The city of Oakland, California has been facing a significant crime surge in recent years, prompting major employers in the state to take action to protect their workers.
Blue Shield, a health insurance provider, and Clorox, a cleaning and household products company, have both announced plans to improve the safety of their employees by providing them with security escorts and other measures. This comes after a report by CBS News Bay Area revealed that workers at these companies were advised to take caution when traveling to and from work and even told to stay inside during meal breaks.
A representative from Blue Shield stated that the company is committed to supporting the safety of their employees, and has implemented various options to ensure their well-being. This includes providing ridesharing services, paid parking, and private security to employees when they come into the office. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Blue Shield highlighted the need for city, county, and state leaders to work together with the community to improve safety in Oakland.
Similarly, Clorox expressed their commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of their workers. In a statement to Fox News Digital, the company stated that it has been working with other local businesses to collaborate on ways to make Oakland a safer place for everyone. Operating out of Oakland for over 110 years, Clorox has a strong connection to the community and is devoted to making a positive impact.
The rise in crime in Oakland has been alarming, with a 21% increase in violent crime in 2022 compared to the previous year. Robberies have increased by 38%, and burglaries by 23%. The city also reported a total of 120 homicides, which is the second consecutive year of this number. This alarming trend has not gone unnoticed, with major employers like Blue Shield and Clorox taking action to protect their employees.
Blue Shield and Clorox are not the only companies in Oakland that have advised their workers to take safety precautions when coming to and leaving work. Kaiser Permanente, the largest employer in Oakland, has also issued a memo urging its employees to stay inside for meals due to a string of local robberies. In a statement to multiple media outlets, Kaiser emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of their employees and continually monitoring their environments for any potential concerns.
In response to the issue of safety in Oakland, Kaiser stated that they are working with city officials and community leaders to find solutions and support the local economy. However, it is unclear if the company is considering moving its headquarters out of Oakland or out of California entirely.
This concern is also shared by other businesses in the area, with In-N-Out announcing the closure of its Oakland location on March 24. This move has sparked speculation on whether more companies will follow suit and leave the city due to the rising crime rate.
The concern for employee safety in Oakland is not just limited to these companies, it has become a growing concern for the entire community. The city’s economy and reputation are at risk if action is not taken to address the crime surge.
It is now up to city leaders to work together with businesses and community members to find effective solutions and make Oakland a safer place for everyone. Until then, companies like Blue Shield and Clorox will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees and support initiatives that aim to revitalize the city.