Business & Tech

Trader Joe's Kicks Part-Timers Off Healthcare Plan

In a memo obtained by Huffington Post, the grocery chain said it will give workers $500 to help find a plan under Obamacare's coverage exchanges.

By Roberto Scalese

Trader Joe's, the grocer once lauded for providing health care coverage to its part-time workers, is about to push those employees off its plan. 

According to a memo obtained by the Huffington Post, the company will stop covering employees who work less than 30 hours per week.
The change is set for the start of 2014. Instead of insurance, workers instead will get a check for $500 in January. 
"Depending on income you may earn outside of Trader Joe's, we believe that with the $500 from Trader Joe's and the tax credits available under the [Affordable Care Act (ACA)], many of you should be able to obtain health care coverage at very little if any net cost to you," said Trader Joe CEO Dan Bane in the memo.
Companies with more than 50 employees are required to provide health insurance under Obamacare. Trader Joe's full-time staff will still get their company-based insurance. 

The popular store operates one location in on Main Street in Fairfax City, and six total in Fairfax County. There are also locations in Washington, D.C., Alexandria proper and Arlington. 

What do you think of Trader Joe's denying their part-time employees heath care coverage? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

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