Amazon to hire 100,000 more workers; raise salaries of current staff

They can't keep up with the demand! This is off CNBC

Amazon is hiring an additional 100,000 employees in the U.S. to meet the surge in demand from online shopping amid the coronavirus outbreak, the company said Monday. The company is looking to add extra full-time and part-time positions for warehouse and delivery workers. Through the end of April, it will raise pay for these employees by $2 per hour in the U.S., £2 per hour in the UK, and approximately €2 per hour in many EU countries. Amazon currently pays $15 per hour or more in some areas of the U.S. for warehouse and delivery jobs.

Amazon encouraged employees in other industries whose jobs were “lost or furloughed” as a result of the coronavirus to apply, including members of the hospitality, restaurant and travel industries. “We want those people to know we welcome them on our teams until things return to normal and their past employer is able to bring them back,” the company added.

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Amazon has been hit with a wave of delivery delays and product shortages. The continued spread of the coronavirus has meant consumers are increasingly relying on online retailers as they avoid going outdoors and face low inventory at physical stores. 

On Saturday, Amazon said some popular brands and items in the “household staples” categories were out of stock, while some of its “delivery promises are longer than usual.” Amazon added a notice to the top of its marketplace this weekend that reads: “Inventory and delivery may be temporarily unavailable due to increased demand. Confirm availability at checkout.”

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Amazon has faced increased demand from customers on multiple fronts amid the coronavirus outbreak. With shoppers stocking up online, services like Prime Now and the Amazon Fresh grocery delivery service reported limited availability for several days or told shoppers they were unable to make deliveries.

The company has been working to avoid disruptions in its supply chain, while some factories in China and elsewhere remain offline. Third-party sellers have also been working to keep up with demand, with many saying their inventory is running low. 

Additionally, some fulfillment center employees may not be showing up to work. Earlier this month, Amazon relaxed its attendance policy for warehouse workers, allowing them to take unlimited unpaid time off through the month of March. 

Earlier this month, Amazon moved to address the unique needs of fulfillment centers and delivery by launching a $25 million relief fund. The “Amazon Relief Fund” will allow these employees to apply for grants that are equal to or up to two weeks of pay if they’re diagnosed with the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.