Seattle (WBAP/KLIF) – Amazon is raising the minimum wage for its 350,000 full-time, part-time and seasonal workers in the U.S.
Just in time for the upcoming holiday rush, workers will make $15 an hour starting November 1.
The announcement is good news for thousands of North Texans who work at one of several Amazon facilities in the metroplex.
Amazon Founder and Ceo Jeff Bezos, said on the company blog this morning:
“We listened to our critics, thought hard about what we wanted to do, and decided we want to lead. We’re excited about this change and encourage our competitors and other large employers to join us.”
Amazon’s public policy team will also begin advocating for an increase in the federal minimum wage.
“We will be working to gain Congressional support for an increase in the federal minimum wage. The current rate of $7.25 was set nearly a decade ago,” said Jay Carney, Senior Vice President of Amazon Global Corporate Affairs. “We intend to advocate for a minimum wage increase that will have a profound impact on the lives of tens of millions of people and families across this country.”
Amazon’s lobbyists will also push for an increase in the federal minimum wage, which has been stuck at $7.25 an hour since 2009.
Employees will continue to receive Amazon’s industry-leading benefits, including comprehensive healthcare, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave, 401k matching among other benefits.
(Copyright 2018 WBAP/KLIF 24/7 News.)
