How ‘hero pay’ came, went and is pushing business to be more responsible

Guest: Rosa Saba, business reporter for the Toronto Star

The big three of Canada’s grocers: Loblaw, Metro and Empire created “hero pay” for cashiers, shelf stockers and other essential working staff at the start of the pandemic last year. But the pay bumps didn’t last long and most grocers got rid of it by June (Empire Co., which owns Sobeys, has since brought it back). But there is one major retailer that has stood out: Costco who made the pay increases permanent. They also offer higher wages, paid sick leave and benefits. Will the end result of “hero pay” be a new era of better business practices and corporate responsibility?

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