Radio Pitch

I want to focus on the shady PR practices of companies during the coronavirus pandemic, specifically retail store American Eagle Outfitters/Aerie (which up until a few weeks ago was my employer for 4.5 years). They recently put out a statement online (after facing backlash for not closing their stores at the start of the pandemic) that they will be making sure their associates will be paid during their store closures and that they will provide access to medical testing and treatment if needed. However, based off of statements from my former coworkers and comments made by numerous associates online, there was a company-wide decision to cut all part-time/hourly associates’ (essentially non-management) hours prior to this statement being made. Associates were informed that they will be given paid leave according to their scheduled hours, however this now leaves a majority of employees with 0 hours and 0 income during this difficult time. I would focus on the stories of the employees left without pay, and how they are dealing with it/fighting against it.