Brookshire’s Extends Hero Pay to November

Brookshire Grocery Co. is extending its $1 an hour appreciation pay for workers until Nov. 6. The bonus was instituted on March 24 for more than 14,000 employees and logistics employee-partners as a thank you for their work during the coronavirus pandemic. The bonus or hero pay has become a touchstone in the grocery industry as it grapples with how to reward those who have suddenly become front-line workers as the country struggles to continue the pandemic. Kroger and other retailers have curtailed the practice while the UFCW is calling for retailers to continue or reinstate hero pay.

“Our employee-partners’ service through this pandemic has been and continues to be heroic and inspiring,” said Trent Brookshire, chief operating officer of Brookshire Grocery Co. “As other companies pull back on compensation for their workers, we are continuing to invest in our greatest assets: our partners. I am so proud to be able to give this Appreciation Pay as a tangible offering of our sincere gratitude for everything they are doing. I am so honored to be part of such an incredible team who upholds such high standards for service and safety.”

In addition to the pay increase, the Tyler, Texas-based retailer has given its employees bonus checks, gift cards, retail incentives, an extra employee discount, on-site meals and a compensation plan for those who could be directly affected by COVID-19.