Kroger To Pay Bonuses, Announces Leave Policy
(file photo)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowKroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has announced it will provide a one-time bonus to employees and a new emergency leave policy. The bonus plan is for every hourly frontline grocery, supply chain, manufacturing and customer service associate. Each full-time associate will receive $300 and $150 for part-time workers.
The bonus will be paid to frontline associates hired on or before March 1 and will be payable on April 3.
“Grocery workers are on the frontlines, ensuring Americans have access to the food and products they need during this unprecedented pandemic,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Our associates are working around the clock to keep our stores open for our customers. I am incredibly grateful for all they are doing. The true heroes in this story are our associates, and we want to provide them with additional resources and support to help them continue their remarkable effort.”
The Cincinnati-based company also announced an expanded COVID-19 emergency leave plan, which includes paid time off to allow employees to self-isolate and/or to seek medical care. The new guidelines, expanded from an original plan announced March 14, would allow all associates to be eligible to receive standard pay for up to two weeks.
“We believe that by expanding our emergency leave guidelines, more of our associates can feel certain knowing that if their health is affected by or if they experience symptoms of COVID-19, they will be supported while they stay at home and recover,” said Tim Massa, Kroger’s senior vice president and chief people officer.
Kroger has also made other resources available through its Helping Hands fund, which provides financial help to workers, including lack of childcare.
Supermarket chain Giant Eagle Inc. says it is giving employees a bonus as they work to keep shelves stocked and customers served. Giant Eagle owns Market District store in Carmel, as well as Market District Pharmacy and GetGo convenience stores. The company says workers in its warehouses and delivery trucks hauling products to stores are also included.
“As a company, we must continue to find ways to support our incredibly dedicated team members,” said Giant Eagle President and Chief Executive Officer Laura Shapira Karet. “Across all our communities every day, they are working tirelessly to keep families safe, healthy and fed. We cannot thank them enough. They are our heroes.”
The bonus pay starts immediately, retroactive to Sunday, March 15. The company says the program will last until at least May 2.