Walmart Inc. is paying its employees another $707 million in bonuses for a strong third quarter and for their work while the coronavirus has gripped the nation, the company said Thursday.
The Bentonville retailer also is extending its covid-19 emergency-leave policy for full- and part-time workers through July 5, Walmart said in a news release. The policy gives employees up to two weeks of paid leave for virus symptoms, illness or quarantine.
Store employees got $319 million in quarterly bonuses on Nov. 25. In addition, about 1.5 million full- and part-time Walmart and Sam's Club hourly workers in stores, clubs, distribution centers and fulfillment centers will be paid $388 million in special cash bonuses on Dec. 24. The cash incentives are "in recognition of associates' sustained efforts during the pandemic," Walmart said.
This will be the fourth cash bonus Walmart has paid its U.S. employees since the pandemic began. The latest disbursements will bring the retailer's total 2020 quarterly and cash bonuses to more than $2.8 billion, the company said.