US supermarket Walmart is increasing the pay of 165,000 employees to reward them for their hard work during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, effective October 2020.
Team leaders will be paid $18 (£13) - $21 (£16) an hour, going up to $30 (£23) in supercentres, while hourly employees in delicatessen and bakery positions will see an increase from $11 (£8) to $15 (£11) per hour or higher. Auto care centre employees will receive a pay increase of at least $1 (77p) per hour.
This pay increase will take place months earlier than the typical annual pay rise which is next due to take place in February or April 2021. These pay rises will also take the place of the regular quarterly bonus and become part of their base pay going forward. This follows on from employee feedback that found that hourly pay was the most important aspect of Walmart's compensation package for a majority of its staff.
In June, the organisation rewarded its full-time employees with a $300 (£242) bonus and part-time employees with $150 (£121). Assistant managers in Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs also received a $400 (£322) bonus, while truck drivers received a $300 (£242) special payment.
Dacona Smith, chief operating officer at Walmart US, said: "During this trying and uncertain year, one thing has remained a constant: our associates have done an incredible job serving customers and making a difference in their communities. They have gone above and beyond to make sure customers have access to the items they need while making health and safety a top priority.
"We are thrilled about how we are shifting our business to meet the needs of customers and investing in our associates at the same time. At the end of the day, our associates are the key to making every day easier for busy families.
"They have done a remarkable job this year. I cannot wait to see how they excel in these new roles and continue to make such an incredible difference in their communities."