Union wants Fred Meyer to continue coronavirus hero bonus for its grocery workers
The union that represents the grocery workers at the Fred Meyer stores is urging parent company Kroger to continue its hero bonus for frontline employees during the coronavirus pandemic.
In a news release, the UFCW Local union said grocery workers were notified that the $2-an-hour bonus would end on Sunday, May 17. The bonus was instituted last month as the coronavirus spread across the U.S., and grocery stores became one of the few industries to remain open in many states.
Jeffery Temple, director of corporate affairs for the Fred Meyer stores, said in an email that the company recognizes each state has a unique plan and timeline to reopen for business.
“We will continue to monitor the situation in each state that we operate and review the plans for our associates respectively,” Temple said.
The union has begun an #EssentialHeroes social media campaign to keep the bonus in place as well as improve safety practices in California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.
“These workers have proven themselves as dedicated employees of Kroger which is reflected in them tirelessly serving the customers on a daily basis,” said Steve Chandler, secretary/treasurer of the Teamsters Local 38, which is based in Everett.
