Kevin moved to Hamilton from Whitby to start school a few years ago. Now, at the end of his fourth year at Mcmaster University, he reflects on what he’s learned in his program, “Labour Studies taught me that a lot of things I thought were conspiracy theories about the world were actually true!” Once he’s completed his degree, Kevin plans on attending Mohawk College for Project Management with the dream of eventually becoming a university recruiter for sports. When he’s not planning for his future, he’s working. Between school and the drug store, Kevin works seven days a week.

Kevin has been a front door COVID screener since December of 2020. “I didn’t even know I was applying to be a screener. I [thought] I was applying to be a cashier, merchandiser, something like that [but] because nowhere else is hiring I thought, okay, might as well take this job.” Initially, his position was stationed outside the store but with the colder weather, he stands inside the doors and is provided with a chair and a space heater. Kevin’s primary task involves asking customers a series of COVID-related screening questions prior to entry into the store.

He tries to make each interaction positive. “I never want it to be a bad exchange...a lot of people have no one to talk to at home...it’s nice cheering people up”. Customers pick up on Kevin’s positive energy and often remark that he’s their favourite greeter. “I want to come in with good energy, I say it’s always a blessing to be healthy and it’s a blessing to say no to these questions,” he shares.

In spite of his positivity, Kevin is also wary of the risk associated with ensuring the public follows store COVID protocols, “I don’t ever want anyone to attack me because I said oh you’re not wearing your mask correctly.” During an eight-hour shift, Kevin also sanitizes carts and baskets, occasionally filling a security role by watching for theft. Unfortunately, he also feels unprepared for some COVID-related problems. “It’s kind of stressful because they didn’t really train me on what to do if a COVID patient comes in, because what do I do if someone comes in who is showing clear signs of COVID? Even if they say no to all the questions I have no idea what to do. There’s not even a code for it.”

Despite the uncertainty, Kevin remains calm. “I’ve always been a patient person, I can sit somewhere for hours and not move.” He’s allowed to read at his station and will often plan school assignments during quieter periods at work. He manages the balance between work and school masterfully, tackling both full-time. When reflecting on his feelings toward being an essential worker himself, Kevin says, “It’s kind of like they want you to be a hero but then they give you no praise.” He notes that he doesn’t receive pandemic pay, has few paid sick days and is not provided with PPE. He works on a temporary basis and can be let go at any time. “At the end of the day you are disposable and I think as a worker you always have that in the back of your head to not overwork yourself, if you know this might give you COVID….[because] these people will hang you out to dry.”

Kevin was interviewed for this profile on Workers’ City in early February 2021. Later that month Hamilton’s stay-at-home order ended and unfortunately, Kevin was let go from his position at the drugstore.