Working to make safe return for employees
Across Pennsylvania, Walmart employees received bonuses in their paychecks this week totaling more than $6.4 million. Nationwide, the bonuses totaled $180 million.
This week’s bonuses were the second awarded by the retailer this month to its hourly employees — bringing the total to $550 million.
According to Donna Morris, chief people officer for Walmart, the bonuses were paid to full- and part-time hourly employees.
“We’ve seen firsthand our associates’ unwavering focus to take care of customers and members while providing a vital service to communities during this time,” she said in an April 30 online post on the Walmart corporate website.
Earlier this month, an initial bonus payment was issued — $300 for full-time hourly and $150 for part-time hourly employees, totaling more than $365 million. A third round of cash bonuses will be made in May, on the company’s originally scheduled quarterly bonus payout date, according to
Morris.
In addition, the company said Thursday it has fulfilled its commitment to hire 200,000 new associates since March 19 in its stores, clubs, distribution centers and fulfillment centers as it added staff to meet heightened demand during the spread of the coronavirus.
“We are humbled to be able to give an opportunity to so many Americans to work, often serving as a bridge for employment, while helping Walmart better serve customers during this time of increased demand,” Morris added.
As the country continues to wrestle with the pandemic, Walmart said it is keeping a focus on the health and safety of its employees and customers — conducting health screenings and daily temperature checks and providing masks and gloves to all associates. In addition, “sneeze guards” have been added at registers, social distancing signage has been added to stores and Walmart has limited the number of customers in its stores.