HEB Announces New Salary Increases As Temporary Pandemic Rise Ends

While HEB’s Texas Proud Pay program ended this week, the San Antonio retailer announced new salary increases that are worth more than double the amount of the temporary program for the average employee.

In March, HEB increased wages by $ 2 per hour for all hourly shop, manufacturing, warehouse, and transportation employees. The initiative was a way to “thank them for their commitment” during the coronavirus pandemic, the company said at the time.

The program, which ran in April and May, ended on Sunday. Instead, HEB is making “permanent investments” in hourly employees of stores and supply chains, a company spokesperson said Tuesday.

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“We believe this crisis will last indefinitely and our goal is to reward our partners for their hard work and dedication with more than temporary bonuses,” the company said in a statement.

The new long-term salary increases, effective this week, will be worth more than double the $ 2 temporary increase for the average employee over the next year. The increases will be worth “considerably more in their careers,” according to HEB.

A spokesperson said the increases will represent the largest salary increase in HEB’s history. The company also noted that it has extended medical leave to all employees.

“In the event that one of our partners is diagnosed with coronavirus, they will receive a payment,” HEB said.

More than 50 HEB employees working in San Antonio tested positive for the virus in June.