Employees of the Austin pizzeria say they feel pressure to go into work sick.
AUSTIN, Texas — Restaurant workers at Via 313 Pizzeria are asking for paid sick time during the ongoing surge of omicron COVID-19 cases.
On Saturday, some employees protested in the streets of Downtown Austin. Many say they feel pressure to go into work sick without the benefit.
Organizers of the protest allege management retaliated by suspending workers who were asking for sick pay, hazard pay and COVID-19 safety measures. Supporters said 46 employees signed a petition asking for safety protocols.
“Via 313 has failed to adequately protect the health and safety of its employees and customers during the pandemic,” the group said. “In the last two weeks alone, at least 15 workers have contracted the virus. Management failed to properly notify those in close contact. Unaware of their exposure, many potentially infected employees kept showing up to work and spread the virus further. Via does not offer paid COVID leave, so sick workers are struggling to pay their rent and other bills.”
District 2 city Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes backed up the workers on social media, calling on management to hold an open conversation with workers about possible changes.
“I stand in solidarity with their demands for paid sick time and safety amid this omicron surge,” she said.
KVUE has reached out to Via 313 for its response to the protest and will update this article when we hear back.
Public relations firm Giant Noise shared the following statement with KVUE’s media partners at the Austin American-Statesman: “We at Via 313 Pizzeria care deeply about our employees. Their health and safety is top priority. Like everyone, this is our first time facing a global pandemic, and with that comes a learning curve. Since March of 2020 we have followed CDC guidelines, along with federal and state regulations, mandates, and protocols to protect the health of our team and guests.”
Company officials told the Statesman some employees were suspended after they “allegedly created a hostile work environment that made others feel unsafe.” They did not provide further details.