Convenience store operators, fuel retailers may become targets of protests: NACS

The international trade group NACS, or the Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing, is concerned that ist members could become targets of groups that have been busy in recent months organizing protests in the US “from coast to coast” against several businesses with the main demand of higher wages.

“Thus far, these groups have directed most of their activities at the fast-food industry but it is fair to assume that our industry is a potential target as well,” the organization said in a report dated December 10 aimed at helping members protect themselves if they were to become a target.

While the NACS is an international organization, most of its members are in the United States. However, the wave of protests has not been limited to the US, the group said.

The advice provided includes legal information to make convenience store operators aware that protesters do not have rights to occupy private property though they can occupy public grounds. It also advises operators to communicate with employees and customers as well as to remain calm if any protest occurs and to “keep in mind that their primary dispute is probably with someone other than you”.

“While the ultimate aims of these organizations are not always clear, the themes often revolve around wages, benefits and other working conditions,” the report said.

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