Giant Eagle will pay $10 million in bonus pay to workers during outbreak

Giant Eagle said Saturday it will be giving $10 million in bonus pay to employees during the coronavirus outbreak.

In a press release, the company said the bonus pay will be offered to all those working at Giant Eagle, Market District, Giant Eagle Pharmacy and GetGo locations. In addition, those working at the warehouses and delivering goods to stores will also receive the pay.

The bonuses take effect immediately and have been made retroactive to March 15.

All current and new employees are eligible for the bonuses, the company said.

“As a company, we must continue to find ways to support our incredibly dedicated Team Members,” said Laura Shapira Karet, president and CEO of Giant Eagle. “Across all our communities every day, they are working tirelessly to keep families safe, healthy and fed. We cannot thank them enough. They are our heroes.”

Currently, the company has set May 2 as an end date for the bonus pay, but said it would reevaluate that in the coming weeks.

On Monday, the O’Hara-based chain of grocery stores will open its doors at 6 a.m. Monday through Wednesday for older shoppers, in an effort to help them feel more comfortable about not being exposed to the novel coronavirus.

Giant Eagle said it would not be checking IDs, but is asking non-seniors to respect the new policy.

After the first hour, all stores will return to current operating hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.