Amazon to invest over one billion dollars in wage increases

The multinational company Amazon announced its plans to invest over one billion dollars in wage increases for its employees.

On September 17, the multinational company Amazon announced its plans to invest over one billion dollars in wage increases for its employees, as well as reducing the cost of health plans for its logistics and transportation workers across the United States.

According to the company, the average hourly wage will be raised to more than $23, and workers with more seniority could see an increase ranging from $1.10 to $1.90 per hour. Full-time employees, on average, will see their salary increase by $1,600 per year, Amazon reported.

In addition to the wage increase, Amazon promised to reduce the cost of its basic health plan to $5 per week and $5 per copay, starting next year. With this reduction, the company aims to lower weekly contributions by 34% and copays by 87%, as reported by Transport Topics, for primary care, mental health, and most non-specialized visits for those using this health plan.

Amazon, Walmart, and Target: wage increases and employee benefits

Amazon has a global workforce of 1.5 million employees, making it one of the largest logistics companies in North America. The decision to invest over a billion dollars in wage increases stems from the strikes that began last December, in which the Teamsters union pressured the company to sign a labor agreement during a key period for holiday shopping.

Similar cases have occurred at other logistics companies in the United States, such as Walmart and Target. In January 2024, Walmart, the largest private employer in the U.S., announced that the average wage for its hourly workers would exceed $18, up from $17.50. This increase followed the introduction of better-paying positions, such as those in automotive care. Walmart had also announced wage increases in January 2023, raising starting wages to between $14 and $19 per hour, up from the previous range of $12 to $18.

Meanwhile, Target, based in Minneapolis, offers starting hourly wages between $15 and $24, depending on location, with an average wage of over $18 per hour in its stores.

Both companies have raised wages for their workers in response to changes in the logistics industry.

Reducing turnover rates

Although these changes came later than expected, in a context where workers had already been demanding adjustments and improvements, major logistics and goods companies in the U.S. are taking the right step. With the risk of increasing taxes and fees, it is essential that workers and transporters receive fair wages that match the current economy and adequately reflect their effort within the companies where they work.

These adjustments not only address a social need but also send a positive message to employees, helping to reduce turnover rates. This becomes a strategic advantage for the companies, allowing them to maintain a more stable and committed workforce.