SEATTLE (BRAIN) — Amazon is increasing its minimum wage to $15 per hour for all full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal employees across the U.S., effective Nov. 1. The company said its new minimum would apply to more than 250,000 Amazon employees as well as more than 100,000 seasonal employees who will be hired this holiday season. It also applies to Whole Foods employees.
"We listened to our critics, thought hard about what we wanted to do, and decided we want to lead," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon's founder and CEO. "We're excited about this change and encourage our competitors and other large employers to join us."
The company's previous minimum was $11. The company said it will give workers who currently make more than $15 a pay raise, as well.
The company said it also will lobby congress for an increase in the federal minimum wage, which is currently $7.25.
