Amazon announced that 180 new seasonal job openings will be created at its locations in Waterloo Region, all ahead of the holidays.
The announcement is part of a nationwide hiring blitz, bringing on 7,000 new seasonal positions, with the hiring process beginning this month.
The hiring will be done in waves through December, with the positions consisting of jobs such as stowing, packing, sorting, or shipping out orders to customers. The positions will be located at Amazon’s fulfilment centres, sortation centres, and delivery stations.
“At Amazon, we’re committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued and have opportunities to grow,” said Chuck Cummings, Director of Customer Fulfilment, Amazon Canada. “By creating thousands of new seasonal roles and investing in compensation and workplace benefits, we’re providing meaningful employment opportunities that can lead to long-term careers at Amazon.”
The open season roles will be posted directly on the Amazon hiring page, but it recommends anyone looking for a job check in regularly, as it expects those positions to fill up quickly.
Anyone interested in what a job at Amazon could look like is encouraged to sign up for a free tour of one of its buildings. Information on how to do that can be found on the Amazon tours page.
“I’ve seen firsthand how a seasonal position can grow into a rewarding long-term career at Amazon,” said Cassandra Radovich, General Manager at YHM1, an Amazon fulfillment centre in Hamilton, Ont. “Many of Amazon’s current leaders began in entry-level seasonal roles and found opportunities to advance within the company.”
Alongside the announced seasonal job positions, Amazon has also stated that it will be investing $110 million in additional frontline employee pay, with guaranteed raises for its customer fulfillment and transportation employees.
As of Sept. 28, Amazon said it will be raising the average hourly base wage across Canada to $24.50. That’s up 4.3 per cent year-over-year, or a dollar more, from $23.50 in 2024. It said this will equate to a minimum salary of $50,960.10, based on a 40-hour work week over 52 weeks.
Photo of Amazon facility in Blair (Mark Douglas/570 NewsRadio)
“Additionally, through Amazon’s step plan compensation model, eligible hourly full- and part-time employees can count on planned pay increases every six months until their 24-month anniversary,” said Amazon in a statement. “They receive another increase at month 36, creating a clear path for earnings growth based on tenure.”
The wage increase is set to go hand-in-hand with free Prime memberships for eligible employees and existing workplace benefits for full-time employees.
“We’re proud to offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits from day one, and a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.”
The full details on the seasonal job openings, along with where to apply and to sign up for job alerts, can be found on Amazon’s hiring page.