Amazon raises its minimum wage
Posted October 02, 2018 in Press Releases
Move comes in response to reports on inadequate pay at the online retailer
Amazon announced today that it was raising the minimum wage it pays U.S. workers to $15 effective Nov. 1.
“This much-needed step is a response to researchers and activists raising pointed critiques about Amazon’s inadequate pay,” said Zach Schiller, research director of Policy Matters Ohio. “It shows that shining a spotlight on corporate conduct can help bring change.”
Amazon’s CEO, Jeff Bezos, has been described as the world’s richest man, though median pay at the company last year was just $28,446. Policy Matters Ohio reported early last year that an estimated one in 10 of the company’s Ohio workers was receiving food aid from the government. The story was reported in hundreds of publications across the country and beyond and was followed by similar news in several other states. Some workers at Whole Foods, which Amazon owns, have begun a unionization effort.
Amazon has said the minimum will cover part-time and temporary workers hired by agencies it uses. “This is a welcome announcement from Amazon,” Schiller said. “We and others will watch carefully to see how it is implemented.”