What’s it like to work at a DG?

Despite reports, many are satisfied

By Erick Slattery | Manor Ink

Sullivan County, NY – The large discount chain Dollar General, with almost 17,000 stores across the US and 11 here in Sullivan County, has had multiple complaints leveled against it nationwide regarding unsafe and unfair working conditions.

A CNN report in July stated that the company has agreed to a settlement with the Dept. of Labor over dangerous working conditions, and must pay $12 million in penalties. Dollar General agreed to add safety personnel and address unsafe in-store conditions within 48 hours of their being reported.

CNN went on to say that “dozens of workers and customers have been killed in stores over the past decade, and the company has faced worker protests and paid millions in fines to regulators.” In addition, a recent ruling by the National Labor Relations Board stated that Dollar General “clearly intended to interfere” with worker rights in an effort to quell unionization efforts at a Connecticut store.

Local working conditions

In light of these rulings, Manor Ink decided to investigate working conditions in the county’s Dollar General shops. The paper visited four local stores – those in Livingston Manor, Jeffersonville, White Sulphur Springs and Neversink.

The Ink found that all four stores were very clean and the merchandise was well organized. Workers at three of the stores were interviewed and, perhaps somewhat surprisingly, all said they were quite happy with their jobs.

“I love it, to be honest with you,” said one employee of her job. “I’ve been with the store for seven months and I love it, I love the community and I love my customers.”

Another Dollar General worker was equally enthusiastic about her work. “Well, absolutely,” she said. “You move up quickly, they give you a lot of opportunity and take care of you well.” An employee in the Neversink store said, “I like the customers – they are all pretty nice, both the local folks and the people from Long Island.”

Some employees unable to comment

At the Jeffersonville store, however, the paper was unable to speak with employees. The manager explained that they could not comment due to “policy rules.”

Although the experiences of the employees at the stores the Ink visited were very positive, there are still many complaints to be found online about working conditions at Dollar General. The personnel interviewed requested anonymity and were reluctant to comment about allegations that Dollar General limits working hours to avoid providing benefits.

Nevertheless, it was good to hear that the local employees with whom the Ink was able to speak were quite happy with their employment at Dollar General.