Grocery store workers are asking for lawmakers help in obtaining personal pertective equipment

Grocery store workers are concerned about their safety.

That's why Kroger and the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union is asking for lawmakers to designate them temporary first responders so they have more access to personal protective equipment.

Are concerned about their safety.

That's why kroger and the united food and commercial workers international union is asking for lawmakers to designate them temporary first responders so they have more access to personal protective equipment.

But as news 18's meredith hackler reports, some state representatives don't think that's possible.

Grocery stores are flooded with people every single day.

"while other people can work from the comfort of their homes our members are still there interacting with members of the public every single day and comming in to contact a lot of folks."-brigid kelly spokesperson, ufcw local 700 that's why the united food and commercial workers international union and kroger are calling on law makers to deisgnate grocery store workers as temporary first responders.

"if our members are designated as first responders it means they will have preference for personal protective equipment which we know is in short supply everywhere but is a really important piece to trying to contain the spread of covid-19.

"-brigid kelly however..

Indiana state health commissioner dr. kristina box says..

There isn't enough personal protective equipment going around to make grocery stores a priority.

"even though our personal protective equipment is getting better that i can even give personal protective equipment to every communtiy health worker that is going in to homes and taking care of our elderly people that may have congestive heart failure or diabetes or other."-dr. kristina box.

Local representative sheila klinker feels..

That grocery store workers need to be taken care of.

"i think those folks who are working in grocery stores drug stores not only pharmacies but the other folks that are working in drug stores all need to have help and be considered as our police and fire fighters as first repsonders."-sheila klinker senator ron alting says..

He doesn't necessarily think they should be considered first responders but that it is lawmakers job to make sure they have safe working conditions.

"i'm not sure what the definition should be.

I think the most important thing out of all of this is that we make sure these employees get the necessary protection that they need just like healthcare providors and so forth to protect them."-alting meredith hackler news 18.

State health commissioner kristina box went on to say she encourages grocery store workers to make their own mask and reach out to local resources who may be providing them for essential workers.

She says washing your hands regularly is also important for workers on the front lines.

Healthcare workers and staff at both iu health arnett and franciscan are