Starbucks is ending its coronavirus sick pay at the beginning of October as health agencies reverse restrictions.
The company said on Monday that temporary self-isolation pay, vaccine pay, and side effects pay will “conclude for all stores” on Oct. 2 as part of the company’s efforts to return to standard policies and practices.
“We’ve navigated through incredible change these last few years and have learned so much about COVID-19,” the company’s release stated. “Now as more communities and health agencies roll back restrictions and vaccines, including the new Omicron boosters, become widely available, we are moving into life with COVID-19 in the endemic phase.”
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The benefits provided up to two hours of paid time off for workers to get the vaccine, as well as four hours for those who experienced side effects post-vaccination.
The end of coronavirus sick pay is the last cancellation of the company’s temporary COVID-19 partner care programs. The company suspended COVID-19 leave of absence packages in June 2021 and service pay in June 2020.
Employees may still use available sick and vacation pay if they need to isolate, following the company’s standard illness policy.
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Starbucks noted that some local jurisdictions may require COVID-19 pay, so the transition back to standard policy will be on a store-to-store basis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s current guidelines state that those who are experiencing symptoms should isolate for at least five days.
