1/ Me and @polly wrote about the Uihleins -- the billionaires who own shipping-supply giant Uline, donate generously to Republicans and are NOT HAPPY about the coronavirus shutdown. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-21/trump-mega-donor-a-shipping-magnate-pushes-to-end-a-shutdown

2/ Liz Uihlein, the CEO, last week emailed her 6,500 employees suggesting they support this petition to recall Wisconsin's Democratic governor. https://www.change.org/p/wisconsin-gop-recall-wi-governor-tony-evers

3/ A month ago, she sent an email entitled "The Media is Overblowing COVID-19 to dozens of Illinois lawmakers:

https://capitolfax.com/2020/03/13/uihlein-asks-when-we-can-go-back-to-our-normal-lives/

4/ In statements, she and Uline told us that worker health and safety is paramount. But nine current and former Uline employees told us that their reality doesn't match that rosy picture.

5/ Many call center workers -- who say they could just as well answer calls and emails from home -- still have to come in. Some have been pressured by bosses. Some have been denied to WFH. One person who was approved to WFH was told not to tell colleagues.

6/ Uline sells many items for essential businesses like hospitals and grocery stores. So it's no surprise some workers have to be in.

But who decides which workers? Well, it's largely the companies themselves, because there are no clear federal rules -- just guidelines.

7/ That leaves many workers, at Uline and other cos, feeling like they're beholden to their bosses. Many can't afford to quit and lose paychecks and health insurance. But they're also afraid to catch the virus and infect loved ones at home.

It's a gruesome position to be in.