Kroger, the largest traditional supermarket chain in the U.S., announced that it has earmarked $130 million for special Thank You Pay to hourly grocery, supply chain, manufacturing, pharmacy and call center employees for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The payment follows an Appreciation Pay made at the beginning of the pandemic in March, and multiple Hero Bonuses that were paid in April and May.
Under the Thank You Pay program, qualified full-time associates will receive $400, and qualified part-timers will receive $200.
Kroger also announced that it will continue its COVID-19 Emergency Leave initiative that provides paid time off to employees most directly affected by the virus.
Last week the company reported that it had hired more than 100,000 workers since the coronavirus was declared a national emergency. The new employees, which included displaced workers from business sectors like restaurants, hotels and food service distributors, have brought Kroger’s overall workforce to more than 560,000 people.
Kroger owns and operates 2,757 supermarkets in 35 states and the District of Columbia.