In-N-Out Burger to Ban Masks for Employees and People Are Mad
They apparently block “clear and effective communication."
Ever since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, masking has been a controversial topic. Many companies required their employees to mask up or risk losing their job, which many found to be unconstitutional. However, this week In-N-Out announced a new policy that has people equally miffed: They are banning employees in five states from wearing masks. If they go ahead and do it anyway, they will get fired.
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According to a leaked memo the burger company is banning employees in five states from wearing masks to "promote clear and effective communication" and showcase "our Associates' smiles," they wrote.
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The policy, which goes into effect on August 14, will apply the rule to its operations in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas and Utah. The only caveat is if a worker can produce a doctor's note. Anyone who violates the rule will face disciplinary action leading "up to and including termination."
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According to a separate memo sent out to workers in Oregon and California, employees in those states will allow only store-provided N95 masks on the job. "We believe this policy will also help to promote clear and effective communication both with our customers and among our associates," the memo said.
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Employees are fighting back via a Change.org petition, stating that In-N-Out's guidelines "endangers employees' lives and discriminates against disabled and immunocompromised individuals." As of Thursday, it had almost 2,000 signatures, just shy of the 2,500 goal.
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"We, the undersigned members of the Long Covid, medically vulnerable community, and COVID-informed, are deeply concerned about In-N-Out Burger's policy barring employees from wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) without a medical note," it reads. "This policy endangers employees' lives and discriminates against disabled and immunocompromised individuals. We demand an immediate reversal of this policy to ensure the safety and well-being of employees and customers."
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"Those who sign pledge to boycott In-N-Out Burger until this policy is reversed. In-N-Out must act urgently to protect workers' rights and prioritize health and safety," it adds.
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"With no cure for Long Covid, masking and COVID-19 safety are crucial workers' rights concerns. Businesses must not jeopardize employees' lives. We implore In-N-Out to reconsider and prioritize employee and customer health. Let us create an inclusive, safe environment where health and livelihood are not in conflict," they concluded.