Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Sam Boal

Aldi rewards staff for coronavirus efforts with 10% bonus

The retailer said that the payment was to reward colleagues who have “worked tirelessly” in recent weeks.

ALDI HAS ANNOUNCED that its 3,800 workers in Ireland will receive a 10% bonus in recognition of their efforts helping the grocery giant meet the swell in demand sparked by the Covid-19 crisis.

The German chain announced the enhanced pay today following a similar move by Tesco last week. Staff will receive a 10% bonus on hours worked, from March until the end of April.

The retailer said that the payment was to reward colleagues who it said had “worked tirelessly” in recent weeks.

In the early days of the virus outbreak in Ireland, grocery stores had to cope with a massive increase of customers as a rush of panic buying led to a surge in demand for goods. 

Aldi is one of several retailers that is offering priority hours for the elderly and vulnerable from 11am to 1pm daily.

The chain has also launched a recruitment drive across the country to boost its workforce. 

In other positive pandemic news, a pair of Dublin artists have released a range of t-shirts and bags to encourage people to observe social distancing rules.

The products are a collaboration between photographer Ruth Medjber and illustrator Holly Pereira and they are made with materials ethically sourced in Sligo.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
72 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute marianne ryan
    Favourite marianne ryan
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 9:58 PM

    All supermarkets should recognise the bravery if their staff and reward them.

    1163
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tommy C
    Favourite Tommy C
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:24 PM

    @marianne ryan: fair play to them. A lot better than the way Dunnes treats their staff

    404
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dizzy
    Favourite Dizzy
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:40 PM

    @Tommy C: My son worked for Dunne’s and Tesco and he always said Dunne’s were better to work for. That was a few years ago maybe things have changed.

    80
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cork Truck Driver
    Favourite Cork Truck Driver
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:43 PM

    @Dizzy: I worked for both Dunnes & Tesco myself, Tesco was by far the better paying job, also the management are better.

    81
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seán Beecher
    Favourite Seán Beecher
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 12:07 AM

    @marianne ryan: Completely agree.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gally Had
    Favourite Gally Had
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 11:21 AM

    @Tommy C: Dunnes is an awful place to work, did Christmas work in there and was delighted to see the back of the place after only a few weeks

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute bmul
    Favourite bmul
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:03 PM

    Paying staff a bonus , no price gouging and recruiting lots more staff seem to be getting a lot right

    624
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Nomates
    Favourite Dave Nomates
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 11:43 PM

    @bmul: Revenue should ensure its tax free to the workers.

    131
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denise Maguire
    Favourite Denise Maguire
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 1:24 AM

    @Dave Nomates: why?

    56
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alex Gammell
    Favourite Alex Gammell
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 1:53 AM

    @Denise Maguire: why not?

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute old man trucker
    Favourite old man trucker
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 7:32 AM

    @Alex Gammell: coz the country is going to b fecking broke

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fergal O'Hagan
    Favourite Fergal O'Hagan
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 8:43 AM

    @Dave Nomates: should be paid via a prepaid credit card or one for all voucher. Think upto €500 can be given tax free?

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karllye kripton
    Favourite Karllye kripton
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 10:31 AM

    @old man trucker: it’s aldis money not the tax payers ???

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sean de paore
    Favourite sean de paore
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:09 PM

    Aldi appears to be a very good employer. They have always operated well above the National Minimum Wage and generally are well thought of by their employees.

    512
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter McGlynn
    Favourite Peter McGlynn
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:10 PM

    @sean de paore: you can see that in the attitude of the staff.

    268
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute patrick boland
    Favourite patrick boland
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 7:19 AM

    @sean de paore: appears!!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Coyne
    Favourite Pat Coyne
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:10 PM

    The members of staff at the branch on Parnell in Dublin deserve medals for their Trojan efforts, a lovely bunch of young people from every corner of the planet. Thank you all, we Northside Dubliners are in your debt.

    418
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Walshe
    Favourite Mary Walshe
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:17 PM

    I still say that supermarkets should be opening 24/7, at least for the next few weeks
    Longer opening hours = less customers in the shops at any one time, more produce available for those coming off shifts, ie healthcare workers, safer working conditions for staff.
    I would suggest three 8 hour shifts per day. Rotate the staff on counters so that the same people are not constantly dealing with customers.
    Worth a try!

    226
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Derek O Brien
    Favourite Derek O Brien
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:47 PM

    @Mary Walshe: off you go there now Mary and apply to work in one of those supermarkets on a Nightshift because I know the majority of staff don’t want it

    197
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sinead O'Neill
    Favourite Sinead O'Neill
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:51 PM

    @Mary Walshe: not that easy. Some people are on low hour contracts and because of family/personal commitments don’t want to work any extra hours. Then alot of older staff are on old contracts that they only work between certain hours of the day. Nobody has to do night work and apart from night staff that stock the floor most others don’t want to do nights.

