Kroger Staff Gets Discounted Pepsi for Working Through Coronavirus | Eater

"An internal flyer that circulated online offered employees Pepsi 20oz sodas for $1 (limit two per transaction; Dr. Pepper excluded) redeemable with an associate loyalty card — a perk framed as appreciation for associates “during these extraordinary times.” Company spokespeople pointed out that associates already receive various perks year-round and recently announced expanded Emergency Paid Leave, an extra $2/hour for hours worked between March 29 and April 18, and a $5 million Helping Hands fund to support workers facing COVID-19–related hardships (including child care). Still, the soda discount was widely criticized as tone-deaf: workers and advocates have been demanding hazard pay, PPE, and safer conditions as grocery staff fall ill, and four employees in Michigan have died from coronavirus-related complications, prompting public mourning from local leadership. Many saw the promotion as a small consolation compared with the serious safety and compensation concerns facing front-line grocery workers." - Jaya Saxena