Another retailer matches Walmart wages

Pennsylvania-based food retailers Giant and Martin’s Food Stores said they will begin paying all non-union workers a minimum of $9 a hour beginning in June.

The operator of 200 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia said the move was part of the company’s commitment to provide competitive wages.

"Our associates are the foundation of our success, and we have always believed in paying competitive wages to attract the best talent," said Tom Lenkevich, Giant/Martin’s president.

The change applies to the retailer’s 197 non-union stores and affects roughly 10,000 part time employees. The retailer employs about 33,000 people, two thirds of whom already were being paid more than $9.

"We believe that this is the right thing to do. Our goal is to continue to be an employer of choice by offering a competitive total compensation package, a work environment based upon respect, an emphasis on personal excellence and opportunities for career advancement,” Lenkevich said.

The move follows a similar action earlier this year in which Walmart said it would increase the minimum wage it pays workers to $9 this year and $10 next year. A number of other retailers including TJX companies and Target subsequently took similar actions.