A New England supermarket chain is giving employees a pay upgrade this week. Big Y announced that 7,600 workers, or close to three-fourths of the company’s retail workforce, are receiving a pay increase meant to assist with the rising cost of living. The pay increase for employees took into effect on Sunday. The company said that the raise means every retail Big Y employee will be paid above minimum wage in both Massachusetts and Connecticut.This multimillion-dollar investment into store teams will increase starting pay rates for all clerks, customer service, fresh food and center store specialists, and assistant department managers. According to Big Y, members of upper management are not included in this increase. “We are proud to be investing in our hard-working store teams who have been on the front lines these past 2 years to support our customers and our community,” Big Y President and CEO Charles L. D’Amour said in a statement provided by the company. “We know that household budgets are being squeezed by inflation. We hope that by boosting their hourly rates, we will help them to weather these tough times as we recognize and appreciate their efforts and their loyalty. ” In total, the chain has 71 supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and 13 Big Y Express gas and convenience locations with almost 11,000 employees. The chain said new store locations are planned in new regions.