(Reuters) – Supermarket chain Kroger Co. said on Friday it would give $ 100 to workers receiving a vaccine against COVID-19, joining a growing list of U.S. retailers who encourage employees to inoculate themselves against the new coronavirus as soon as possible.
Kroger, which also operates Ralphs and Harris Teeter among other 35-state banners, has hired more than 100,000 new workers to meet rising demand amid coronavirus blockages.
The company said it would also invest an additional $ 50 million in rewards for associates, including a $ 100 in-store credit and 1,000 fuel points for hourly staff.
Other retailers that have taken similar steps to encourage their American employees to get vaccinated are Dollar General, the German supermarket chain Aldi, Instacart and Trader Joe’s.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people over the age of 75 and essential workers are expected to receive the vaccine at a later stage, after health workers and residents of the residences.
Reports from Nivedita Balu to Bengaluru; Edition by Ramakrishnan M.