Take Two translates the day’s headlines for Southern California, making sense of the news and cultural events that affect our lives. Produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from October 2012 – June 2021. Hosted by A Martinez.
Trader Joe's is known for its low prices, signature products, and friendly "crew members." But the chipper attitude and smiling faces may not always be genuine. Some employees at East Coast Trader Joe's stores say they are pressured to appear happy even when they are not.
The New York Times reports that an unfair labor practices charge was filed yesterday with a National Labor Relations Board regional office. Employees say that the mandated friendliness actually violates their rights. In a similar case, T-Mobile was forced to remove a comparable policy.
For a closer look at the legal implications of making employees seem cheerful, Take Two's Alex Cohen spoke with Harley Shaken. He is a professor at U.C. Berkeley who specializes in labor law.
To hear the full interview, click the blue play button above.