Tractor Supply Pays Workers To Get Vaccinated
As the pandemic continues, retailers are helping to encourage more vaccinations. The latest example comes from Tractor Supply Co.
The rural lifestyle retailer says it will provide a one-time payment of $50 and allow time off as needed for all hourly employees who receive a COVID-19 vaccine. To further alleviate the barriers to receiving a vaccine, the retailer has partnered with a third-party provider to facilitate onsite vaccination clinics at its eight distribution centers and Store Support Center upon approval and availability.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, Tractor Supply’s top priority has been the health and safety of our Team Members, customers and communities,” said Melissa Kersey, Tractor Supply’s EVP, chief human resources officer. “We have closely followed the advice of the CDC and other medical professionals to take proactive steps to protect our team and customers. As vaccines become more widely available, we hope to make it as easy as possible for those who want to be vaccinated.”
Earlier in February, Kroger unveiled a massive new worker pay initiative, including a $100 bonus for employees who get the COVID-19 vaccine. Aldi, Trader Joe's, Dollar General and Instacart have also announced that they would pay workers to encourage them to get vaccinated.
As for Tractor Supply, it is not mandating that any worker get the COVID-19 vaccine. Based on advice from the CDC and other health advocates, Tractor Supply encourages all of its workers to get the vaccine based on the advice of their primary care physician. Any employee who needs to take time off to get vaccinated will be given the opportunity to make up the time taken off, unless state law requires otherwise. These incentives will be available to any employee who wishes to receive a vaccine, regardless of location, even if administered at an onsite vaccination clinic.
Compensation will be available once the full manufacturer-recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are received and appropriate proof of vaccination has been provided to the company’s third-party vendor who is already performing COVID case management, safe return to work assessments and now vaccine verification.
