Shipt workers, shoppers who deliver orders from Target and other stores, have put together their first major protest in hopes of securing better protections during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Vice has reported that workers have planned to walk off work this week. Several of the company’s shoppers have complained about less than adequate protections and consideration from management.
“Unless you get tested for COVID-19 or you’re half dead, Shipt’s not going to care,” Shipt shopper Angie Kufner told Tech Crunch.
Kufner has reportedly felt ill over the last few weeks. Despite her health, Shipt has allegedly not provided her sick pay. However, Shipt has indicated that it would provide workers diagnosed with COVID-19 with up to two weeks of sick pay.
In addition to sick pay, Shipt shoppers are asking for $5 hazard pay per order, personal protective equipment and a more transparent pay structure.
“They don’t care about shoppers or the customers because at this point they’re putting customers at risk when these shoppers aren’t protected themselves inside the stores. It’s frustrating because Target and Shipt are both making a fortune with all the new customers and all the new orders and they’ve done almost nothing to support the shoppers,” Kufner said.
In response, Shipt has indicated that they will provide all shoppers with personal protective equipment within two weeks.
“We are focused on supporting them during this time with health and safety precautions, protective equipment and financial assistance. Our shoppers have been delivering record volumes to our members, and they continue to schedule themselves to shop commensurate with what we’ve seen throughout the pandemic,” the company stated.
Moving forward, Shipt shoppers are looking to continue their movement. They are asking customers to boycott the app on Friday, April 10th.
