IRVING, N.Y. (WKBW) — JC Seneca, the owner of Native Pride Travel Plaza, announced Friday he is giving a retroactive pay raise to his hourly employees. According to Seneca, "the increase is his way of showing appreciation for his staff in the ways they are serving truckers during this demanding time."
“Since the spread of COVID-19, America’s professional truck drivers are being challenged to deliver needed food and supplies in short time periods, over long distances,” Seneca said. “Added to that are the recent enforcements of strict "occupancy limits" at truck stops and travel centers, causing drivers to experience lengthy delays when stopping for food or fuel. Twenty-minute stops are often turning into more than two-hour layovers. At Native Pride our team members understand the importance of getting truckers in and out in a timely fashion, even more so at this time. Over the last three weeks, all of our employees--- at the fuel pumps, in the kitchen and behind our store registers--- have shown a true dedication to efficiently serving truck drivers and getting them back on the road. It's been demanding work under difficult circumstances, but together, as a team, they've done a great job. That kind of resiliency needs to be recognized and giving them this raise is just the right thing to do. I’m fortunate and thankful to be able to do it.”
Native Pride employees will receive a $2/hour increase, retroactive to March 16th and extending through May 3rd. At that time, the pay increase will be reevaluated.
Native Pride is open 24-hours, seven days a week. Currently, the diner is serving take-out only. The convenience store is open normal hours.
