I work in retail. I have two jobs. One store closed immediately (3/17) and notified everyone. We were told that if we were 'on the schedule' to work until 3/31 then we'd get paid for that time, but not beyond if they remain closed. I was not on the schedule since I'm a PT fill-in, so no pay for me from that job.
My other retail job is still going strong. In fact, we're all getting more hours than usual. Some feel that it's because the main distritution warehouse wants to empty and close and is sending all the merchandise to the store for quick sales. I'm in Receiving, so that means we're busy.
BUT, no one knows how long it will last as so many other retailers are closing. I'm new at this place, so I'm told it's always one of the last to close for any reason. I'm in Florida, and was told my store didn't even shut down until one day before Hurricane Dorian hit. We're one of two stores open in the particular shopping plaza we're in. Barnes & Noble is the other one open for now. ALL the stores surrounding us closed down, so we are busy with shoppers. It's a clothing store, so why people are shopping and risking their lives is beyond me.
All ages of shoppers - mom's with kids and seniors - which really surprised me. In fact, they are many seniors just walking around checking which stores are open and such. One senior man even complained the Starbucks in the plaza won't let him sit in the store and eat!
My store - and this is sad to say - is NOT doing anything extra in the way of cleaning and/or disinfecting ANYTHING (carts, register areas, etc). I bring in my own wipes and clean my own work station and everything I have to touch there. I have offered wipes to my younger co-workers, but they aren't interested. They think I'm nuts - well so be it. We are even standing right next to one another processing garments and no one but me seems to care.
I kind of wish this store would close already. I feel it's unsafe at this time. I plan to try to get hired on at a grocery store or go on unemployment. I live in a tourist type town, so many are trying to get those grocery jobs now, and with me being an older worker, I'm afraid I won't even get considered. I'll be 60 later this year, but always feel passed over for younger workers in my area.
Sorry this is so long, but thanks for this thread and the opportunity to share my experience. I'm pretty stressed about all this and down to my last two rolls of toilet paper. I spend my spare time trying to find some, but in my area by the time I get off work, others have snatched it all up and I've not been able to get any for over a week now. I wish people would stop hording it. There is no reason.
Be safe and Be Careful everyone!
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