(Bloomberg) -- Some North American meat processors are offering plant workers bonuses as their already-grueling jobs become even more critical amid the coronavirus threat.

Spam-maker Hormel Foods Corp. and Maple Leaf Foods Inc., Canada’s largest food processor, are offering cash bonuses to plant workers amid a threat of production disruptions if workers start getting sick from the virus. Meat demand has soared since the outbreak as shoppers stock up on items for their pantries and freezers as they prepare to stay home to weather the pandemic.

Hormel will spend more than $4 million on cash bonuses for workers “who have been working around the clock” to ensure its products are available, the company said Monday. Full-time workers will receive $300 while part-time workers will get $150 in addition to extended paid sick leave. Sales of Hormel’s Spam increased as much as 37% in the four weeks ended March 8, according to a Bloomberg Intelligence report, citing IRI data.

Maple Leaf will be providing hourly staff with an C$80 ($55) per week additional support payment in addition to regular overtime and pay, it said Monday in a statement.

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