Lowe’s ups wages, implements new safety measures in response to COVID-19

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Mooresville-based home improvement company Lowe’s has announced additional actions being made in all its U.S. stores to further protect its workers and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All full-time, part-time and seasonal hourly associates are receiving a temporary $2 an hour wage increase for the hours they work in the month of April.

New operational changes include:

• All stores will close at 7 p.m. to ensure additional time to replenish essential products and thoroughly clean and sanitize stores daily.
• Masks and gloves will be available to all associates in the workplace who want them.
• Limiting the number of customers that are allowed in stores at a time. By using an app, each store manager can now monitor foot traffic and limit entrance based on CDC and local guidelines.
• Improving social distancing protocols with the addition of “social distancing ambassadors” who will be responsible for monitoring customer flow.
• Updated store floor layouts that include removing displays and adding floor markers to further support the CDC’s guidelines for social distancing.
• Customized Plexiglass shields have been installed at all points of sale to better protect cashiers and customer service associates.
• Increased third-party cleaning shifts will provide more cleaning in stores, beyond already enhanced daily cleaning efforts.

These new actions follow previous steps the company had taken last month which included special payments to hourly associates, hiring additional workers and offering 14 days of emergency paid leave for any associate who needed it.

The store had also improved its curbside pickup process for customers who did not want to enter the store.

“We are continually working on ways to protect and support our associates and our customers during this time when we are all adjusting how we work and live,” Lowe’s president and CEO Marvin Ellison said in a statement. “I’m announcing these new operational changes as we continue to keep the health and well-being of our associates and customers top of mind, especially as they look to us now more than ever for essential products, services and support.”

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