Kroger Offers ‘Thank You Bonus’ Following Criticism for Ending Hero Pay | Eater

"This national grocery company initially implemented a $2/hour “hero pay” premium for frontline employees during the pandemic but ended that extra pay on May 2, drawing public and labor backlash. After criticism from union leaders and an anonymous employee who said the temporary increase left him feeling “disposable” and that being called an “essential worker” felt like being put on the front line, the company announced a “Thank You Pay” bonus—$400 for full-time and $200 for part-time associates—paid in two installments. Leadership framed the bonus as recognition and pledged to safeguard associates’ health, but critics noted the company had seen roughly a 30% sales increase since March and questioned the fairness of replacing ongoing hazard pay with a one-time bonus while management bonuses reportedly rose." - Jaya Saxena