The Kroger grocery chain has made the decision to reward its workers during this time by adding what they call “hero bonuses” to their base pay rate.
It’s no secret that grocery store workers are among those still working during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure the population is supplied with food and other necessary essentials for quarantine.
According to a report by WMAZ, the bonuses will add an extra $2 per hour to employee base pay rates for hours worked between March 29th and April 18. This is in addition to a previous announcement from the grocery retail chain that it would be giving out one-time appreciation bonuses of $300 for full-time workers and $150 for part-time workers, to be distributed Thursday.
In a video posted to Twitter, Kroger Chief People Officer Tim Massa said, “Over these last few weeks, our associates from across the country have shown us the true meaning of the word hero. You are nothing short of extraordinary.”
Kroger chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen echoed Massa’s sentiments in a press release, stating, “Our associates have displayed the true actions of a hero, working tirelessly on the front lines to ensure people have affordable, fresh food and essentials during this national emergency.”
Kroger joins Idaho-based Albertson’s companies, who have recently announced similar employee benefits.