Wisconsin convenience store chain Kwik Trip has announced it is giving roughly 26,000 employees temporary bonuses for six weeks as a reward for continuing to work as the coronavirus spreads throughout the United States.
“In this current crisis, I want you to know how much we appreciate what you are doing to take care of our guests,” Kwik Trip CEO Don Zietlow said in a statement to employees, according to News8000.com, a local news outlet.
Zietlow explained that retail employees will be paid $2 extra for every hour worked between March 13 and April 23. Support center employees will make an extra $2 per hour worked between March 15 and April 25. Gas stations are one of the few businesses that are permitted to stay open during the outbreak.
“It recognizes that co-workers have extra financial needs,” corporate communications director John McHugh said. “It’s to reward our co-workers. They are showing up. Obviously, Kwik Trip has a critical role, and they are showing up.”
Store leaders and drivers will also receive an extra $100 a week during similar time periods.
The company also announced this week it is aiming to hire 2,000 more workers during this outbreak.
“In addition to year-round and seasonal positions, we understand that individuals may have been displaced due to COVID-19 and are looking for work temporarily until they are able to return to their current employment. The increased volume we are experiencing right now provides an opportunity for those individuals to earn income during this time,” recruiting manager Stephanie Cormican said.
