Big Y to Increase Pay for Nearly 7,600 Employees

With food-at-home inflation hitting 11.9% in May, Springfield, Mass.-based supermarket chain Big Y is increasing pay for its employees to not only tackle inflation, but show appreciation to its associates, Big Y said in a June 9 statement.

Big Y said the multimillion-dollar investment will increase starting pay rates for all clerks, customer service, fresh food and center store specialists, as well as assistant department managers, beginning June 26.

“Almost 7,600 or close to three-fourths of the company’s retail workforce will receive a pay increase which will assist them with the rising cost of living,” the grocer said in a statement. “These hourly store operations teams work in the Big Y Markets as well as Table & Vine and Big Y Express gas and convenience stores.”

Once implemented, Big Y said all retail employees will be paid above minimum wage in both Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The grocer said, “an average Big Y supermarket is supported by employees working both full-time and part-time hours, including specialized positions such as cake decorators, floral specialists and varying levels of management.” Big Y did announce that members of upper management are not included in this increase.

“We are proud to be investing in our hard-working store teams who have been on the front lines these past two years to support our customers and our community,” Charles L. D’Amour, Big Y president and CEO, said in a statement. “We know that household budgets are being squeezed by inflation. We hope that by boosting their hourly rates, we will help them to weather these tough times as we recognize and appreciate their efforts and their loyalty.”

Big Y said it has 3,282 employees with more than 10 years of service and 7,409 with more than five years. “Big Y’s culture of caring includes countless opportunities for growth and advancement,” the grocer said.

Big Y said it has three established employee resource groups to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion; leadership development for women; and a multigenerational workforce. The grocer said it is also piloting additional internship programs with local colleges.

Big Y operates locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut, including 71 supermarkets, Fresh Acres Market, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors, and 13 Big Y Express gas and convenience locations.