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Wegmans offers temporary pay boost to thank employees

Executives at Wegmans are trying to let their front line employees know they appreciate what they are dealing with during the coronavirus pandemic.

Wegmans sent a letter this week to its employees, or as the letter describes them, “our team of 50,000 heroes.”

The letter notes that there has never been a time like this in the history of the family-owned company, and it also says that more than ever, the communities where Wegmans has stores needs them, noting that customers depend on the stores for food, medicine and essential health provisions.

The letter, from Wegmans senior officials, says that they also recognize that as they serve customers, the employees have concerns of their own, but still focus on helping others.

As a measure of appreciation, Wegmans will offer $2 more per hour during March and April. That temporary pay increase or bonuses are things that some other chains are doing across the country, including Walmart and Target.

Like other chains, Wegmans has had to limit sales of certain items because of the run on products caused by the pandemic, and sometimes it’s the cashiers at various supermarkets or other stores that bear the brunt of comments from unhappy consumers.

The letter from Wegmans to its workers does make the point that overall, customers are appreciative, and the supermarket exec’s say their employees are “a beacon of light” for the 101 communities it operates in.

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.