Some businesses raise pay, increase hiring due to virus
Many businesses have been forced to close their doors during the spread of COVID-19, but others are raising workers’ pay and increasing hiring.
Redner’s Warehouse Markets has announced that during this time of increased business because of the pandemic, associates will be receiving a raise.
“On behalf of the Redner family and our extended family of employee-owners, we want to give a huge shout out to the store and warehouse team members who have been working nonstop and many additional hours to serve the needs of our guests,” a release from Ryan S. Redner, president and CEO of Redner’s Markets Inc., states.
Weis Markets announced its store-level, hourly paid associates will be paid an additional $2 per hour while the company continues to serve communities impacted by COVID-19 containment measures. This temporary increase went into effect on Sunday.
In a letter to store-level, hourly paid associates issued on Saturday, company Chairman and CEO Jonathan Weis said, “I know how hard it has been to remain in stock on the high-demand products customers are looking for and that serving them during these stressful times isn’t always easy. But we know you’re getting the job done, and many of our customers appreciate your hard work and commitment.”
Walmart announced it will provide more than $365 million in cash bonuses to hourly associates in the U.S. Every hourly associate employed by the company as of March 1 will qualify, and it will pay out on April 2.
In addition, the company will accelerate the next scheduled quarterly bonus for associates a month early. The early bonus payout will add up to $180 million nationwide.
A number of other stores are hiring.
As the heightened demand for household essentials offered by Dollar General stores continues across the country amid COVID-19 concerns, the company plans to nearly double its normal hiring rate and add up to 50,000 employees by the end of April as it continues to diligently work to support customers’ needs.
“We are proud to serve as one of America’s essential retailers, and we believe our customers are relying on us now more than ever to provide an affordable, convenient retail option,” said Kathy Reardon, Dollar General’s senior vice president and chief people officer.
While Dollar General currently anticipates the majority of these roles to be temporary, the company has a strong track record of career growth and anticipates providing long-term career growth opportunities to some of these new employees.
In response to strong demand in stores, Walmart is hiring 150,000 new associates through the end of May. In Pennsylvania, Walmart plans to hire more than 5,300 associates to work in stores, clubs, distribution centers and fulfillment centers.
Walmart is also implementing a new process to dramatically expedite hiring for key roles, such as cashiers and stockers. What is usually a two-week application cycle will be reduced to a 24-hour process. Anyone interested in applying should do so at careers.walmart.com.
CVS Health also announced Monday that it is looking to fill 50,000 full-time, part-time and temporary roles across the country. Positions include store associates, prescription delivery drivers, distribution center employees and member/customer service professionals. The company is also giving employee bonuses ranging from $150 to $500 to workers required to be at its facilities.
The Giant Company is hiring temporary and part-time team members across its family of brands which includes Giant, Martin’s, Giant Direct, Martin’s Direct and Giant Heirloom Market. Immediate positions as service associates, cashiers, general stock clerks, drivers and fulfillment center selectors are available. Those interested, including anyone whose employment may have been affected by the pandemic, can apply online at the Giant or Martin’s websites or speak with any store manager.