    Alot of stores are open 12-18 hours a day, that’s long enough to get what anyone needs.

    104
    See 5 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Walshe
    Favourite Mary Walshe
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:56 PM

    @Sinead O’Neill:
    I’m not suggesting for a minute that anybody be forced to work any hours. But I’m sure if it were offered , especially at a premium rate, some workers would be happy to take it on.
    In the spirit of helping in a crisis.

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Walshe
    Favourite Mary Walshe
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:58 PM

    @Derek O Brien:
    I worked night hours for many years as a taxi driver, in a job that was far more taxing and stressful than working in a supermarket!

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mark bell
    Favourite mark bell
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:59 PM

    @Mary Walshe: it’s hard enough for us to go into work under the circumstances (but we do) without having to open longer hours

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute anthony mcgowan
    Favourite anthony mcgowan
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 4:17 AM

    @Mary Walshe: it wouldn’t work, people will still shop when it’s convenient and the late night hours would be deserted, straining further, already strained staff. What we have is working, no need to reinvent the wheel.

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Trish Ryan
    Favourite Trish Ryan
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 10:35 AM

    @Mary Walshe: feck off .work is bad enough without dealing with numptys at 3 am. Also increased time to expose staff(and ultimately their families) even more than nessessary.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vinny O Brien
    Favourite Vinny O Brien
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:26 PM

    We all can reward our healthcare workers by staying at home

    173
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Justin Gillespie
    Favourite Justin Gillespie
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 9:09 AM

    @Vinny O Brien: Well said Vinny.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark
    Favourite Mark
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:06 PM

    Fair play. But is say their work output was increased by a lot more than 10% along with the company’s profits to be fair

    127
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute bmul
    Favourite bmul
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:09 PM

    @Mark: I would say they are also getting paid for overtime

    79
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ashley Rowland
    Favourite Ashley Rowland
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:16 PM

    @bmul: And paying 51 percent of it to the taxman

    85
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aoife Mac Cana
    Favourite Aoife Mac Cana
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:20 PM

    @Ashley Rowland: I don’t think anyone can begrudge paying taxes right now given that we are sharing the wealth amongst those most needy. Our country is on its knees and we all play a part in protecting its citizens, and rebuilding it when the time comes.

    136
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Bury
    Favourite Kevin Bury
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:31 PM

    @Ashley Rowland: did u read the news today

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute
    Favourite
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 11:19 PM

    @Ashley Rowland:

    Ehhh I somehow doubt they’re on the massive salary required to pay anything close to 51% tax. I made 55k in Ireland and still only paid about 30% tax overall. You’d need to make well over 200k a year to be paying 51% overall.

    Actually, after looking it up on PWCs tax calculator, you simply never reach 50% tax even on millions a year. The top rate is 48%, what are you smoking?

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sandra Whelehan
    Favourite Sandra Whelehan
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 6:10 AM

    @Ashley Rowland: I don’t think most people working In Aldi need to worry about the higher tax bracket!!! Nice to see your living in reality though.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donal Desmond
    Favourite Donal Desmond
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:24 PM

    They deserve more… Well done to the staff , To all the staff working in supermarkets . Hope the next government will not forget the nurses, cleaning staff, paramedics, Doctors , and everybody that have put themselves in the front line.

    105
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Thomas
    Favourite Dave Thomas
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:30 PM

    @Donal Desmond: it wiłl be back to business as usual.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Hoey
    Favourite Ian Hoey
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 1:43 AM

    I work in a supermarket and the other day a sweet old lady approached me, thanked me and said she appreciated all mine(and my colleagues) hard work in trying to keep the shelves stocked. I was having a very stressful day and it put a smile on my face. It was a small gesture but it meant a lot. The whole country is under extreme stress at the moment but a simple ‘thank you’ can make someone’s day that bit easier.

    92
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter McGlynn
    Favourite Peter McGlynn
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:09 PM

    Not surprised. Happiest staff I see in the supermarkets where I am.

    98
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute shay
    Favourite shay
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:34 PM

    Don’t shop in aldi, but after this I will, promise. They make there staff work from what I hear but reward them when the do

    60
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute MrsWoman
    Favourite MrsWoman
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 11:00 PM

    Fair play Aldi. Great to see hard work rewarded. Thanks to everyone in retail who have gone above and beyond the past few weeks.

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute leo_nila
    Favourite leo_nila
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:13 PM

    Wish the government could think of that with all the people at the frontline right now

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vinny O Brien
    Favourite Vinny O Brien
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:26 PM

    We all can reward our healthcare workers by staying at home

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Geraldine Clarke
    Favourite Geraldine Clarke
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:32 PM

    Great work so grateful to these people for going into work
    Thank you and well deserved

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SilentFugitive
    Favourite SilentFugitive
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:24 PM

    On the subject of essential Vs non essential retail, will Aldi have to shut the middle aisle but leave outer aisles open? Times like these I’d need a saw and a canoe

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot Quinn
    Favourite Dermot Quinn
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:41 PM

    @SilentFugitive: That’s great. Make sure to let us all know when your stand up God goes ahead after all this.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid Walshe
    Favourite Diarmuid Walshe
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:44 PM

    @SilentFugitive: I used to live in the Netherlands and was intrigued by the random products whilst grocery shopping.

