Coronavirus CT: BJ's Club Boosting Pay For 'Frontline Staffers'

CONNECTICUT — Some staffers at BJ's Wholesale Club are getting boosts in pay as the chain handles increased customer traffic amid the coronavirus scare.

The announcement was made Monday. BJ's Wholesale Club will be "increasing wages and bonuses for frontline team members" in Connecticut and nationally for all 218 clubs.

In addition, the BJ's Charitable Foundation is donating $500,000 to support "local and national organizations providing essential services to support those in need" during the pandemic.

BJ's initiatives include:

• Increased Wages: All hourly team members in the company’s clubs, distribution centers and home office will earn an additional $2 per hour for each hour worked beginning March 23 through at least April 12.
• Bonus Incentives: At the end of March, managers and key personnel in the clubs and distribution centers will receive a one-time bonus, ranging from $500 to $1,000.
• Team Member Relief: Aisle Help, the company’s employee relief fund, is available to team members facing financial hardship and most impacted by the coronavirus

BJ's Charitable Foundation donations will include:

• Local Impact: BJ’s is donating $400,000 to support local community foundations to help expand relief and assistance to those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• National Impact: BJ’s is proud of its longtime partnership with Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. BJ’s has committed to donating $100,000 to support Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund and to help assist its network of member food banks to meet the increased demand for meals.
• Feeding Communities: BJ’s continues to support food banks across its footprint through its Feeding Communities program, donating food on a regular basis to support local relief efforts.