Vancouver: Online retail giant Amazon has announced an increase in the average hourly base wage for its Canadian frontline employees to $26.27. This marks a $1 increase compared to last year.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the company specified that the new wage hike, representing an annual increase of 4 percent (4%), will take effect starting September 27. With this adjustment, a full-time employee working 40 hours a week will see their average annual income rise to over $54,000.
Meanwhile, ‘Unifor’, the union representing Amazon warehouse workers in Metro Vancouver, responded by noting that the announcement comes just as mediation proceedings ordered by the British Columbia (B.C.) Labour Relations Board are drawing to a close. The union highlighted that the decision was made in light of the new collective agreement workers are expected to receive soon.
Last month, the Labour Board ordered binding arbitration to resolve the dispute between management and unionized workers at the Delta, B.C. warehouse. However, Amazon opposed the move, having previously rejected the mediator’s recommendations in favor of continuing direct negotiations with the union.
The Board had earlier found that Amazon violated B.C. labor laws by excluding unionized workers in Delta from wage increases provided to other employees.
In addition to the pay raise, Amazon also announced that starting October 1, certain employees will receive a 10 percent discount on groceries and other essential items purchased through its Canadian website.
