Amazon said it plans to hire 75,000 more warehouse workers and drivers in the US and Canada on Thursday – and that it is raising wages and incentives due to a widespread labor shortage.
New employees will be paid at a starting rate of $ 17 per hour, reflecting recent wage increases of between 50 cents and $ 3 per hour. It is also offering sign up bonuses of up to $ 1000 at many locations, including an additional $ 100 to new travelers already vaccinated.
The greatest need for employees is in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin, the online giant said.
The rush to hire hourly workers has reached a fever pitch in the US as the economy opens up faster than workers’ ability or willingness to return to the workforce.
This week alone, McDonald’s and Chipotle planned to raise wages by 10,000 and 20,000 new employees, respectively.
Amazon’s announcement comes as it is fighting allegations that it illegally interfered in a union election in Bessemer, Ala., Where it won a vote to unionize a warehouse there.
The retail, wholesale and department store union filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board – a hearing is taking place this week – that the vote was secured due to Amazon’s illegal threats, which Amazon has rejected.
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