<p>NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone said Wednesday it will offer its 33,000 U.S. employees $100 payments to get vaccinated against COVID-19, joining a group of large companies offering incentives for the shots.</p>
<p>The tire company is also exploring the possibility of similar programs for employees in Canada and Latin America, according to a news release.</p>
<p>Bridgestone has its Americas headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, with employees spread around the country at its tire and retread manufacturing facilities, research and development centers, and 2,200 company-owned tire and automotive service centers.</p>
<p>Bridgestone said it is providing the payments to make it easier for employees to get vaccinated but is not requiring they be vaccinated.</p>
<p>“Bridgestone is providing the $100 support payment to remove barriers for employees who choose to get the vaccine, such as missing work, child care, transportation costs, or other potential obstacles,” the news release states.</p>
<p>A number of other large companies have announced similar programs including Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based Dollar General, which said in January it would give its 157,000 employees the equivalent of four hours of pay if they get the vaccine.</p>
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