(LEX 18) — Since businesses have closed or adjusted hours, many are relying on delivery services. However, hundreds of thousands of workers for Instacart are threatening to strike Monday against what they say are unsafe working conditions.
They claim they’re interacting with people all day and are scared of what they’re exposed to or what they’re potentially bringing home to family.
Workers are demanding hazard pay and better safety gear, as well as a default tip of 10 percent and an extra five dollars per order.
“Grocers in particular are at a higher risk. Not as high risk as say a healthcare worker, but they are at a higher risk than the general public,” said virologist Dr. Joseph Fair.
Instacart wrote in a blog post that it’s grateful for its workers and what they do to “support families and people in need.” The company is offering more than one month of pay for anyone diagnosed with COVID-19, and one-time bonuses.
The company also says it’s adding safety measures, like providing hand sanitizer, but organizers of the strike say it’s not enough.
Several grocery stores across the Bluegrass use Instacart, but right now it’s not clear if there will be any local strikes.
