Kroger Bringing on Furloughed Sysco Employees

Kroger is providing temporary jobs to Sysco employees who’ve been furloughed as a result of the coronavirus.

Under the agreement, Sysco associates who have been furloughed because of the impact of COVID-19 will be able to work at Kroger locations for 30 days, or more, as agreed upon by both companies. These workers will remain Sysco employees, with Sysco paying their salaries and supplying any benefits typically provided.

Sysco operates more than 320 distribution facilities and has more than 69,000 associates.

“During these unprecedented times, we are pleased to partner with Kroger, as both of our companies work to respond in an agile manner to meet the rapidly evolving needs of our associates and our communities,” said Kevin Hourican, Sysco president and CEO. “This agreement will benefit many of Sysco’s associates by creating good work opportunities with a respected company, while at the same time helping to alleviate strain in the food supply chain due to a surge in demand at retail stores.”

Kroger, which has been on a hiring spree in an attempt to keep up with the increasing consumer demand incited by the spread of coronavirus, has made similar agreements with Marriott International, McLane Foodservice, Shamrocks Food, Sodexo, Thunderdome Restaurant Group, U.S. Foods and others. It’s expedited the hiring process between application and employment and now onboards new employees in about 72 hours.

“Kroger's top priority continues to be uplifting our associates and serving our communities, whether that's by ensuring customers always can find food and products on our shelves or by providing a nearly immediate job opportunity to help an unemployed person to begin working again,” said Tim Massa, Kroger's senior vice president and chief people officer. “During this time of uncertainty, Kroger is committed to remaining a constant. We have a responsibility to our associates, customers and communities, and we will continue to be here, for any need.”

The grocer said on March 27 that it plans to hire an additional 20,000 associates over the next several weeks.