Coronavirus: Hundreds of Big W staff redeployed to Woolworths
Hundreds of Big W workers have been redeployed to Woolworths stores in a major operation thrust into action following forced closures as a result of the Stage 4 lockdown.
At least 500 former employees of Big W are lending their skills to Woolworths after 22 Big W stores in Melbourne shut up shop this week under strict lockdown rules.
“The safety and wellbeing of our team members in Melbourne is our top priority and we’re working hard to support our teams through these challenging times,” Big W managing director David Walker said.
It comes as the retailer launched a revolutionary contactless drive-up service at the 22 closed locations, allowing customers to order and pick up goods with minimal contact.
The retailer is also offering free delivery for all Victorians who spend more than $40 online.
Big W said it would continue to support its 2000 Melbourne employees throughout the lockdown period.
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The nine other regional Victoria stores, as well as those in other states, will continue to trade as usual.
“We ask that we all do our bit to keep each other, and the community safe by wearing mandatory face coverings where it is advised, using hand sanitiser dispensers at the front of stores and keeping 1.5 metres away from other customers and team members,” Mr Walker said.
He assured customers there would be no changes to their existing lay-by or pick-up orders.
“Our customers are already under enough pressure under the new restrictions so rest assured, we won’t be cancelling any orders,” Mr Walker said.
“We’ll be holding onto any pick-up orders until customers can return to stores or they can utilise our drive-up option, and our 90-day returns policy will be waived until the doors to our Melbourne stores reopen.”
The news comes as another Woolworths worker tested positive to coronavirus after working a shift at a Melbourne store last week.
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