    12
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Justin Gillespie
    Favourite Justin Gillespie
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 9:14 AM

    @Dermot Quinn: You might want to have another go at that one Dermot.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Life in no motion
    Favourite Life in no motion
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:59 PM

    If only this bonus could somehow be made tax free as a once off…. the staff have more than earned it and would be great if staff didn’t have to hand over a huge piece of it to the revenue

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denise Maguire
    Favourite Denise Maguire
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 1:26 AM

    @Life in no motion: taxes pay for welfare payments, cant have it both ways.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denise Maguire
    Favourite Denise Maguire
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 1:27 AM

    @Life in no motion: mind you, the USA are doing a tax free payment of $5,000

    6
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Soeren Kuehling
    Favourite Soeren Kuehling
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 9:38 AM

    @Denise Maguire: the usa also already have the biggest debt of any country un the world, a few more billions don’t matter for them, they just print more money

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Damien
    Favourite Damien
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 11:45 PM

    Well done Aldi. People in retail already work hard enough and get no thanks from anyone. I only hope this situation changes that even a little. Retail staff have always worked late nights and early mornings and over most holidays. Then they take abuse and insults from know it all customers. I fear it will be forgotten very easily and people will go back to their old ways.

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Hoey
    Favourite Ian Hoey
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 1:26 AM

    Nice to see so many positive comments towards retail staff. We usually only hear negative comments!!!

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colette Kearns
    Favourite Colette Kearns
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:27 PM

    Very well deserved & all of them should be doing the same!

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fran O'Keeffe
    Favourite Fran O'Keeffe
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:44 PM

    Fair play more than hse staff are getting

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Scott Mcgarry
    Favourite Scott Mcgarry
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 11:05 PM

    Fair play to them..

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute AA Brady
    Favourite AA Brady
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 11:55 PM

    Well deserved too.The Kinnegad store staff are second-to-none, imo.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lapsy Pa
    Favourite Lapsy Pa
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 11:24 PM

    I’m still doing same shopping , the population hasn’t suddenly risen . What’s all the panic about ? Is it just the rampant alcoholism ?

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Margaret Lane
    Favourite Margaret Lane
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 5:20 PM

    I guess people are worried they might have to self-isolate for two weeks or that good might not be delivered to shops for some reason.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brendan Barr
    Favourite Brendan Barr
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 1:05 AM

    We should set up a tipping system for the unsung hero’s of our supermarkets, I wonder how we could start something?

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Cunningham
    Favourite Paul Cunningham
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 5:15 AM

    @Brendan Barr: tipping culture is a downhill slope, I would rather this 10% bonus over any tips. We aren’t America

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Toon Army
    Favourite Toon Army
    Report
    Mar 24th 2020, 10:59 PM

    Every little helps.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bren Dunne
    Favourite Bren Dunne
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 6:04 AM

    Fairplay Aldi

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Richard Casey
    Favourite Richard Casey
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 9:45 AM

    Tesco have given a 10% increase, not a one off bonus

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karllye kripton
    Favourite Karllye kripton
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 10:30 AM

    Is aldi the best store or what, workers rewarded for the hard work and effort and getting the living wage

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eddie Michael
    Favourite Eddie Michael
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 5:28 AM

    Nothing compared to the profits the supermarkets are making over the virus panicking

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kim
    Favourite Kim
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 11:00 AM

    Proper order well deserved like the medical staff guards army and fire services front line workers like food retail stores should be considered hero’s you are our hero’s and keeping the world feed ❤️

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pete Gilmartin
    Favourite Pete Gilmartin
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 2:03 AM

    So people’s lives are worth am extra €40 a week? What a fricking joke!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Wreck Tangle
    Favourite Wreck Tangle
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 8:30 AM

    @Pete Gilmartin:

    Would you rather the shops were closed and everyone starves to death. It’s a token gesture from Aldi and better than our home grown companies like Dunnes and Supervalu are doing!

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pete Gilmartin
    Favourite Pete Gilmartin
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 10:52 AM

    @Wreck Tangle: I would rather they were compensated as front line workers and given a wage that reflects the danger.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Harley Davidson
    Favourite Harley Davidson
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 7:04 AM

    @Dermot Quinn: What’s your problem you narcissist disrespectful souless idiot?

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Harley Davidson
    Favourite Harley Davidson
    Report
    Mar 25th 2020, 7:00 AM

    What’s your problem you narcissist disrespectful souless idiot?

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds