Temporary recognition program is now in place for workers at Sobeys

 

Grocery chain Sobeys has implemented a program that will provide pay premiums for staff in locations where COVID-19 lockdowns are in effect.

The program, known as Lockdown Bonus, is not a reinstatement of their previous recognition program dubbed "hero pay", but is a new temporary recognition program.

According to the brand's parent company (Empire Company Limited), employees will receive $10-100 per week, based on hours worked, for the duration of the government lockdown and the more you work, the more you earn.

The program has been in effect in Peel Region, Toronto, and Manitoba as rising cases of the virus in those areas has prompted the shutdown of non-essential businesses.

"Our teammates continue to work tirelessly to keep our stores safe and our communities fed," says CEO of Empire Company Limited Michael Medline in an e-mail. "Launching the Lockdown Bonus in the face of new government-mandated lockdowns was simply the right thing to do."

"Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, our teammates' efforts to keep stores open, shelves stocked and Canadian families fed have been nothing short of heroic," Medline added.