The holiday shopping season is the busiest time of year for those of us who work in retail stores. This time of year also brings in huge profits for the companies we work for.
I’ve been at the cosmetics counter at Macy’s Alderwood store for more than 15 years. I really enjoy the folks I work with. And I feel valued by our customers who rely on our expertise to help them make the best choices. But what many shoppers may not realize is that a lot of us store workers can barely afford to cover our health care premiums, on top of housing, food, gas and other essential bills on the low wages we are paid. We work hard, but we are struggling to make ends meet.
To make it even tougher, Macy’s management doesn’t take our safety seriously. Shoplifters and even violent customers are constant threats to our security. But Macy’s hasn’t provided safety procedures, and workers who called for help have been retaliated against by management.
Macy’s made bigger profits in the last two years than even before the pandemic. They pay their CEO $11 million a year. It’s high time they recognize and respect the workers on whose backs those profits are being made. That’s why you may see me and hundreds of my fellow UFCW 3000 Macy’s workers with picket signs on strike as we approach Black Friday this year. We hope you’ll stand with us and shop somewhere else until Macy’s provides better pay and safer stores.
Nicole Hardin
Everett
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