Harris Teeter hiring over 5,000 people and giving bonuses amid coronavirus pandemic

Harris Teeter is hiring thousands of workers and giving bonuses to its hourly employees amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The Matthews-based grocery chain said it is hiring more than 5,000 associates at stores and distribution centers for full- and part-time work.

As the high demand for essential food and household products continues, the company plans to hire more staff to meet the needs of shoppers and communities, the company said in a statement.

“During this unprecedented time, I am inspired by how our valued associates have risen to the challenge to be there for our shoppers and communities when they need us most,” said Rod Antolock, president of Harris Teeter. “We are committed to helping our neighbors-in-need, including the many restaurant and foodservice industry employees that have been displaced from their jobs.”

The company is giving hourly associates in its retail, distribution center, manufacturing and corporate offices a one-time bonus of $300 for full-time workers and $150 for part-time workers.

Associates who were working for the company on or before March 1 are eligible. This appreciation pay will be paid out on April 3.

“We are extremely appreciative and incredibly proud of our Harris Teeter family for their tireless and selfless work,” Antolock said. “Our associates are working around the clock to serve our shoppers and communities, and we want to provide them with additional support during this extraordinary time.”

Harris Teeter, a subsidiary of The Kroger Co., has about 30,000 employees and operates more than 250 stores in seven states and Washington, D.C., more than 40 fuel centers, two distribution centers and Hunter Farms dairy manufacturing facility.

To apply, visit harristeeter.jobs.

Lidl hiring 1,000

Lidl US announced Thursday it is hiring up to 1,000 temporary employees at its stores and distribution centers for a minimum of two months.

In North Carolina, positions available at stores and the regional headquarters and distribution center in Graham, Alamance County, a company spokesman said.

All new hires without health insurance will immediately be eligible for medical benefits covering testing and treatment related to COVID-19 at no cost, a company press release said.

Current Lidl workers enrolled in company insurance plans will automatically receive the enhanced medical benefits, which waives co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles, including virtual visits through the CareFirst Video Visit platform.

In October 2019, Lidl announced it will provide medical benefits for all full and part-time employees. “Since rolling out the initiative, more than 1,200 employees working part-time have become eligible to buy into medical coverage through the company,” the release states.

The German grocer opened its first Charlotte store in December and a store in Matthews in February. Lidl has also opened stores in Rock Hill, Indian Trail and Concord.

Apply online at careers.lidl.com.

Other grocers hiring

Walmart is hiring 150,000 workers, more than 5,800 and 3,400 in North Carolina and South Carolina, respectively, through the end of May. They will work in stores, clubs, distribution centers and fulfillment centers, the retail giant said last week.

Positions will be temporary at first, but many will convert to permanent roles over time, the company said.

Walmart also is providing more than $365 million in cash bonuses to hourly associates in the U.S. Every hourly associate employed as of March 1 qualifies for the April 2 payout. The bonus is $300 for full-time and $150 for part-time employees, the company said.

What is usually a two-week application cycle will be reduced to a 24-hour process. To apply, visit careers.walmart.com.

In addition, the company will accelerate the next scheduled quarterly bonus of $180 million nationwide for associates a month early, the company said. Walmart employs over 2.2 million associates worldwide.

Publix also is hiring thousands of workers by the end of March to fill positions in its stores and distribution centers, the company said last week. Apply at publix.jobs.

Aldi announced this month it is hiring at all stores and warehouses, including it’s Charlotte location. Apply online at careers.aldi.us.

And Bi-Lo is hiring too, according to parent company Southeastern Grocers. Apply online at segrocers.com/careers.

This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 10:29 AM.