Massachusetts

CVS offering bonuses for employees, hiring 50K new employees nationwide

A CVS Pharmacy drug store in Washington, D.C.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health says it will provide bonuses, add benefits and hire 50,000 new employees in response to a global pandemic wreaking havoc on the world economy.

As many businesses and industries are feeling the effects of a mass shutdown of the economy, some businesses -- like grocery stores and pharmacies -- are seeing huge business as people hunker down in the homes to help stem the spread of the new coronavirus.

Many workers at ‘essential’ businesses like CVS pharmacies are putting their health at risk to help serve the public. CVS announced Monday morning it would be responding accordingly by offering bonuses of $150 to $500 to pharmacists, store associates and managers, and other on-site employees.

“Our colleagues have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to providing essential goods and services at a time when they’re needed most,” said Larry J. Merlo, President and CEO, CVS Health. “As they continue to be there for the individuals and families we serve, we’re taking extra steps to provide some peace of mind and help them navigate these uncertain times.”

The company also announced its intention to hire 50,000 employees across the country to fill positions for in-store associates, home delivery drivers and distribution center employees.

“The company will utilize a technology-enabled hiring process that includes virtual job fairs, virtual interviews and virtual job tryouts,” a news release read. “Many roles will be filled by existing CVS Health clients who have had to furlough workers, including Hilton and Marriott.”

The company also listed the following changes:

  • CVS Health will launch a new offering to help employees with both child and elder or adult dependent care needs. Working with the Bright Horizons network of national in-home and center-based daycare providers, employees will be able to take advantage of up to 25 fully covered days of backup care. This benefit will begin in early April for both full- and part-time employees.
  • Full-time CVS Health employees have always had access to paid sick leave. Effective March 22, CVS Health has made 24 hours of paid sick leave available to part-time employees for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paid sick leave is in addition to the 14-day paid leave the company is providing for any employee who tests positive for COVID-19 or needs to be quarantined as a result of potential exposure.

In addition to the measures announced today, CVS Health employees have several resources available to help address financial hardships in times of crisis. This includes access to the Employee Relief Fund, which provides short-term, immediate financial relief in the form of tax-exempt grants.

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