Shortly after Whole Foods announced that it plans to eliminate health care benefits for part time workers, Lidl announced that it plans to offer health care coverage to all employees regardless of the number of hours they work weekly. Lidl said earlier this month that beginning January 1, 2020, about 1,200 part-time employees will be eligible to purchase medical benefits through the company.
“We want our team to have the peace of mind knowing they have health care coverage,” said Lidl US Chairman Roman Heini.
The company said it expects to invest up to $9 million in the first year of the extended benefits, with the investment rising as the retailer expands.
Whole Foods announced last month that as of January 1, 2020, employees who work at least 20 hours but less than 30 hours per week will not be able to enroll in company-provided medical benefits.