Aldi becomes last company to pay employees to take Covid-19 vaccine

Aldi has become the latest company to offer its employees a payment bonus to obtain the Covid-19 vaccine.

In a press release Tuesday, the grocery chain said it would provide hourly workers with two hours of pay for each dose received, totaling up to four hours. They will also work with employees who wish to receive the vaccine.

“The company is working closely with state and local authorities across the United States to ensure frontline workers remain a priority, and today Aldi unveiled its plan to support employees,” said the grocery chain.

“Aldi is ensuring that all hourly workers who wish to receive the vaccine can do so without fear of losing their wages or taking time off work.”

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The chain has more than 2,000 stores in 36 states and employs more than 25,000 people.

Additionally, Aldi said it will cover all costs associated with administering the vaccine and is exploring the possibility of on-site vaccination clinics at its warehouse and offices to make it easier for workers to get the vaccine.

“Providing accommodations so that employees can receive this essential vaccine is another way to support them and eliminate the need to choose between earning their wages and protecting their well-being,” said Aldi US CEO Jason Hart, in a statement.

Last week, three other companies announced similar plans. Dollar General said he would give hourly team members a one-time payment of four hours of regular pay after receiving both doses of the vaccine. Salaried workers would be given “extra hours of in-store work to account for time spent away from the store,” the store said.

In addition to giving workers two hours’ wages per dose of vaccine, Trader Joe’s said it plans to change schedules to ensure employees have time to get the vaccine.

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Beginning February 1, Instacart team leaders, in-store buyers, and full-service buyers in the US and Canada will receive financial assistance in the form of a $ 25 stipend after being vaccinated.

“In addition to the vaccine support allowance, the company is also redistributing free personal protective equipment (PPE) to any buyer in need during the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the delivery service said and collection of groceries.

The Food and Drug Administration has already approved two vaccines, from Moderna and Pfizer, for emergency use. They both require two shots spaced several weeks apart.

As of January 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that more than 1.6 million people were fully vaccinated.