“We put our lives at risk every day when we show up for work. Please show up for us by adopting these policies,” said Bonnema in his letter.
Kenya Friend-Daniel, a spokesman for Trader Joe’s, said on Monday in an email that there was “misinformation” online about Bonnema’s termination. “The store’s leadership dismissed the employment of this crew member because of the disrespect he showed our customers.” She declined to provide details.
“We would never, and never, fire a crew member for raising security concerns,” she added. “We encourage all crew members to take an active role in the safety of the store and share their suggestions with the leadership.”
“We must follow the guidelines of scientists who study respiratory transmission,” he said.
Bonnema also said Trader Joe’s should update its HVAC systems in stores and limit store capacity based on carbon dioxide levels. He said that no one should be allowed to enter the store without a mask, even people with disabilities, and said that Trader Joe’s would still comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act because it offers purchases to customers who cannot wear masks.
Trader Joe’s declined comment on Bonnema’s letter.
Some of the experts who signed the letter to the Biden government also offered their support to Bonnema on Twitter.
Bonnema declined the request for an interview through his lawyer Benjamin Dictor, who said that he and his client would seek an order from the National Council for Labor Relations determining Bonnema’s immediate reinstatement.