Whole Foods reverses policy; will let employees wear poppies at work

By News Staff

Following intense backlash and criticism online, including comments from Ontario’s premier, Whole Foods says its employees will now be able to wear poppies at work.

A spokesperson confirmed the policy change in a statement to 680 NEWS.


“Our new unified dress code policy is intended to create consistency and ensure operational safety across all of our stores. Our intention was never to single out the poppy or to suggest a lack of support for Remembrance Day and the heroes who have bravely served their country,” Whole Foods said.

“We appreciate the thoughtful feedback we have received from our customers. Given the learnings of today, we are welcoming Team Members to wear the poppy pin in honour of Remembrance Day. As was previously planned, we will also be observing a moment of silence on Nov. 11, as well as making a monetary donation to the Legion Poppy Fund.”


Doug Ford announced his government would introduce legislation that prohibits an employer from banning their staff from wearing a poppy during Remembrance Week.

This comes after a Whole Foods employee in Ottawa said she was told by a supervisor that wearing a poppy was not allowed because it would be seen as “supporting a cause.”

She said she was shocked and appalled by the change, as she’s been able to wear a poppy as a symbol of remembrance in the past.

Earlier on Friday, a spokesperson for the grocery chain confirmed with 680 NEWS that poppies were not allowed under its updated uniform policy.

RELATED: Concern growing over impact of COVID-19 on this year’s poppy campaign

“Whole Foods Market honours the men and women who have and continue to bravely serve their country. We support Remembrance Day in all of our Canadian stores by observing a moment of silence on November 11th and by donating to the Legion’s Poppy Campaign.”

“With the exception of those items required by law, our dress code policy prohibits any additions to our standard uniform,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

They said the grocery chain’s uniform consists of a standard apron, coat, vest, hat, and issued name badge, and it asks that while working, all employees comply with the dress code policy and standard uniform.

That, it seems, no longer applies.

Earlier, Ford called Whole Foods’ rule “disgusting and disgraceful,” and called on the grocery store chain to reverse its decision.

“I find it disgraceful. Whoever made this decision isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer. As a matter of fact, they’re about as sharp as a butter knife,” Ford said.

More political leaders have responded as well, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said all Canadians should be able to wear a poppy, no matter where they work.

Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh tweeted “it was wrong when they banned staff expressing support for black lives matter and it’s wrong to ban the poppy,” and Conservative leader, Erin O’Toole also weighed, tweeting ,”the sacrifice of Canadians in the past provides the freedom for a us grocery chain to be stupid today. Let’s tell Whole Foods to stop trying to be ‘woke foods.’ The poppy is not a cause, it is a sign of respect.”

Toronto Mayor John Tory has also said, “no one should be banned from wearing a poppy. Strongly urging Whole Foods to rethink its unreasonable ban on poppies for employees. This is Canada.”

 

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