The largest supermarket in America “Kroger” announced to reward its employees $100 bonus who get vaccinated. Workers which come out to be nearly 5,00,000 people in 35 different states just have to prove that they get vaccinated to avail of this bonus.
Tim Massa, Chief Officer Kroger said, “We are moving into a new phase of the pandemic so we are trying to encourage our people to get vaccinated as soon as possible “.
Not only Kroger but other companies like Aldi and Dollar General also offered their employees 2 hours and 4 hours of pay per dose respectively. The company stated that “We do not want our employees to have to choose between receiving a vaccine or coming to work”.
“Grocery workers are considered as frontline workers”
In the first phase of vaccine distribution however the vaccine is not available in bulk and not everyone can avail of vaccination but the public have to make an appointment and has to prove that they are eligible but The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has made categories for affected which should receive first and it has considered grocery workers as frontline workers along with firefighters, police, and public transportation workers after doctors and health workers. Doctors and health workers are in category 1A of the first phase while these others are in category 1B.
President UFCW Marc Perrone said, “Kroger workers deserve free vaccinations for the risks they have faced and continue to face as COVID cases increase”.
Not only 100 dollars bonus but Kroger has also announced that it will also provide a 50 million dollar reward to associates so hourly employees will get additional rewards which will be added to their loyalty cards but the vaccine dose should be a full-manufacturer recommended dose to avail the bonus.
Indeed it is a positive step to encourage people and to take care of their employees as if these frontline workers would be healthy only then they can provide their best services. However several other such positive steps are needed to get rid of this pandemic. This bonus is only a one-time offer and it is expected to add some other all time bonuses to their salaries.
