By Madison Hartley
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Due to new regulations and policies regarding the novel coronavirus, many businesses are forced to close their doors in hopes of slowing the spread of the disease. Saturday, Governor Asa Hutchison said “this is both a health crisis and an economic crisis.”
This is both a health crisis and an economic crisis.
– Gov. Asa Hutchison
Some businesses that remain open, however, are trying to provide additional support for their employees during a time of uncertainty.
Large Northwest Arkansas businesses like Tyson, Walmart and J.B. Hunt are issuing cash bonuses, among other resources, to their front-line employees.
Aside from the cash bonuses for Walmart associates, the Bentonville-based company announced that it will also hire 150,000 new associates through the end of May. The hiring process will be expedited to where “usually a two-week application cycle will be reduced to a 24-hour process,” a Walmart press release announced.
“I think they’re really working hard to get things on fast track and help more people get jobs during such a crazy time.” Walmart associate Jerome Johnson said.
Tyson Foods announced its promise on March 31 to give their eligible frontline workers and truckers $500 bonuses.
J.B. Hunt also pledged a one-time $500 bonus to its drivers and operations employees on March 23rd.