Target extending temporary hourly wage increase

Target is extending the temporary hourly wage increase it enacted in response to the COVID-19 crisis to July 4.

Target’s decision to extend the $2-per-hour bump comes as some other companies are set to end the increases they are giving to frontline workers at the end of May or early June. This is the second time Target has extended the temporary pay increase, which is given to part- and full-time workers, in recent months. 

The discounter is also extending other COVID-19 related benefits, including paid leave for employees ages 65 and older, pregnant workers and those with an underlying medical condition. 

The extensions were announced by Target CEO Brian Cornell in a memo to employees, reported the StarTribune.

"At the outset of the pandemic, we knew there was a long road ahead, that we would have to pace ourselves," Cornell wrote. "These pay and benefits extensions are intended to help you and your family do just that as we all continue to support each other and move forward."

Target has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to date on pandemic-related pay increases and other benefits for its 350,000-plus workers in stores and distribution centers.