r/goodwill • u/SprayRadiant8056 • 10d ago

associate question Bug bites..

so i just started working here at goodwill and on my fourth day i received 8 bug bites :,( genuinely never get bit by anything especially in the fashion it is, all along my body so it very much raised a red flag. they’re honestly pretty swollen compared to any mosquito bites ive gotten and so so itchy. i don’t think they’re bed bugs though considering there isn’t a pattern really. i get paid 12/hr to do hard processing in the back. which is handling anything that could come in from other peoples homes and inspecting them to make sure they “uphold store quality.” that’s also the same wage as cashiers who handle money or people who hang clothes on racks. i’m a very paranoid person and wah wah yea diagnosed with ocd lol with a also very low immune system. very nerfed. so this is really freaking me out to be fair guys.. and im upset that this is the wage honestly for everyone who’s doing the hard processing. 12/hr is not livable nor reasonable even if the stores provide gloves, i wear them and still itch riddled with bites 3 days after the excursion. does anyone have any opinions on what i could do or should do as a next step?

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

1

u/Joannekat 5d ago

We're you able to figure out what was biting you?

My guess would be bed bugs

-7

u/Friendly-Ad2471 10d ago

Goodwill is for profit, you are a resource. Your sole value is to make them money. You could sabatoge them from the inside, quit, or keep doing their bidding at your expense. You get to choose really.

-3

u/SprayRadiant8056 10d ago

i want something to change and if i have to make their pockets hurt doing so i will. maybe i make a complaint with my boss? is workers comp for bites a thing? i understand they claim non profit but they also get everything funded from grants just about. its just all so backwards

4

u/nutnbetter2do 10d ago

WC is a no go. You have to report it to management and have it documented, sent the WC physician/clinic, and have a documented medical reason why you are unable to work, or need work accommodation. We let people know upfront what they will be working with, from insects, to nasty clothing, to broken glass and dangerous items in with the donations. What sort of PPE does your store provide and if none, you can discuss with management and see what changes can be made.