Working Sick at Safeway Around Town, posted by Alamo Resident, a resident of the Alamo neighborhood, on Dec 28, 2010 at 10:40 am
Why is Safeway management allowed to bully its workers into working when they are ill? Who wants to see obvious coughing, sneezing and running noses in the checkstand - or get threatened that they might lose their jobs? Please express your objection to Management the next time you shop -- that way we will all stay healthier.
Posted by Ralph N. Shirlet, a resident of another community, on Dec 28, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Dear Jessica,
According to in-store polling, 97.5 people walk into Alamo Safeway sick of one thing or another each hour. Even if these sick people drink the hand sanitizer at the door, Safeway becomes an unhealthy place for the wonderful people that serve us very well.
The half person is the real culprit and makes all staff seem only half there in their illness.
So, let's start a movement. If you are an Alamo Safeway shopper and are ill, please call safeway.com and have your groceries delivered. Order GIN and hand-sanitizer made with ethanol. It is reputed to be a fairly good Martini.
When you are well, come back to the store and drink most of wine in the wine aisle to prevent further infection. Then, Alamo Resident, one and all, will not worry about our joyous staff at Safeway.
Posted by Beth, a member of the Diablo Vista Middle School community, on Dec 29, 2010 at 11:33 am
Dear Danville Express Readers,
I think that instead of the Safeway grocery delivery idea/drinking excessive amounts of wine when returning to work at Safeway that "Ralph N. Shirlet" has provided us, we should all start clicking on "Report Objectionable Content" for his comments. This poor, pathetic guy has no life, other than making sarcastic, narcissistic, stupid comments to the members of our community. "Ralph", please discuss your mental health issues with a reputable therapist and take your meds on a regular basis.
I agree with a previous reader who commented that Ralph REALLY needs to find a hobby (and not drive a vehicle for all of our safety). How about volunteering in the community for your fellow citizens, instead of spending all your time making ridiculous comments? You are such a bore.
As for ANY workers coming to work sick - DON'T. That is just common sense, especially if you work in contact with any other people. But coughs can linger after a cold for weeks and it is difficult for workers to stay home that whole time and not necessary. So I can sympathize with workers who need to go to work still coughing a bit. That's life.
But, "Alamo Resident", how do we know that Safeway is bullying their workers into working while they are sick?
Posted by withheld, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Dec 29, 2010 at 1:24 pm
I used to be a vendor working inside Safeway stores in the valley up along the 680 corridor for over 10 years and YES, I have seen hundreds of employees at work sick and I've heard them talking to other vendors and employees that they are 'pressured' to come in even if they are ill. But I also think the problem stems deeper then that; Safeway treats their employees TERRIBLY as well as their vendors, Safeway management has NO RESPECT for the 'worker bees' that get it all done on a daily bases!!
I say the best thing a Safeway employee can do is RESIGN, in the end you'll be much happier that you did!!!
Posted by Diane, a resident of the Alamo neighborhood, on Dec 30, 2010 at 6:31 am
To Beth: Agreed. 100%.
To 'withheld:' If Safeway in Alamo is such a horrid place to work, why do we see the same checkers/managers that we've seen there for years and years? As a 20+ year Alamo resident, I have seen relatively little turnover in employees at the store, and am a very frequent shopper there.
Posted by Barron, a resident of the Blackhawk neighborhood, on Dec 30, 2010 at 9:43 am
WOW, Happy Holidays one and all. Amazing comments, yes I do go to work with a cough, usually it last well past my initial cold, and I can't afford to take several weeks off, nor do I feel the need to do so.
As for Safeway, it's the biggest, and the best. They probably pay their employees very well compared to their competition. I shop there, and see employees that look very happy, very friendly. No one has ever complained to me, and they know me by first name, we chat about all kinds of things, but never about them being treated poorly, or forced to work.
Posted by Marie, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Dec 31, 2010 at 7:35 am
Personally, I can’t stand when employees complain about management. If you don’t like your job, then quit, I’m sure they will find someone better than you. Your choice, quit or deal with it.
As far as for the Ralph/Halbailey guy, I skip over his ridiculous comments, they’re not worth my time.
I’ve asked this before, why is the Danville Express deleting some comments? I totally appreciate editing out offensive language, but Beth’s comment stated that there was a previous comment…where is it…it didn’t sound as if there would be anything bad in it???
I agree with Diane and Barron, I have seen the same employees at Safeway with a big smile on their face for years.
Posted by Lynn, a resident of another community, on Dec 31, 2010 at 9:49 am
For those of you who aren't aware, Safeway is really rough place to work. They work off weekly schedules, and even 30+ year employees With Safeway get to see their schedule each week, and it changes like you and I change our socks... No consistency and zero compassion.
In addition, Safeway, has decided to hire handicapped and disadvantaged or workers with special needs at the lowest rate of pay, to replace their higher paid 30 year veterans. Has anyone witnessed this practice? Don't get me wrong, Cudos to Safeway for helping our precious citizens with disabilities have jobs and thrive....but shame on Safeway for treating their long time veterans not so great. When you're being replaced by an individual who works at 1/4th your pace, no wonder patrons are angry and frustrated by their stores!
If you're worried about the Alamo store, take a stroll through the San Ramon store on San Ramon Valley Blvd. and take a gander at that operation....those poor employees, especially the long term employees have been put thru the mill. To make matters worse, they get a new Manager each and every year, who doesn't have a clue about the workers or store history and upsets the apple cart each and every time.....It's a frightening business plan, but one that apparently continues to work for "Safeway Corporate." I pray the veterans get to retire with their pensions and retirement in tact, and that someone figures out that some of their stores are really suffering in terms of efficiency.
Posted by dereader, a resident of the Alamo neighborhood, on Jan 3, 2011 at 7:54 am
Calling in sick? Not in the daycare profession, if we don't work mom and dads can't work. Imagine a union for daycare workers like they have for Safeway employee's. This is why I walk right through their picket lines, if daycare workers ever unionized all moms and dads would be taking their kids to work with them. Stop the whining and go to work and be thankful you have a job, and fantastic benefits to boot
Posted by LMP, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Jan 3, 2011 at 8:50 am
So Safeway is a rat for hiring the disabled??? I know a store manager and he said those folks have to join the union and are treated like any other new employees in terms of pay and benefits.
I'm guessing as union members, unhappy Safeway workers can quit and work for any union grocery store without a loss of benefits and wages. If you're unhappy, see if the grass is really greener.
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