By David Dykes

Bentonville, Ark.-based Walmart said it plans to provide another cash bonus for all U.S. hourly employees to recognize them for their many contributions to communities across the country during "this unprecedented time."

The action includes hourly employees in stores, clubs, supply chain and offices, drivers, and assistant managers in stores and clubs. 

The bonus will be $300 for full-time hourly employees and $150 for part-time hourly and temporary employees, and will add up to more than $390 million, company officials said. Associates must be employed by the company as of June 5 to qualify, and it will pay out on June 25, the officials said.

“Walmart and Sam’s Club associates continue to do remarkable work, and it’s important we reward and appreciate them,” said John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. “All across the country, they’re providing Americans with the food, medicine and supplies they need, while going above and beyond the normal scope of their jobs – diligently sanitizing their facilities, making customers and members feel safe and welcome, and handling difficult situations with professionalism and grace.”

Walmart joins other large companies in paying cash bonuses to assist employees as they work through the pandemic.

Lowe's, the Mooresville, N.C.-based home-improvement retailer with stores across South Carolina, recently announced a second $80 million special payment to hourly associates. 

With the employee bonuses of $390 million, Walmart said it has committed more than $935 million in bonuses to associates this year:

• First cash bonuses added up to $365 million that were paid to all U.S. hourly associates in stores, clubs, supply chain and offices on April 2. Full-time hourly employees earned $300 and part-time hourly employees $150.

• Early payout of first-quarter bonuses added up to $180 million. Recognizing the hard work ahead of Walmart employees as Covid-19 spread, and to help put more cash in their hands sooner, the company accelerated the payout for the employee quarterly incentive to April 30.

“We are so grateful to our associates for being there for customers and members during this difficult time, serving communities across the country,” said Kathryn McLay, president and CEO of Sam’s Club. “Our associates’ efforts have been exactly what the country needed during this historic and uncertain time. They’ve made a real difference.”

Walmart said it will continue to look for ways to reward and recognize its employees, while staying focused on their overall well-being and safety. 

The company has implemented daily health screens and temperature checks, provided masks and gloves, and offered emotional well-being options such as virtual counseling. 

Walmart said it has also installed sneeze guards, limited the number of customers in stores, installed social distancing signs and instituted sanitizing protocols.