Tractor Supply providing COVID-19 vaccine payments

Tractor Supply Company announced that it is taking steps to make sure its employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 

The company reported that it plans to provide employees with a one-time payment of $50 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine while also allowing time off as needed for a vaccine appointment. 

Additionally, Tractor Supply has partnered with a third-party provider to facilitate onsite vaccination clinics at its eight distribution centers and store support center upon approval and availability.

Tractor Supply has about 42,000 employees. As of Dec. 26, 2020, the company operated 1,923 stores in 49 states along with 182 Petsense stores in 25 states. 

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, Tractor Supply’s top priority has been the health and safety of our team members, customers and communities,” said Melissa Kersey, Tractor Supply executive vice president and chief human resources officer. “We have closely followed the advice of the CDC and other medical professionals to take proactive steps to protect our team and customers. As vaccines become more widely available, we hope to make it as easy as possible for those who want to be vaccinated.”

Given the array of pet products and supplies along with hardware and essential needs offered by the company, Tractor Supply has been designated as an essential retailer since the widening of the pandemic last year.

The Brentwood, Tenn.-based retailer said that it is not mandating team member to get the vaccine. But the company also said that it is encouraging its employees to get the vaccine based on the advice from the CDC and health advocates.

According to Tractor Supply’s vaccination plan, any Team Member who needs to take time off to get vaccinated will be given the opportunity to make up the time taken off, unless state law requires otherwise. The incentives will be available to any employee who wishes to receive a vaccine, regardless of location, even if administered at an onsite vaccination clinic. 

Compensation will be available once the full manufacturer-recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are received and appropriate proof of vaccination has been provided to the company’s third-party vendor who is already performing COVID case management, safe return to work assessments and now vaccine verification.