Model employee for 8 years – fired 10 days after filing second federal complaint

A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that Trader Joe's illegally fired an employee who spoke up about COVID-19 safety concerns at its Houston store.

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals handed down the decision on February 18, upholding findings that the grocery chain retaliated against Jill Groeschel after she advocated for stronger workplace protections and filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board.

For Groeschel, an eight-year employee of Trader Joe's Store No. 426, the trouble started when she refused to stay quiet about pandemic safety issues. And for HR departments across the country, the case offers a stark reminder that silencing employees who raise safety concerns can carry serious legal consequences.

From 2014 through early 2021, Groeschel was an exemplary employee, consistently earning the company's highest performance rating. Her February 2021 review lauded her amazing rapport with customers and willingness to make the store a great place to shop.

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, Trader Joe's implemented safety measures including mandatory masks, social distancing, customer limits, and plexiglass barriers. Groeschel became a vocal advocate for these protections. After she raised concerns about incomplete COVID exposure notifications, the company improved its procedures. When Trader Joe's began rolling back safety measures in May 2021, she voiced concerns on behalf of...

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