Lidl US said Tuesday that it will provide medical benefits for all its employees in more than 70 stores regardless of the number of hours they work per week.
Starting Jan.1, about 1,200 employees working part time will be eligible to buy into medical coverage through the company. On Long Island, the move affects part-time employees at Best Market transitioning to new stores in Plainview, Babylon, Huntington and Center Moriches.
“We want our team to have the peace of mind knowing they have healthcare coverage,” said Lidl US Chairman Roman Heini. “Giving team members working part-time at Lidl access to medical benefits is incredibly important and it will help them succeed. As we continue to expand, we are committed to supporting all our employees so they can be their best.”
Lidl US said it will invest up to $9 million in the first year, with investment growing as the retailer expands. In addition to medical benefits, part-time employees working less than 30 hours per week receive 401(k) company match, dental, vision, and life insurance, among other wellness incentives. The next open enrollment period for their medical, dental, and vision benefits will be in November.
Officials on Long Island applauded the news.
“Lidl’s policy change to offer healthcare coverage to part-time employees is a generous move that that will help make living on Long island more affordable for their employees and provide peace of mind for residents who may be working more than one job or who never qualified for insurance coverage in the past,” said Huntington Town Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci.