CVS and Walgreens say they’re hiring during the coronavirus pandemic
As unemployment soars during the coronavirus pandemic, the nation’s two largest pharmacy chains said they were hiring and trumpeted what they’re doing for current employees forced to interact inside social distancing guidelines.
No. 2 Walgreens and No. 1 CVS made what looked like dueling announcements on Sunday and Monday, respectively. Like Publix, Walmart and Winn-Dixie parent Southeastern Grocers, they’re anticipating the need for more staff.
The need for prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine and groceries won’t abate; in fact, it might increase as some restaurants close and household finances get tighter.
Hiring
Walgreens: Filling 9,500 full-time, part-time and temporary jobs, including pharmacy technicians and people to work the retail floor. Click here to look for what regions have what openings.
CVS: Filling 50,000 full-time, part-time and temporary positions, but “many roles will be filled by existing CVS Health clients who have had to furlough workers, including Hilton and Marriott.” Otherwise, be prepared to wade into the virtual job search reality — virtual job fairs, virtual interviews, virtual job tryouts.
Bonuses for current employees working during COVID-19 pandemic
Walgreens: $300 for full-time employees and $150 for part-time employees.
CVS: $150 to $500. Who gets what wasn’t specified.
Child Care
Walgreens: Until the end of April, hourly workers who need to stay at home “due to concerns surrounding COVID-19 for situations including childcare needs,” can do so.
CVS: Beginning in early April, employees can get up to 25 days of child care or adult dependent care.
In case of COVID-19
Walgreens: An employee with a confirmed case will get two weeks paid leave. Disability leave pay might be available after that.
If a part of Walgreens (store, office, distribution center) is closed by mandated quarantine, employees in that part will be paid.
CVS: Full-time employees have paid sick leave. Since Sunday, part-time employees get 24 work hours of paid sick leave for the rest of the pandemic. This is in addition to the 14 days of paid sick leave CVS is giving any employee who tests positive for COVID-19.
