JAMAICA — In all the news coverage, editorials, and letters about the recent Co-op shooting, one aspect has never been mentioned.
Nationally, the rate of incidences of workplace violence has been increasing.
At the same time, workers have been losing health and retirement benefits, losing union protection, and being pressured to “do more with less.”
Fear of losing jobs and a general lessening of job security has also added to many workers stress.
Finally, real wages, for most, have declined in terms of purchasing power, forcing many to work more hours and/or send more members of their family into the paid workforce and to increase their debt.
I certainly do not know the specifics of the work situation at the Brattleboro Food Co-op, but, given these strong national trends, these questions about broader causes should at least be asked as part of the continuing discussion.