**Lululemon CEO Stands Firm on Firing Employees Who Stopped Thieves**
Two Lululemon store employees who intervened to stop thieves from stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise were fired and company CEO, Calvin McDonald, is standing by the decision. Claiming the employees violated a well-known zero-tolerance policy, McDonald says actions like theirs endanger employees and guests’ safety.
Last month in Georgia, Jennifer Ferguson and Rachel Rogers confronted three perpetrators, ultimately leading to their apprehension and felony robbery charges. Though their actions may appear heroic, the terminated employees discovered their employer viewed it differently – a violation of Lululemon’s policy against physical engagement with shoplifters.
During an interview with CNBC, McDonald doubled down on his company’s decision, emphasizing that Lululemon’s policy primarily focuses on the safety of both team members and store guests. The CEO of the athletic wear retail giant clarified that their employees are trained to take a step back in such situations and let the authorities handle the matter.
With the store’s technology and cameras in place, McDonald expects employees to let the theft occur and not get involved. He expressed concern that physically engaging with criminals could lead to injury or worse and stressed that their policy aims to protect employees and the public.
In the Peachtree Corners incident, the two employees chose to violate this policy, which McDonald claims is well-established, knowingly pursuing and engaging with the thieves, even following them outside the store. Due to their actions, and the policy violation, their termination was justified.
McDonald also squashed the rumor that Lululemon had fired the two employees for contacting the police, stating that employees are allowed and instructed
