Walmart to pay another $390 million in worker bonuses 

Walmart will pay additional cash bonuses to hourly U.S. employees working to keep the retailer open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full-time hourly employees will get a $300 cash bonus and part-time workers and temporary workers will receive $150, payable on June 25.

This money will go to employees in stores, clubs, supply chain and offices, drivers and assistant managers in stores and clubs who are employed by June 5, the company announced Tuesday (May 12).

“Walmart and Sam’s Club associates continue to do remarkable work, and it’s important we reward and appreciate them,” said John Furner, CEO of Walmart U.S. “All across the country, they’re providing Americans with the food, medicine and supplies they need, while going above and beyond the normal scope of their jobs – diligently sanitizing their facilities, making customers and members feel safe and welcome, and handling difficult situations with professionalism and grace.”

With Tuesday’s bonus news of $390 million, Walmart has announced more than $935 million in bonuses for employees so far this year. The first being special cash bonuses of $300 and $150 to full-time and part-time workers on April 2. Walmart gave employees an early payout of their quarterly bonuses on April 30. The first two bonus initiatives totaled $545 million.

Walmart said it will continue to reward and recognize workers while staying focused on employees’ overall wellbeing and safety. The company implemented daily health screens and temperature checks, provided masks and gloves and offered emotional wellbeing options such as virtual counseling. Walmart has also installed sneeze guards, limited the number of customers in stores, installed social distancing signage and instituted sanitizing protocols.

Hours of operation have been reduced with most stores closing at 8:30 p.m. to allow for thorough cleanings.

The Bentonville-based retail giant will report fiscal quarterly earnings on May 19 and all eyes are watching to see how deep the COVID-19 impact has been on those who have remained open. While sales are said to be up in many consumable categories, sales for clothing and other high margin items have been dismal. While Walmart is expected by many analysts to be a winner in the COVID-19 crisis, it will come with considerably higher operating costs that are likely to weigh down margins for the foreseeable future.