Premium

When Reporting a Robbery Gets You Fired: Lululemon's Moral Bankruptcy

(AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

When Twitter CEO Elon Musk referred to the “woke mind virus” that has swept America, infecting millions of minds, it was easy to see it as hyperbolic. Yet, stories like this suggest that Musk might be on to something.

We have already seen how progressive officials think it is more important to protect criminals who rob stores than to safeguard law-abiding civilians. But it appears the virus has spread to at least one popular retailer.

Two employees of Lululemon in Georgia were fired after they called the police to report a robbery at their store. The incident occurred when three masked men entered the Peachtree Corners store and began stealing athletic clothing. One of the employees, the former assistant manager Jennifer Ferguson, can be heard on video footage confronting the thieves and telling them to leave.

The employees followed the men outside and reported the robbery to the police, who later arrested the thieves. However, the actions of the employees led to their termination, as Lululemon has a policy of not engaging with or pursuing looters. The company claims that it has a zero-tolerance policy for chasing or physically engaging with shoplifters, and employees are instructed to call the police only after the suspects have left the store, not during the robbery.

The former Lululemon employees claim they were not given specific reasons for their terminations and were denied severance pay. According to a spokesperson, the company’s policy prohibits employees from physically engaging with thieves or leaving the store to pursue them, but they are expected to call the police after the suspects have left. The incident has sparked a debate about the appropriate actions for employees in such situations and whether the company’s policy is fair.

“We are not supposed to get in the way. You kind of clear path for whatever they’re going to do,” Ferguson told reporters.

“And then, after it’s over, you scan a QR code. And that’s that. We’ve been told not to put it in any notes, because that might scare other people. We’re not supposed to call the police, not really supposed to talk about it,” she continued.

Lululemon’s recent actions have demonstrated the company’s disregard for the safety and well-being of its employees. Instead of commending these employees for their bravery and quick thinking, Lululemon decided to prioritize its own image over the safety of its workers. To put it bluntly, the company is apparently just fine with the possibility that one of its employees could be physically assaulted, or even killed, as long as it means it does not run afoul of the hard left.

Lululemon’s argument that it would “look bad” for them to be the ones calling the police is not only weak but also morally bankrupt. It is the responsibility of any decent organization to take immediate action when faced with criminal activities. By discouraging employees from reporting crimes and penalizing them for doing so, Lululemon is perpetuating a culture of silence and further enabling criminal behavior.

Moreover, the denial of severance pay to these terminated employees adds insult to injury. After bravely confronting robbers and protecting the store, they were left without a job and without financial support. Lululemon’s zero-tolerance policy seems to conveniently ignore any sense of compassion or empathy for its dedicated workers.

This incident raises serious questions about Lululemon’s values and priorities. Is profit more important than the safety of employees? Are a few stolen items worth more than the physical and emotional well-being of those who work tirelessly for the company’s success?

What is even more troubling is that other retailers have similar policies, although it is unknown how many would actually fire a worker for calling the authorities during a robbery. Perhaps Lululemon should reassess its policies and show genuine concern for the people who contribute to its success. Instead of punishing employees for doing the right thing, one would think the company would celebrate their courage and provide a safe and supportive work environment. But, in the world of the woke, it is criminals who deserve to be protected, not the people they victimize.

Recommended

Trending on RedState Videos