The company announced that its associates will receive a one-time payment of $ 100 if they prove they have received the full doses recommended by the manufacturer of a Covid-19 vaccine. Workers who cannot get vaccinated for health or religious reasons can get payment if they take a health and safety education course, the company said in a press release.
“We know the most effective defense against this pandemic comes in the form of the COVID-19 vaccine and maintaining the stringent safety precautions we have established in our stores, manufacturing facilities and supply chain,” Dr Marc Watkins, Kroger’s chief medical officer, said in the statement. “We strongly encourage all of our customers and associates to receive the vaccine to curb the spread of COVID-19, and we will do everything possible to ensure they have access to it as soon as it becomes available.”
The Kroger Co. (KR) operates grocery stores under a number of names in 35 states.
The company said it would also spend an additional $ 50 million to thank and reward its associates, including $ 100 store credit and 1,000 fuel points for its frontline hourly associates in grocery stores, supply chain, etc. manufacturing, pharmacy and call center.
Earlier this week, the chain announced that it would permanently close two Ralphs and Food 4 Less stores it owns in Long Beach, Calif., To avoid paying a city-demanded $ 4 / hour risk premium.
Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Dollar General and Instacart have also announced that they will pay workers to encourage them to get the vaccine.
Health officials say there has been progress in the U.S. vaccination effort.
A total of 36,819,212 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in the United States and the 7-day average is 1.3 million doses per day, according to data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of United States.
