The Lehigh Valley’s two leading convenience store operators, Wawa and Sheetz, are going head-to-head in hopes of finding more employees, a trend that’s increasing among many companies.
Sheetz, based in Altoona, Blair County, announced Monday it will spend $50 million this year to raise pay for all 18,000 workers across the company, without cutting back hours for full-time employees. The chain announced a $2-an-hour wage increase for all store employees, effective May 21, plus an additional $1-per-hour increase for three months as a part of a “summer stimulus program.”
“To attract and retain top talent, we know we need to continue to invest in our employees,” said Sheetz President and COO Travis Sheetz. “That investment includes more than just competitive wages. We provide career growth opportunities and a clear path to promotion so life at Sheetz can be not just a job, but a career.”
A Sheetz spokesperson said the wage hikes means the average wage across all store employees will ultimately go to $15.50 per hour for workers and $18.50 per hour for supervisors. The $1-per-hour summer stimulus increase expires Sept. 23.
The company said it has more than 2,000 openings throughout its chain of more than 600 stores in six states, including 269 stores in Pennsylvania. Those interested in jobs and upcoming hiring events can visit jobs.sheetz.com.
Meanwhile Wawa Inc., which is based in Media, Delaware County, announced May 3 it is seeking to fill 5,000 full- and part-time positions over the next three months, with incentives of up to $800 to join.
That offer includes a $300 incentive for associates who receive the COVID-19 vaccine through June 18, and a $500 bonus for new hires in certain positions through June 15.
Wawa said it aims to fill store-level customer-service, supervisory and management-level positions as a result of seasonal and store growth. The company has more than 860 stores in five states and Washington, D.C. Those interested in jobs can visit wawa.com/careers.
A Wawa spokesperson did not respond to an email seeking information about current workers’ wages.
It’s not the first time the dueling convenience store chains have jacked up pay in the battle for workers, but finding those workers has become a greater challenge across the Lehigh Valley as pandemic-induced restrictions become relaxed and businesses seek to reopen or expand.
A report last week from the National Federation of Independent Business showed a record 44% of all small business owners report having job openings they could not fill, 22 points higher than the 48-year historical average, and two points higher than the 42% figure from March.
“The tight labor market is the biggest concern for small businesses who are competing with various factors, such as supplemental unemployment benefits, child care and in-person school restrictions, and the virus,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said.
Tony Iannelli, president and CEO of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, told The Morning Call last week that a “lack of willing and ready employees” could slow the economy’s economic momentum.
Morning Call reporter Anthony Salamone can be reached at asalamone@mcall.com.
