A chain of big-box retail outlets for members-only is run by the American multinational company Costco Wholesale Corporation. In addition to offering the world’s greatest selection of organic foods, rotisserie chicken, and wine, Costco is also the third-largest retailer globally. Losing a loved one or someone close causes bereavement. Many employers give their staff time off to attend funeral arrangements and grieve for the loss of a loved one. Let us know about “Costco Bereavement Policy”
The grieving policy at Costco provides five paid days off in the event of the passing of a close relative, such as a spouse, sibling, kid, parent, or grandmother. Full-time and part-time Costco employees have the right to bereavement leave after 90 days of employment, and their jobs are protected during that time.
If you apply for longer leave duration, Costco will extend your bereavement leave beyond the standard five days. However, there are certain restrictions:
- Confirmation with your line manager
- These extra days will be unpaid
- No guarantee of job protection provided
An alternative option available to employees is to use their leftover paid vacation time to extend their bereavement leave beyond 5 days.
You can request bereavement leave an unlimited number of times. However, it will be either 5 days or 1 day depending on your relationship with the deceased.
The Following Members Are Covered In The Costco Bereavement Policy Plan
- Spouses irrespective of if they are of the same sex
- Parents to include in-laws, adopted parents, foster parents, or guardians
- Children including stepchildren and foster children
- Siblings to include half-siblings and step-siblings
- Grandparents
- Grandchildren
However, because Costco values their employee and respects a staff’s emotional capacity if bereaved, if someone very close to you outside the above-mentioned is bereaved, you can speak to the human resources regarding your situation. Factors taken into consideration and based on management discretion before approving extra days for bereavement include:
- Your closeness to the deceased
- Whether or not you have any significant responsibility partaking in arrangements for the funeral.
- Any legal or financial responsibility you have about the deceased.
Documents Required As Proof Of Bereavement Include:
- Obituary or funeral program
- Original death certificate or its copy
- Relationship with the deceased
The amount you receive as bereavement pay is determined by:
- Your scheduled hours of work for the days missed
- Your pay rate
The bereavement pay is usually paid together with your monthly income package on your payday.
Bereavement Leave Procedure At Costco
You must use one of your compensated bereavement days at Costco on the day of the funeral. However, if you have already taken all 5 days of bereavement, you can apply for a day off to attend the funeral. You must:
- Notify your employer as soon as you get the news
- Make a written request for bereavement leave
- Supply the relevant documentation required
- Wait for approval response from the HR
- Prepare your workplace notes
Other companies like Costco that provide employees with bereavement leave are:
- Walmart offers its employees 3 days of paid leave on the death of an immediate family member.
- Amazon provides full-time employees with 3 days of paid bereavement leave. Their part-time employees, however, are qualified for up to three paid part-time days off for bereavement leave.
- Target employees are offered 3 days of bereavement paid leave provided they have worked with the company for 90 days.
- Best buy provides employees with 5 days of paid bereavement leave in the event of the death of a loved one.
Importance Of Bereavement Leave
- It helps the employee physically and mentally process the grief feelings
- Make Contact with family and friends about the loss of a loved one
- Travel for funeral and memorial service
- Assist family members with preparations for the funeral
- Contact insurance providers
- Complete legal documents regarding the will of the loved one and manage their estates and other properties
- Rest and refresh after the funeral
Summary
Costco provides 5 days of paid bereavement leave to employees and associates who have worked for 90 days and more with job protection guaranteed. However, if you intend to extend your bereavement leave days beyond the 5 days, you will need to speak with your line manager and it is worthy of note that this will be unpaid not unless you are using your unused paid leave. You also need to provide proof of bereavements such as a death certificate and funeral program to obtain approval of bereavement leave.
FAQ
Who is entitled to bereavement pay?
Full-time and part-time employees, associates, store, sta,ff, and management are all entitled to bereavement pay.
Are seasonal employees entitled to bereavement leave at Costco?
No, because the company policy states that you must have worked for Costco for at least 90 days.
Is there a legal obligation by Costco to provide bereavement leave?
No, Costco is not required by law to give its employee’s bereavement leave.
