Most Kroger workers will get a $2 an hour pay raise through April 18, the company announced Wednesday.
Kroger also updated policies regarding paid leave and access to health services. The "Hero Bonus" applies to Kroger associates working in its grocery, supply chain, manufacturing, pharmacy and call center departments.
This comes after Louisville-based United Food & Commercial Workers Local 227 lobbied earlier this month to get Kentucky and Indiana workers in the retail grocery, meat packing and food processing industries recognized as “first responders” during the coronavirus crisis.
As workers in essential industries, their risks of exposure are increased, Caitlin Blair, Local 227 communications director, told the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer.
Local 227 is also working with the companies for extra pay and protections.
“Companies like Meijer have already agreed to an additional $2 increase until May 2,” Blair said. “We are in discussions with every employer that is deemed an essential industry and working to ensure that every step is being taken to protect our members through enhanced sanitation protocols like plexiglass in check lanes, tape to help customers maintain social distancing, staggered breaks, hand washing breaks and opening up telehealth services in the hopes of encouraging employers to do the right thing so the health care industry isn’t burdened.”
Kroger has also implemented extra measures intended to keep both workers and customers safe. In many stores, plexiglass "sneeze shields" have been erected in checkout lanes to prevent cashiers and customers from infecting one another.
Midwest Krogers have also designated the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., Monday through Thursday, as "Senior Shopping Hours," meant to allow older and more high-risk patrons to shop with less fear of contracting the virus through community spread.
Earlier this month, Kroger announced it would limit hours at all its Midwest stores to give employees time to thoroughly restock and sanitize.
For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page here.
