By George Anderson
The company says employees are overreacting. Still, store managers and associates are scratching their heads over a decision by Giant Food to cut employee hours during the busiest time of year for the grocer.
A report in the Washington Post said managers have been instructed to cut payroll by four percent each week between now and year's end.
The chain, according to the report, has also begun changing the price on 2,000 items sold in its stores. Speculation is the chain may be raising prices so that it can bolster profits.
An unidentified manager who has begun cutting back hours for employees said, "People are wondering: 'How are we going to pay our bills?' "
Barry Scher, vice president of public affairs for Ahold USA, said the whole affair is being blown out of proportion.
"We make price adjustments on a regular basis," he said. "And we are always adjusting store hours. It's nothing new. That's how we run our business. . . . Every food retailer does it. It's very normal."
Moderator's Comment: What are your thoughts on Giant's decision to cut employee hours during the holiday season?
Personally, having worked in a busy store during the Thanksgiving through New Year's period, we're happy to be writing about Giant, rather than be employed as a manager or associate by the chain. [George Anderson - Moderator]