Grocery Worker: We Work 12 Hours a Day, Threatened to be Fired if We Speak to Media

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Şok Market, a countrywide low cost grocery chain that has come under fire for its labor conditions during the coronavirus pandemic, allegedly forced its employees to work overtime before a four-day curfew.

Previously, employees of Şok said on social media and told bianet that they delivered orders on foot after the chain introduced home delivery amid the outbreak.

Elif T., who works at a Şok store in the northwestern Kocaeli province, said she was forced to work 12 hours a day after the Ministry of Interior extended the working hours of grocery shops before the curfew.

CLICK - Grocery Chain Forces Employees to Deliver Orders On Foot, Fires Those Who Reject

"On social media, I came across people who said they worked for 14-15 hours. We worked for 12 hours at the store where I worked. We opened it at 9 in the morning and I worked until 9 at night. But some of my colleagues in other stores said they had to work until 11 p.m. for two days.

"Previously, I had told my managers that I had problems getting to my house when I left late and argued with them. So, I can leave early. But what they tell those who don't want to work like that is that 'They have to complete the weekly working hours.

"They are softer now because they have drawn reactions on social media and appeared in the new, but regional directors threaten to fire us if we talk to journalists. They have begun to pressurize us not to speak.

"Besides, we don't have off days anymore. They record the quarantine due to the curfew as an off day. Regional directors said this was temporary.

"The pressure about home deliveries continues. Regional managers take employees to distant places by car. We continue to walk to nearby places. We do not have a mask problem, but the gloves they provide end in a day or two. After I run out of gloves, I pay from my own pocket.

"In such a period, the management could be a little more understanding of their employees. Working for 12 hours and interacting with people for 12 hours increases the chances of getting infected with viruses. They can provide flexibility during working hours. They should at least end the exploitation in the coronavirus days." (HA/VK)