Publix, the Southern grocery chain with more than 1,095 stores across the nation joins an ever increasing list of companies which are supporting gay marriage.
The Florida based grocery chain Publix has stated that gay and lesbian couples in its payroll will be eligible for health and other insurance facilities. Publix announcement comes just days before same-sex marriage is set to become legal in its home state.
Publix also said that it will be widening its spouse coverage beginning on Jan. 1 and will now also include health, dental, and vision benefits.
According to a Tampa Bay Times report Publix will be providing health and other insurance benefits to its employees who are gay. Previously Publix did not recognize such marriages as legal partners.
As per the figures released by Washington, D.C.-based Human Rights Campaign, 66% of the Fortune 500 has uniform policy of providing medical benefits to spouses as well as partners. Publix is the latest addition to an increasing list of companies who are extending the health and other benefits to gay couples also. Activists have hailed the Publix decision as revolutionary and a major step forward for gay rights.
Publix has over 1,095 stores across the nation and is recognized as one of the largest grocery chains in the southeastern United States. The highest density of Publix stores in any state is Florida. It also has its stores in North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Same sex marriage has been recognized across 35 states.
Employees with Publix will get a 30 day enrollment window for same-sex married employees from 2015 after which they will be eligible for all the insurance and medical benefits as their partners. Employees will be required to furnish certified marriage certificates and universal enrollment forms when they sign up.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.