Walgreens Increases Benefits for Employees Called to Active Military Duty
DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Leading drugstore chain Walgreens here has once again increased benefits for its employees called to active military duty. The company said yesterday that those employees answering their country's call will receive special benefits for up to 42 months.
This is the second time in seven months that the company has increased these benefits, and the sixth time the benefits have been extended since 2002. Nearly 40 percent of Walgreen employees on military leave are receiving supplemental pay from the company to make up for lower wages as a result of being called to active duty.
"The Walgreens employees -- and their families -- who are on active duty, especially those serving is Afghanistan and Iraq, carry a special burden," said Walgreens chairman and c.e.o. Dave Bernauer in a statement. "We won't hesitate to help make this time a little easier for them."
Under Walgreens military leave policy, employees called to active service receive their full salary, less military pay, for 42 months from the last day worked. They also have the option of continuing medical, prescription, and dental coverage at active employee rates.
Walgreen Co. operates 5,080 stores in 45 states and Puerto Rico. Walgreens also provides additional services to pharmacy patients and prescription drug and medical plans through Walgreens Health Initiatives (a pharmacy benefits manager), Walgreens Mail Service, Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy, and Walgreens Home Care.
This is the second time in seven months that the company has increased these benefits, and the sixth time the benefits have been extended since 2002. Nearly 40 percent of Walgreen employees on military leave are receiving supplemental pay from the company to make up for lower wages as a result of being called to active duty.
"The Walgreens employees -- and their families -- who are on active duty, especially those serving is Afghanistan and Iraq, carry a special burden," said Walgreens chairman and c.e.o. Dave Bernauer in a statement. "We won't hesitate to help make this time a little easier for them."
Under Walgreens military leave policy, employees called to active service receive their full salary, less military pay, for 42 months from the last day worked. They also have the option of continuing medical, prescription, and dental coverage at active employee rates.
Walgreen Co. operates 5,080 stores in 45 states and Puerto Rico. Walgreens also provides additional services to pharmacy patients and prescription drug and medical plans through Walgreens Health Initiatives (a pharmacy benefits manager), Walgreens Mail Service, Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy, and Walgreens Home Care.