Approximately a week ago, Lowe’s CEO Marvin Ellison put out a statement that Lowe’s will be taking extra precautions to make their customers and employees feel safe while shopping in their stores during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their employees feel these “precautions” are not enough and that Lowe’s can do better for their employees.

As the COVID-19 pandemic gets worse, Lowe's employees are constantly at risk of contracting the virus and spreading it to their family and to others. Most of the employees can’t afford to take time off to avoid the virus. Currently we are only getting paid time off if you contract the virus. For those of us that need a paycheck and wish to remain healthy, our only option is to put our lives at risk, and work during this terrifying time. We appreciate our jobs, but the situation our world is in, makes going to work everyday a frightful task. Since Lowe's is currently open for the public, and thriving off the rampant sales of essential supplies, we urge they pay their employees accordingly and pay them the hazard pay they deserve.  

Other companies such as Target and Walmart have announced a pay increase for their hourly employees working during this pandemic. We ask Lowe's to do the same and compensate their employees appropriately. Lowe's employees are working extremely hard to keep the shelves stocked and are even staying late because they are one of the last companies still operating at regular store hours to maximize profit. The safety of the people should be a priority over profit. Lowe’s needs to pay their employees hazard pay to reflect the hazardous conditions they are currently working in. Lowe’s, do better.