[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Amazon, the world's largest e-commerce company, plans to hire 150,000 temporary workers in the United States ahead of the year-end shopping season. This is 1.5 times the size of last year's 100,000 hires.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 18th (local time), Amazon decided to expand its workforce early, anticipating a significant increase in year-end peak season sales as the economy recovers from the impact of COVID-19.
To attract workers, Amazon raised the average minimum hourly wage to $18 (approximately 21,400 KRW) last month. For the temporary positions being hired this time, a one-time bonus of up to $3,000 (approximately 3,562,500 KRW) will be paid, and an additional $3 per hour will be given for night and weekend shifts.
The newly hired temporary workers will work in 20 states. California will be allocated more than 15% of the total, with 23,000 positions.
Amazon explained, "This hiring is intended to provide flexibility to full-time employees" and "is separate from the workforce expansion plan announced last month."
Amazon's competitor, the large retailer Walmart, also announced last month that it plans to hire 150,000 new employees in preparation for the year-end peak season. Target announced plans to hire 130,000 new employees, including 100,000 temporary workers.
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