April 1 Co-op Update: Hero Pay for Co-op Employees
A letter from the General Manager:
Dear Skagit Valley Food Co-op Members & Shoppers,
I want to thank you for the continued support and gratitude you’ve shown your Co-op during such a difficult time. We are working very hard to adjust how we operate as the pandemic evolves. I am so proud of our staff for the endless hours they have worked and for their incredible dedication to our Co-op. They truly have been heroes throughout this trying time.
Next week, we will be giving a “Hero Bonus” to staff for their tremendous efforts. The bonus will be an additional $2 per hour for all staff and $4 per hour for cashiers for all hours worked during the month of March. We will continue to evaluate ways to compensate and care for our staff as we move forward, including doing everything in our power to be flexible with paid time off (PTO) to minimize the negative impacts on our team. We are also providing free lunch to our staff every day as a way to show our appreciation.
As we move into April, we want to continue to acknowledge our hourly staff for showing up and working so hard! So, beginning April 1st, we will increase pay for all hourly staff with an additional $4 per hour and an additional $5 per hour for cashiers. We’ll be evaluating the amount of extra pay as times marches on and adjust accordingly.
Unfortunately, we have had to lay off some of our staff: employees at Third Street Cafe and in food service departments, areas of our business that have been closed or limited in compliance with government directives. It’s possible that we may need to lay off more staff as our business continues to shift, but I want you to know that laying off such incredible people is the last thing we want to do. It is our wish to return to some level of normalcy sooner rather than later, so we can bring back the members of our Co-op family as soon as possible. Fortunately, with the implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act most, if not all, staff who have been laid off will be receiving unemployment benefits that are at a minimum equivalent to their Co-op wages.
As many of you are aware, we have made several changes to store operations as we strive to make your shopping experience as safe as possible for you and our staff. Social Distancing is one of the most challenging guidelines we are working with. Being a small store with narrow aisles, numerous shoppers, and staff makes the 6-foot rule difficult. We have instituted several practices that have helped alleviate crowding of shoppers in pinch points, but we still have work to do. We’re kindly asking you all to try your best to social distance yourself from others as you shop. It is not easy, but if we all try, we can make some headway on this.I am sure that other changes to how we operate will be coming as we are faced with new challenges each day.
We are currently working on developing a limited online ordering system for curbside pickup. The process is challenging and will take some time. We will make an announcement when it's ready. Thank you for your patience!It so important that we all continue to work together during these unprecedented times. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding so far! We are here to support you and bring you the very best that we have. Please continue to show your Co-op support and feel free to reach out with your concerns and your ideas.
In Cooperation,
Tony WhiteGeneral Manager
Skagit Valley Food Co-op