Calgary Co-op announced several new programs for staff who have been working hard during the coronavirus pandemic.
On Wednesday, the company announced a program where all of its staff will be receiving an additional $2.50 per hour until May 2 in recognition of the work they have done over the past few weeks. It’s retroactive back to March 8.
Staff will also be receiving discounts that will allow them to shop and care for their families.
Temporary part-time employees are also being hired to keep up with customer demand.
Care package deliveries will continue until April
Last week, Co-op said that they will be delivering free care packages for local residents that are currently under quarantine.
The company said that the response to the program has been overwhelming and that it will continue until April 15.
Measures in place to keep staff and customers safe
The company said that they will be installing plexiglass dividers in their stores to provide distancing measures between its staff and shoppers.
Measures such as sanitizing cashier stations, self-checkouts, and shopping carts handles will also be introduced.
Masks and gloves will also be made available for pharmacy employees who interact with customers.
“Our team interacts with our members every day, and we are here for each other,” said Ken Keelor, CEO of Calgary Co-op, in a prepared release.
“It is only by pulling together as a community that we will overcome these trying times.”
Products that are currently in high-demand from sanitizing agents and select food items will now have limits in place.
The company has also removed self-serve food bars from its stores due to the coronavirus.
Designated shopping hours
Calgary Co-op said that their stores will now have designated shopping hours for seniors, immunocompromised individuals, and those living with disabilities that will take place between 8 and 9 a.m every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Pharmacies will also be opening an hour earlier to support those shoppers.
They have asked all other shoppers to refrain from visiting the store during those hours.
