Amazon to increase workforce significantly by recruiting 150,000 staff members in preparation for the upcoming holiday season.

In recent months, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has announced the founding of an Amazon division, aiming to unionize Amazon workers. This move comes as the e-commerce giant prepares for the holiday season, a time when it is hiring in large numbers.

Amazon is looking to fill roles such as stowing, picking, packing, sorting, shipping, and many others within its operations network. The company is offering a range of benefits to attract new employees, including up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave for full-time employees, a 50% company match on 401Ks, and healthcare coverage.

The average hourly wage at Amazon is more than $19, depending on the position and location. To incentivise immediate hiring, Amazon is offering sign-on bonuses of between $1,000 and $3,000 in select areas.

John Felton, Amazon's senior vice president of worldwide operations, encourages people to join Amazon during the holiday season. Many of Amazon's seasonal employees return year after year or transition into full-time roles.

Amazon is hiring the most in states such as Illinois, Michigan, Idaho, California, Iowa, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington. However, the company has paused corporate hiring in its retail division until early 2023.

The holiday season is not just a busy time for Amazon, but also for other major retailers. Walmart, Target, Macy's, and Kohl's have also announced plans to hire many thousands of workers ahead of the holidays.

However, Amazon and other retailers are facing scrutiny regarding workplace conditions in their warehouses and fulfillment networks. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is currently investigating the deaths of Amazon workers in New Jersey.

Recent reports by The New York Times suggest that Amazon's retail sales have dipped, and some industry experts predict that Prime membership enrollment could flatten. Despite these challenges, Amazon is increasing its wages for front-line workers, with plans to spend nearly $1 billion on pay increases, raising wages from $18 per hour to more than $19.

The formation of the Amazon division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters adds another layer to the ongoing debate about workplace conditions at Amazon. As the holiday season approaches, the focus on Amazon's hiring and working conditions is likely to remain high.

Amazon to increase workforce significantly by recruiting 150,000 staff members in preparation for the upcoming holiday season.