CINCINNATI — Kroger is giving its employees additional incentive to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
The Cincinnati-based supermarket chain announced a one-time $100 payment Friday for associates who receive “the full manufacturer-recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.”
Appropriate proof of vaccination is required, the company said in a news release.
We've invested $1.5 billion to both reward our associates and safeguard them and our customers. Today, we’re increasing that investment by $50 million and providing a one-time payment to encourage #Kroger associates to get the #COVID19 vaccine. Read more: https://t.co/OI7bXSlLv0 pic.twitter.com/BLLT0S8ROu
— Kroger News (@KrogerNews) February 5, 2021
Associates unable to receive the vaccine due to medical or religious reasons can complete an educational health and safety course to receive the payment, the company said.
“We know that the most effective defense against this pandemic comes in the form of the COVID-19 vaccine and the continuation of the rigorous safety precautions we’ve established across our stores, manufacturing facilities and supply chain,” Marc Watkins, Kroger’s chief medical officer, said in a statement. “We are strongly encouraging all customers and associates to receive the vaccine to curb the spread of COVID-19, and we’ll do all we can to ensure they have access as soon as it’s available.”
In addition to the new vaccine payment, Kroger also announced an additional $50 million investment to thank and reward associates across its 35-state network. Those perks include a $100 store credit and 1,000 fuel points for hourly front line grocery, supply chain, manufacturing, pharmacy and call center associates, according to the news release. Both rewards will be loaded to associates’ loyalty cards on Thursday, Kroger officials said.
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“Through the unknowns of this pandemic, our associates have risen to the challenge and shown the true meaning of Our Purpose—To Feed the Human Spirit,” Kroger spokesperson Tim Massa said. “Since March, we have invested more than $1.5 billion to both reward our associates and to safeguard our associates and customers through the implementation of dozens of safety measures that we continue to execute today. We’ve also welcomed more than 100,000 new associates to the Kroger family of companies. As we move into a new phase of the pandemic, we’re increasing our investment to not only recognize our associates’ contributions, but also encourage them to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available to them to optimize their well-being as well as the community’s.”
Last May, Kroger announced it would spread about $130 million in “Thank You Pay” in the form of one-time bonuses among hourly employees, deemed essential due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people 75 and older and essential workers are scheduled to receive the vaccine in a later phase in most states, after health care workers and nursing home residents.
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Cox Media Group
