To recognize and support associates during the coronavirus crisis, Ingles Markets aims to pay workers a second one-time bonus next month.
Asheville, N.C.-based Ingles said late Thursday that the move repeats the “appreciation pay” investment announced in April. Plans call for a bonus of $300 for full-time and $150 for part-time active retail, distribution and corporate associates to be paid at the end of July.
“We continue to meet the daily challenge of providing a safe and clean environment for our customers and associates,” Chairman Robert Ingle said in a statement. “Our associates have made a difference during this unprecedented time. We are incredibly proud of them and wish to show appreciation for their efforts.”
The new payment applies to employees hired on or before April 24. Ingles paid the previous bonus on April 24.
In announcing the initial appreciation pay, Ingles Markets also unveiled plans to add more than 5,000 workers to help current associates and meet extra demands brought by the outbreak. The new positions augmented the workforce in the chain’s supermarkets and distribution center, bringing some relief to current staff and help the company continue to serve customers and step up cleaning of stores and facilities. At the time, Ingles Market said the hirings would expand its workforce of about 27,000 employees by 19%.
The company has kept customers up to date on its pandemic measures through the COVID-19 information page on its website.
Overall, Ingles Markets operates 197 supermarkets in North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and Virginia, including 108 in-store pharmacies and 104 fuel centers. The regional grocer’s operations also include 1.65 million square feet of warehouse and distribution facilities plus a milk processing and packaging plant that supplies its grocery stores and unaffiliated customers.
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