Some grocery store employees in the city have concerns about customers who shop at their stores maskless.
Those customers have no health conditions, they simply flaunt the store’s mask policies to prove a point about freedom of choice.
United Food and Commercial Workers union spokesperson Tim Deelstra admits there is not much that can be done except to inform the employer.
“The responsibility of workplace safety is that of the employer, so we encourage our members if that is happening that they should go get a member of the management whose job it is to provide that healthy and safe workplace,” says Deelstra.
He added there is also the option of contacting the Ontario Ministry of Labour.
One store employee told our newsroom they have been instructed by the union to get a manager to serve any customer who refuses to wear a mask.
The companies we asked for comment all mention they are following the guidelines of local health and government authorities and as a result, are following the mandatory mask policies.
Loblaw, the parent company of No Frills and The Superstore, told us “Where customers refuse to comply, staff, are required to enforce the policy so long as it’s safe for them to do so.”
Walmart explains “We will continue to take measures to support the well-being of customers and associates including mandatory masks” for both.
Sobeys indicates they are endeavouring to follow mask policies, “To the best of their ability.”
A Metro spokesperson says other than for medical or religious reasons, “Entrance is denied or any other reasons without a mask.|
