Walmart, the largest retailer in the United States, announced on March 19 that it plans to hire more than 150,000 temporary staffers and will pay a special cash bonus totaling $550 million to its hourly workers due to the growing CCP virus pandemic.
The retailer said on Thursday it would pay its full-time hourly workers a special cash bonus of $300 and part-time associates $150. Walmart’s next scheduled quarterly bonus will also be accelerated for store, club, and supply chain associates a month early, the company said.
Every hourly worker in the United States employed by March 1 will receive the special cash bonus payments on April 2.
The extra temporary workers being hired through the end of May will be employed in Walmart’s stores, distribution centers, clubs, and fulfillment centers.
Walmart, which currently employs 1.4 million hourly U.S. workers, added that it plans to speed up the application cycle time for hiring from the usual two weeks to 24 hours. The company said it is part of a new process to “dramatically expedite hiring” for key roles, such as cashiers and stockists.
“We know millions of Americans who are usually employed at this time are temporarily out of work, and at the same time we’re currently seeing strong demand in our stores,” said Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Walmart. “We’re looking for people who see Walmart as a chance to earn some extra money and perform a vital service to their community.”
A rush to stores by shoppers fearing quarantines or product shortages has cleared shelves, prompting retailers to boost stock of food and hygiene items, and have employees on hand for in-store work or delivery.
Amazon announced similar measures earlier this week, announcing it would hire 100,000 warehouse and delivery workers in the United States as the CCP virus outbreak boosts online orders. It also said it would raise pay for delivery and warehouse workers by $2 an hour through April.
Chinese authorities did not confirm human-to-human transmission until Jan. 20—almost three weeks after the disease was first officially reported on Dec. 31, 2019. The first patient reported with the virus exhibited symptoms on Dec. 1.