Employees at Target stores and distribution centres could soon see some of the highest wages in the retail industry.
The discounter said that it is lifting its starting wage from $15 to $24 per hour in a move to position itself “as a wage leader in every market where we operate”. The new pay range will apply to all hourly workers across stores, supply chain facilities and headquarters locations. The exact starting wage within the range will depend on the job and the local market, with market-level wages set by the retailer based on industry benchmarking, local wage data and more. In October 2020, Target announced it was raising its starting wage to $15 an hour, beginning on 5 July.
Target is also expanding its health benefits. Hourly workers who work 25 hours or more a week will now be eligible to enroll in the chain’s medical plan, down from the previous requirement of 30 hours. The shift means that about 20 per cent of Target’s team will now be newly eligible for comprehensive health care benefits.
The company is also reducing the waiting period for all eligible hourly team members to enroll in a medical plan. Depending on position, eligible employees can access their health care benefits three to nine months sooner.
