CINCINNATI, Ohio (WTVN)--The Kroger Company is ending a policy that gave employees an additional $2 an hour for working during the coronavirus pandemic.
The company defended the move, saying they know the needs of associates will continue to evolve. The "Hero Bonus" ends on Sunday.
Kroger associates earn on average $15 an hour. Four Kroger employees in the Detroit area have contracted COVID-19.
The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union represents 55-thousand employees and is protesting this decision. A spokesperson said it's clear the pandemic isn't going away, so pay shouldn't either.
The Cincinnati-based chain operates 2,758 grocery stores in 35 states and tallied 2019 sales of $122.3 billion. It employs nearly 500,000 people.