UWS Trader Joe's Rehires Worker Who Voiced COVID Worries: Report

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — A Trader Joe's on the Upper West Side is rehiring an employee who was previously fired after sending a letter to the grocery chain's CEO asking for better workplace protections against COVID-19, according to the Daily Beast.

"It was a completely unlawful termination," Ben Bonnema told the Daily Beast, who was rehired on Wednesday evening.

In the letter — which went viral on social media over the last week — Ben Bonnema wrote to Trader Joe's CEO Dan Bane on behalf of himself and other employees at the location on West 93rd Street and Columbus Avenue about the company not adequately protecting its workers against the coronavirus.

The grocery store company issued a swift response.

trader joe's just fired me for sending this letter to the ceo, saying i don't share the company values. i guess advocating for a safer workplace isn't a company value? pic.twitter.com/3TKi5B8HSJ
— Ben Bonnema (@BenBonnema) February 26, 2021

Trader Joe's did not immediately return Patch's request for comment.

However, the company did originally give Business Insider the following statement on why Bonnema was fired.

"We have never, and would never, terminate a Crew Member's employment for raising safety concerns," adding "store leadership terminated this Crew Member's employment because of the disrespect he showed toward our customers."

While Bonnema has been rehired, attorneys representing the Upper West Side Trader Joe's employee will seek further legal action, according to the Daily Beast.

“While we are pleased that Mr. Bonnema has been rightfully reinstated, we will continue to take all necessary legal action to repair his reputation that has been disparaged by the company through false accusations that my client engaged in misconduct,” Dictor said to the Daily Beast. “We are also committed to ensuring that no essential workers of Trader Joe’s face any further retaliation for raising concerns about their working conditions.”

Read More: Trader Joe's Worker Says COVID Worry Got Him Fired From UWS Store