Workers Sent Home For Wearing BLM Masks, Shirts

In a climate of growing demand for social change, employees are reportedly being fired for wearing Black Lives Matter masks and other apparel.

On May 25, police officers in Minneapolis arrested George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, after he was accused of using a counterfeit bill to buy cigarettes. While in police custody, Floyd died after one police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Although the officer has been charged with murder and manslaughter, Floyd’s death has sparked nationwide movements for change and protests against police brutality.

Protests started locally in Minneapolis and other locations around Minnesota, but quickly spread around the country and even globally. With millions of protesters rallying behind the Black Lives Matter movement, some Americans are reportedly trying to show their support in daily life by wearing BLM masks or other supportive apparel.

Unfortunately, employers such as Whole Foods, Taco Bell and Starbucks are reportedly taking action against these shows of solidarity, even firing employees who try to support the movement of social change and police reform.

Whole Foods Employees Walk Out Following BLM Masks Backlash

Whole Foods workers from New Hampshire, Philadelphia and Seattle have reportedly been sent home from work after showing up to work wearing Black Lives Matter masks. According to Whole Foods, these masks violate the company’s dress code and are therefore not allowed.

In response to being sent home, several employees in the Boston area reportedly chose to double down on the issue and all showed up to work with BLM masks and pins.

However, after their manager told them that they had to remove the masks or go home, all seven workers reportedly walked out.

In a Twitter post, the employees blasted Whole Foods for “car[ing] about the business their racist customers give them more than spreading a peaceful yet important message.”

Whole Foods has defended their policies, maintaining that workers are required to comply with the established dress code.

“In a customer-focused environment, all Team Members must comply with our longstanding company dress code, which prohibits clothing with visible slogans, messages, logos or advertising that are not company-related,” Whole Foods said in a statement, according to the Boston Globe.

“Team Members who do not comply with dress code are always given the opportunity to comply. If a Team Member is wearing a face mask that is outside of dress code, they are offered a new face mask. Team Members are not able to work until they comply with the policy.”

Taco Bell Worker Fired For BLM Masks

In early June, an Ohio Taco Bell worker took to Facebook live to lament his experiences after wearing a Black Lives Matter mask to work. According to the former employee’s now viral video, he was fired after showing up to work in a BLM face mask. In the video, an unidentified woman reportedly told him the masks were against policy.

Since the video has gone viral, Taco Bell has reportedly reversed its stance and expressed public support for the Black Lives Matter Movement.

“We believe Black Lives Matter. We were disappointed to learn about the incident that took place in [Ohio],” Taco Bell said in a statement to USA Today. “We take this very seriously; we have been working closely with our franchisee that operates this location to address the issue.”

The company has reportedly spoken with the former employee to “apologize and discuss the situation.”

Starbucks Reversed Policy On BLM Shirts & Pins

Starbucks is yet another company which previously prohibited employees from wearing Black Lives Matter shirts and pins but later reversed their stance.

In early June, Starbucks reportedly released an internal memo which expressly prohibited employees from wearing Black Lives Matter attire. According to the company’s earlier stance, these accessories advocate a “political, religious, or personal issue.”

Although the coffee chain has said it is dedicated to ending “systematic racism,” employees expressed their outrage over the policy. One employee from Atlanta told BuzzFeed the company’s BLM policy was “violent” and “disappointing in ways I can’t express in words.”

“That statement prioritizes those who feel discomfort over Black lives,” the employee said.

Following outrage from employees and the public, Starbucks reversed their position. As a result, employees are allowed to wear BLM shirts and pins until Starbucks branded shirts supporting the movement are delivered to employees.

“Starbucks stands in solidarity with our Black partners, community and customers, and understands the desire to express themselves,” Starbucks said in a statement, according to The New York Times.

“We continue to listen to our partners (employees) about how they want to take a stand for justice, while proudly wearing the green apron and standing united together.”

Has your employer retaliated against you for wearing BLM masks or other apparel, or otherwise expressing your opinion on current events? Share your experiences in the comment section below.

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