SALINAS, CA - As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more widely available, companies across our industry are taking big steps to ensure that their employees remain safe. Recently, Tanimura & Antle announced that it had made a pivotal move in safeguarding its associates, distributing vaccinations to more than 4,000 employees throughout its operations in California, Arizona, and Tennessee.

“As of the end of this week, all Tanimura & Antle employees have been given an opportunity to receive or be scheduled for a vaccination and that is a great feeling, knowing that a safety net has been cast for all willing to receive it,” Kerry Varney, Chief Administrative Officer of Tanimura & Antle. “We are truly grateful for our employees’ contributions during this challenging year and we are incredibly thankful that we can offer this opportunity to them.”

Tanimura & Antle worked in coordination with organizations like the Grower Shipper Association of Salinas, the National Guard, Ventura Public Health, and the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA), among many other public health groups to provide vaccine access to its workers. According to a press release, the vaccine was prioritized for those 75 and older first, then those 65 and older, before finally being opened to all employees working in agriculture.

“We are not only advocating that our current employees get vaccinated before the end of our winter growing season, but we are encouraging employees who will be returning from layoff in our other growing regions as well,” said Carmen Ponce, Vice President of General Counsel of Labor. “The entire company and upper management team are incredibly proud and thankful for the members of our dedicated Human Resources Department for undertaking the huge endeavor to vaccinate our workforce. This has entailed a great deal of personal outreach, education, and myth busting, in addition to much coordination, planning, and logistical support with our terrific health care and association partners.”

With the help of VNA, the company is hosting five on-site vaccinations clinics at its headquarters in Spreckels, California, over the coming week. Tanimura & Antle was able to vaccinate 375 employees at its first vaccination clinic this past Saturday, March 20.

While the health and safety of its workers has become even more pressing over the last year, the company has always taken great pride in improving the lives of its workforce that helps drive Tanimura & Antles success. To honor its associates, the company provides options for full medical benefits, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, seasonal bonuses, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and competitive wages.

In 2016, the company built employee housing, now named Spreckels Crossing, to provide employees with a safe, clean, and affordable place to live. Now, Tanimura & Antle also includes its employees as business partners in its Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), allowing employees to be part Owners of the company.

COVID-19 vaccinations being offered to employees are free of cost, and safe guards will continue to be taken by the company to ensure the ongoing safety of its workforce.

As more companies begin offering vaccines to its employees, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

Tanimura & Antle