Add CategoryAussie hardware giant Bunnings has committed to paying all its permanent employees affected by Victoria’s Stage Four lockdowns their full wages.
The retailer will retain all its staff despite Metropolitan Melbourne being under coronavirus restrictions that mean only tradies and industry partners can enter the store. In Metropolitan Melbourne, Bunnings is still operating to the public through no-touch ‘Click & Deliver’ or ‘Drive & Collect’ services.
Bunnings said in a statement its casual employees who work for 12 or more hours a week will also be paid the equivalent of their regular hours for the rest of the six-week lockdown period.
“We have a history of doing the right thing by our team, and I‘m really pleased to confirm we will support our Melbourne team members through this six week period irrespective of whether there is work available in our stores,” Bunnings Managing Director Mike Schneider said.
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“They are doing a phenomenal job looking after each other and our customers and keeping everyone safe – it‘s only right for us to look after them and provide certainty during this time.”
The commitment from Bunnings comes as Kmart also promised to continue paying its staff affected by lockdowns in Melbourne.
Bunnings has urged its other customers in NSW, the ACT and parts of Queensland to wear face coverings when shopping in their stores.
“Customers will be provided with an option to purchase a mask as they enter our stores should they wish to do so,” Bunnings said in a statement.
“We want to make sure we are doing everything we can to help reduce COVID-19 community transmission and we thank customers for their patience during this time.”