Amazon extends Covid-19 pay benefits for 250,000 US and Canada employees

Technology giant Amazon is extending the increased hourly pay rate for 250,000 US and Canada employees until 30 May 2020.

Employees will continue to receive a pay increase of $2 (£1.64) in the US and C$2 (£1.17) in Canada. Employees will also receive double-overtime pay during this time.

Amazon’s recent changes to pay benefits has resulted in an $800 million (£655 million) investment in its front-line employees who are unable to work from home.

The organisation has also invested $25 million (£20 million) in supporting independent delivery service partners and its drivers, Amazon Flex participants, and seasonal employees under financial distress during this challenging time. Amazon is offering all of these groups the opportunity to apply for grants of up to two weeks pay if they are diagnosed with the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) infection or placed into quarantine.

A spokesperson from Amazon said: “In addition, we are providing flexibility with leave of absence options, including expanding the policy to cover Coronavirus circumstances, such as high-risk individuals or school closures.

“We continue to see heavy demand during this difficult time and the team is doing incredible work for our customers and the community.”