Leading grocery chains Metro (TSX:MRU) and Loblaw a(TSX:L) re raising wages for grocery store and distribution centre employees by $2 per hour during the coronavirus pandemic.
Metro and the union that represents Loblaw workers say the wage boost is retroactive to March 8. The grocer added that the raise will last until May 2, but the Loblaw union did not give an end date for the pay increase.
The raise in wages is an acknowledgment of the tough but necessary work that employees are doing during the coronavirus outbreak. Grocery stores are an essential service, so they can't be shuttered during the pandemic, even for the sake of social distancing.
Both chains are also due to install Plexiglas barriers at service counters in an effort to protect employees from becoming infected by the virus.
