ALDI US pledges to pay workers up to four hours to receive COVID-19 vaccine
The US arm of grocery chain ALDI will provide its employees with up to four hours of paid time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Announcing the move overnight, ALDI US said it would provide up to two hours of full pay for each dose of the vaccine staff receive.
Given the current vaccines on offer require two separate doses, that equates to four hours total.
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The US arm of grocery chain ALDI will provide its employees with up to four hours of paid time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Employees on salaries will be scheduled more flexibility to receive the vaccine at their own choosing.
ALDI US will also establish on-site vaccination clinics at its warehouses and offices.
CEO Jason Hart said the grocer was focused on supporting front-line workers without forcing them to take a day off to receive the vaccine.
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A pharmacist draws saline while preparing a dose of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in Sacramento, Calif. Mutations to the virus are rapidly popping up and the longer it takes to vaccinate people, the more likely it is that a variant that can elude current tests, treatments and vaccines could emerge. (AP Photo/Noah Berger, Pool, File) AP
"Since the onset of the pandemic, our entire ALDI team has worked to keep stores safe and stocked, and serve communities without interruption," Mr Hart said.
"Providing accommodations so employees can receive this critical vaccine is one more way we can support them and eliminate the need to choose between earning their wages and protecting their well-being."
When approached by 9News.com.au, ALDI Australia said it would continue to follow government health advice when the vaccine is rolled out locally.
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When approached by 9News.com.au, ALDI Australia said it would continue to follow government health advice when the vaccine is rolled out locally. Supplied/Jo Abi
"We have and always will continue to support all Government health advice regarding the management of COVID-19 in Australia; the roll-out of a COVID-19 vaccine will not be exempt from this approach," an ALDI spokesperson said.
"We remain committed to support Australia's leading health professionals to take all recommended measures to maintain the safety of our employees, business partners and customers."
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