Costco has decided not to afford their employees paid time off nor hazard pay, and instead encouraged employees to use unpaid leave or vacation days if they have concerns about infection.

They stated to employees, “if you choose to stay home as a preventative measure, you can take an unpaid Personal Leave of Absence or you can choose instead to use sick/personal or vacation to pay yourself for this time away.”

Costco employees are working hard to keep necessities stocked and deal with the rapidly increasing demand for such products. They are working long hours so that people can prepare for potential infection, yet they are not afforded the right to protect themselves.

Additionally, vulnerable populations at a higher risk can not take the necessary steps to protect themselves, despite working longer hours at the frontline of consumer panic. 

Costco needs to do better and protect their employees and grant PTO.