Amazon is giving tribute to the frontliners by giving away $500 million, and they call this the "Thank You bonus." This is intended for the Amazon front-line employees who have been with the company in the month of June. This came after the eCommerce firm eliminated their $2 hourly wage bump and double pay for overtime for their frontliners right at the end of May, CNN reported.
The company has been generous enough to continue operating and providing services for its customers in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the need for employees and warehouse managers to work during these times has been high.
Amazon's one-time bonus to their coronavirus frontliners
Amazon senior vice president for worldwide operations Dave Clark said, "Our front-line operations teams have been on an incredible journey over the last few months, and we want to show our appreciation with a special one-time Thank You bonus totaling over $500 million."
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This is a one-time bonus that has varying amounts. It's intended for Amazon's full-time employees, those who belong to Whole Foods, an Amazon subsidiary, and the drivers of delivery service partners. Those in this category will receive $500.
A total of $250 is allotted to part-time employees and drivers. Frontline leaders at Whole Foods and Amazon will each receive $1,000. Meanwhile, delivery service partner owners, or those who help receive packages to Amazon customers, will receive $3,000. For drivers at Amazon Flex who have worked more than 10 hours in June, they will receive $150.
Soaring demand
Amazon is the one-stop-shop that customers prefer during the pandemic, since it is the perfect match for their needs. It delivers the product right to their doorsteps, even household essentials.
However, the company has been subjected to investigation concerning the workplace conditions of its warehouses. These include North America fulfillment centers with over 400,000 workers. The company has also been scrutinized for allegedly providing insufficient information about the impact of the pandemic on its employees.
There are reports saying that there have been at least 10 fatalities among its workforce due to the effects of the coronavirus.
Workers interviewed
Earlier in the month, Letitia James, the New York Attorney General, spoke to Amazon workers from various New York City facilities regarding these claims.
Right now, Amazon is facing a case over the alleged lack of coronavirus health protections in its facility at Staten Island.
Amazon responded to these allegations, saying that it continuously takes steps to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Specifically, they have more than 150 "process changes" to the operations in order to improve safety.
The company has also spent more than $600 million on coronavirus-related costs during the first few months of this year, and the costs may grow to at least $4 billion as the second quarter concludes.
