and comprehensive cleaning of their facilities.

In solidarity, Whole Foods workers encouraged grocery employees nationwide to join their cause.

Summary

Workers at Instacart and Whole Foods have staged protests demanding better protections against COVID-19, including essential safety gear and paid sick leave, amidst growing concerns about their health and safety during the pandemic. Their actions reflect a broader need for worker protections in essential roles.