Fred Meyer announced it will be giving all hourly frontline employees a "Hero Bonus." Employees will get an extra two dollars an hour for all hours worked between March 29 and April 18.
The bonus serves as recognition from the chain that grocery store employees are working on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our associates have displayed the true actions of a hero, working tirelessly on the frontlines to ensure everyone has access to affordable, fresh food and essentials during this national emergency,” said Dennis Gibson, president of Fred Meyer.
All hourly frontline grocery, supply chain, manufacturing, pharmacy and call center associates will receive the bonus.
The bonus will be dispersed weekly to make sure employees have access to additional cash, according to a press release from the company.
The "Hero Bonus" comes in addition to a one-time bonus to frontline hourly employees that was announced on March 21, and will be dispersed on April 3.
Fred Meyer has also instituted several safety measures throughout the store, including installing plexiglass paritions on checkstands, starbucks kiosks, and the pharmacy counter. The store has also placed decals on the floor instructing customers on where to stand while in line to maintain proper social distancing, and adjusting store hours.
Other grocers have also changed their policies to better protect employeees. Rosauers also installed plexiglass barriers at check stands, and Trader Joes is limiting the amount of customers in its store at one time to help with social distancing.
