Kroger adds “hero bonus” to frontline workers’ pay during coronavirus outbreak

The Kroger Company has announced a “Hero Bonus” for frontline workers to reward them for working during the coronavirus outbreak, including employees at its King Soopers and City Market stores in Colorado.

The Cincinnati-based Kroger supermarket chain will provide all frontline grocery, supply chain, manufacturing, pharmacy and call center associates a $2 premium above their standard base pay for hours worked March 29 through April 18, according to a company news release.

Employees will receive the premium weekly to ensure they have access to additional cash.

“Our associates have displayed the true actions of a hero, working tirelessly on the frontlines to ensure everyone has access to affordable, fresh food and essentials during this national emergency,” Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO, said in the release. “The Hero Bonus is just one more way we continue to convey our thanks and gratitude not only to our existing associates but also to the more than 30,000 new hires who have joined in the past two weeks and those who will soon join the Kroger Family of Companies.”

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The announcement follows a commitment by the company to provide a one-time bonus to frontline associates which will be paid on April 3.

Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons Companies, owners of Safeway, announced a similar $2 per-hour premium for all non-union and union frontline employees on March 20.

The temporary increase was effective March 15, 2020 until at least the end of the following pay period on March 28, 2020 for approximately 230,000 Albertsons’ associates. Albertsons has extended the pay boost until April 4, Kris Staff, a spokesperson for Albertsons/Safeway, said.

Read more at the Denver Post.

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via:: Summit Daily