On Thursday, Amazon.com Inc said it would spend more than $500 million on one-time incentives for its front-line staff in the United States who are working amid the COVID-19 pandemic during the holiday season.
In its blog, the online retailer said full-time employees who are employed by the company from December 1 to December 31 would get $300, and part-time employees are entitled to get $150.
The world’s largest online retailer highlighted it had invested over $750 million in additional pay for its front-liners, on top of its $15 national minimum wage in this quarter. Also, in June, Amazon spent $500 million in one-time payments to front-line employees and partners.
In a statement to The Washington Post, Heather Knox, a spokeswoman for Amazon, said on top of the hourly wage, the company also offers health benefits and has invested in a number of covid-related safety measures, including on-site testing.
On the other hand, Reuters revealed that during the pandemic, many retailers, including Walmart Inc and Home Depot Inc, spent millions in incentives to reward workers for catering to a spike in online shopping.
Walmart has given workers more than $1.1 billion in cash bonuses during the pandemic. Also, the company offers paid sick leave and emergency leave for those who are tested positive for COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Home Depot has given its associates expanded paid time off for all hourly workers and temporary weekly bonuses. However, as the housing market continues to thrive, the company has decided to give them a permanent pay increase.
