CINCINNATI – Kroger gives its employees an additional incentive to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
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The Cincinnati-based supermarket chain announced on Friday a one-time payment of $ 100 for employees who receive “manufacturer-recommended full doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.”
A corresponding proof of vaccination is required, said the company in a press release.
Employees who are unable to get the vaccine for medical or religious reasons can take a health and safety course to receive payment, the company said.
“We know the most effective defense against this pandemic is to take the COVID-19 vaccine and continue the strict security measures we have in place in our stores, manufacturing facilities and supply chain,” said Marc Watkins, Chief Medical at Kroger Officer said in a statement. “We strongly encourage all customers and employees to receive the vaccine to contain the spread of COVID-19 and we will do everything we can to ensure they have access as soon as it becomes available.”
In addition to the new vaccine payment, Kroger announced an additional $ 50 million investment to thank and reward employees across its 35-state network. These perks include $ 100 credit and 1,000 gas stations for hourly grocery, supply chain, manufacturing, pharmacy, and call center employees, according to the press release. Both rewards will be loaded onto employee loyalty cards on Thursday, Kroger officials said.
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“Through the unknowns of this pandemic, our employees have risen to the challenge and shown the true meaning of our purpose – to nourish the human spirit,” said Kroger spokesman Tim Massa. “Since March, we’ve invested more than $ 1.5 billion in rewarding our employees as well as protecting our employees and customers by implementing dozens of security measures that we continue to implement to this day. We have also added more than 100,000 new employees to the Kroger corporate family. As we enter a new phase of the pandemic, we are increasing our investments to not only recognize the contributions of our employees, but also to encourage them to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to them to benefit their wellbeing optimize well as that of the community. “
In May last year, Kroger announced that around $ 130 million in “Thank You Pay” would be distributed among hourly employees in the form of one-time bonuses, which are deemed material due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people age 75 and older and key workers should receive the vaccine at a later stage in most states, according to health care workers and nursing home residents.
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