A California judge has ruled that a long-time Safeway employee, Antoinette Baez, who was dismissed following intervention in a shoplifting attempt at a San Mateo branch, was not in the wrong and is entitled to unemployment benefits. Baez, along with another staff member, engaged a shoplifter trying to leave without paying for $500 worth of groceries. Safeway, owned by Albertsons Cos., stated that this action violated company policy and led to Baez’s dismissal. Initially, Baez was unable to collect unemployment benefits due to her termination being labelled as misconduct. However, upon appeal, the judge from the state’s Employment and Development Department (EDD) ruled that Baez’s actions did not constitute misconduct, making her eligible for unemployment benefits dating back to her termination.

In other news, Safeway has taken steps to curb theft at some stores in Washington, D.C., including installing fences and receipt scanners at the checkout. This follows increasing concerns over shoplifting at retail stores in the area. Other retail giants such as Giant Food, Whole Foods, Target, Walgreens, and Dollar Tree have also shared their growing concerns about the surge in retail theft.

To learn more about the specifics of rules, claims, and the fastest way to get through to EDD concerning unemployment benefits, visit eddcaller.com. The site provides up-to-date contact information and valuable tips on how best to navigate communication channels with EDD.