Lowe’s Cos. Inc. announced last week that it will increase the hourly wage for employees amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The company said it will add a temporary $2 increase for all full-time, part-time and seasonal hourly employees who work at Lowe’s stores, contact center and supply chain locations.
Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s president and CEO, said in a statement: “We are continually working on ways to protect and support our associates and our customers during this time when we are all adjusting how we work and live. I’m announcing these new operational changes as we continue to keep the health and well-being of our associates and customers top of mind, especially as they look to us now more than ever for essential products, services and support. Today’s wage increase for our hourly associates is just another way I want to thank our 300,000 associates for their heroic actions in serving the needs of our communities. I’ve never been prouder of our team, and they have my commitment that we will continue to adjust as the situation evolves.”
Lowe’s also announced it would close all of its stores at 7 p.m. every day due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The stores have asked all hourly employees to wear masks and gloves while they’re working in the store.
The company’s decision follows a number of other of stores that have increased wages for employees. Wendy’s, Speedway, Stine and other locations have all increased pay for their workers,
Some employees at grocery stores and pharmacies are fighting for better pay, too, according to the Los Angeles Times.
That said, layoffs have been rampant across the country due to the coronavirus. Employees have also suffered from furloughs until the country opens back up.