Kroger announces new bonuses after cutting hazard pay
CINCINNATI Just days after announcing it would end hazard hero pay to front-line workers, Kroger says it will give them extra thank you bonuses, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Hazard pay was a $2-per-hour supplement. Nationwide, UFCW International estimates that at least 65 grocery workers have died at Kroger and other retailers after contracting the coronavirus. Also on Friday, UFCW International called on 49 major grocery companies, including at Walmart, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Costco and Sam's Club, to extend hazard pay for their workers. In his letter, Perrone challenged the companies' executives to publicly state they think the dangers of COVID-19 have passed if they chose to stop hazard pay.
Kroger offers Fred Meyer workers extra pay after outcry
Kroger officials have said they are ending the additional $2 hourly "hero pay" bonus that had been paid to workers since late March during the coronavirus pandemic. The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union held rallies Friday at Fred Meyer stores seeking additional pay for workers while the pandemic continues, KREM-TV reported. Fred Meyer has locations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. Testing for the coronavirus is available for Fred Meyer employees based on their symptoms and medical need, said Fred Meyer spokesperson Jeffrey Temple. Fred Meyer has also added safety measures throughout the stores including plexiglass partitions on check-out stands and masks for employees.