Chobani announced the starting hourly wage will increase to at least $15 per hour. As a result, the average hourly rate at Chobani manufacturing plants will be around $19 per hour.
The pay changes will take effect in the first quarter of 2021. Chobani has manufacturing plants in Twin Falls and South Edmeston, New York.
Chobani said in a news release that around 70 percent of its employees are paid hourly.
"This moment of uncertainty is a call for us to join together to strengthen communities and support those working tirelessly to make the food on the tables of families across America," said Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani. "Businesses should serve the people and communities in which they operate. Raising our base starting salary is the right thing to do and we hope other businesses, particularly food manufacturers, feel the same as we all work toward rebuilding our country."
Chobani has implemented health and safety measures to keep employees and their families safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes PPE, meals and increased financial benefits.
The company also included special incremental bonuses to all hourly plant employees for the past three quarters and an ongoing daily childcare subsidy to support those who found themselves without childcare options due to closed schools and childcare centers.
