H-E-B Pledges Largest Pay Increase in Company History

With no end in sight to the COVID-19 crisis, H-E-B is rewarding its employees, or “partners,” for their hard work and dedication with more than temporary bonuses. “As we work to find our new normal during this unprecedented time, H-E-B will transition from our temporary Texas Proud Pay program, which ended June 21, into different long-term, permanent investments in our people, which include accelerated and enhanced pay increases for store and supply chain hourly partners,” said the San Antonio-based grocer in a release.

The pay increase would be the largest in H-E-B history, the retailer said. Additionally, the company said it would continue its ongoing investments in pay and other perks and benefits for all partners across the company.

One of the first retailers to launch a temporary bonus program, H-E-B said its new accelerated and enhanced permanent pay increases are worth more than twice the amount of the temporary program for the average employee over the next year and considerably more over the course of their careers. The company did not specify the amount of the bonus in its release this week, although the temporary Texas Proud Pay was $2 per hour.

Since 2014, H-E-B’s total contribution in partner pay to its more than 120,000 employees has roughly doubled, the company said. 

In addition to pay raises, H-E-B continues to focus on keeping its partners safe. It has extended medical leave to all employees, and any employee who is diagnosed with coronavirus will receive pay.

H-E-B equips its partners daily with “the best information on the coronavirus, so that they can make the best decisions for their families. This includes free access to expert healthcare professionals available online and on phone to address health concerns.”

Trained COVID action managers in H-E-B stores and facilities work to ensure sanitation and proper social distancing protocols are followed, and partners are given daily training and education on elevated sanitation protocols. All partners and vendors in customer-facing and close-contact roles are required to wear masks while at work.