Supermarket chain Aldi to provide paid time off for US employees to get COVID-19 vaccine

Supermarket chain Aldi announced Tuesday that it would provide front-line workers in the U.S. up to four hours of paid leave so they can receive two doses of the coronavirus vaccine.

“Aldi is ensuring that all hourly workers who wish to receive the vaccine are able to do so without concern about losing pay or taking time away from work,” the company said in a statement.

In addition, Aldi announced that it would implement on-site vaccination clinics at its warehouse and office locations to ensure employees have easy access to the inoculations.

The retailer has more than 2,000 stores across 37 U.S. states.

“Since the onset of the pandemic, our entire Aldi team has worked to keep stores safe and stocked, and serve communities without interruption,” Aldi U.S. CEO Jason Hart said in a statement. “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.”

Last week, grocery deliver service Instacart said it would provide a $25 stipend to gig workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Other major retailers, including Trader Joe’s and Dollar General, are also providing employees with financial incentives to get vaccinated.

The U.S. is rapidly approaching the grim milestone of 400,000 coronavirus-related deaths, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University.

The pace of vaccinations is not moving as quickly as previously anticipated, and President-elect Joe Biden has vowed to ramp up the federal government’s response after he is inaugurated Wednesday.

Biden unveiled a $20 billion coronavirus vaccination plan on Thursday that emphasizes a bolstered federal response, rather than leaving key details to the states. He has also pledged to get 100 million people vaccinated during his first 100 days in office.