French Supermarkets To Pay 1K Bonus To Workers

Story By: Ernest Bio BogoreSub-EditorJoseph Golder, Agency:  Newsflash

Several big supermarket chains in France have agreed to pay a 1000-EUR tax-free bonus to employees continuing to work during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Despite strict containment measures, the French government does not want the country to grind to a standstill and have reportedly pushed several companies to offer a 1,000-EUR (928-GBP) bonus to serving workers.

The retail companies, including Auchan, Intermarche and Carrefour, have already announced that they will comply with the government’s proposal.

Newsflash

A spokesperson for Auchan said that “all employees of stores, warehouses, home delivery services and e-commerce sites” will be paid this lump sum.

According to local media, around 65,000 French workers will receive the bonus, which was originally suggested by economy minister Bruno Le Maire.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the workers’ union CFDT said: “To reward the most exposed workers, who make a real effort to ensure key public services continue, with an exceptional bonus is for us completely justified.”

The union also called for “protective measures to be put into place immediately for employees who have no choice but to continue working”.

They added that “all employees forced to work have the right to stop if they fear for their health”.

Meanwhile, companies have until 30th June to pay the tax-free bonus to workers, according to reports.

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