Amazon Plans to Hire 300,000 Seasonal Workers
Amazon plans to hire 300,000 seasonal workers in the U.S. for the upcoming holiday season. This marks a 20% increase from its previous target of 250,000 workers. According to a statement from Amazon, this will be the largest temporary workforce the company has ever assembled.
The company will offer healthcare coverage starting January 1 for full-time, part-time, and seasonal hourly workers scheduled for at least 30 hours per week. Seasonal employees who start before this date will receive health benefits on their first day of work. Previously, part-time and seasonal workers qualified for medical insurance after 90 days, depending on hours worked. Amazon's health plans start at $5 a week, with $5 copays.
Amazon's seasonal roles typically fill quickly. Some seasonal workers transition to longer-term positions. The company stated that seasonal employees can earn an average wage of over $20 per hour. Full- and part-time regular employees earn nearly $24 per hour. This hiring initiative comes amid a challenging retail environment. Broader seasonal hiring is expected to weaken, marking the worst since 2008, according to industry reports.
Other retailers, including Walmart and Target, have chosen to use their existing workforces instead of hiring new seasonal staff. In contrast, companies like Spirit Halloween and Dick's Sporting Goods plan to hire around 73,000 seasonal workers this year. A recent report from Indeed noted a shift in seasonal hiring trends towards e-commerce fulfillment roles. Hiring windows are starting earlier than in previous years.
The announcement is likely to affect labor markets, especially in the retail and logistics sectors. Amazon's hiring may draw workers away from competitors. This could lead to upward pressure on wages in the retail sector, impacting overall employment dynamics.
Watch for further updates on retail hiring trends as the holiday shopping season approaches.
Based on reporting by: businessinsider.com, moneycontrol.com