(Reuters) – Kroger (NYSE) Co. will end some COVID-19 benefits to unvaccinated employees beginning next year. This is as Kroger pushes workers to be inoculated, amid increasing concerns about the Omicron coronavirus variant.

Unpaid COVID-19 leave will be discontinued by the Grocer. A spokesperson for the company stated on Tuesday that they will charge a $50 monthly surcharge for non-union salaried workers, who have not been vaccinated or enrolled in an employer’s health plan.

According to regulatory filings, Kroger was one of the largest private employers in America. It had 465,000 workers, full- and part-time, as of January 31st.

The spokesperson stated that “As the Pandemic prepares for the next stage, we modify policies to encourage safe behavior including vaccination.”

As President Joe Biden struggles to implement his vaccine-or test mandate for private companies, the push to get more people vaccinated is a natural response.

Analysts have warned that concerns about the Omicron version could lead to a surge in customers at Kroger stores over the next few weeks, as people stock up on household goods and other essentials. Kroger encourages shoppers to only purchase what they actually need, the company stated earlier in this month.