Amazon to hire 100,000 workers as online orders surge on coronavirus worries

Many consumers have turned to the web to meet their needs as shoppers clear out shelves in fear of quarantines or product shortages

To draw new employees to help fulfil online orders, Amazon said it would add US$2 to its minimum US$15 per hour to US workers’ wages through April

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Amazon on Monday said it would hire 100,000 warehouse and delivery workers in the United States. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:32am, 17 Mar 2020Updated: 9:42am, 17 Mar 2020

Amazon on Monday said it would hire 100,000 warehouse and delivery workers in the United States to deal with a surge in online orders, as many consumers have turned to the web to meet their needs during the coronavirus outbreak.

With shoppers clearing out shelves in fear of quarantines or product shortages, retailers are racing to keep food and hygienic items in stock and have employees on hand for in-store work or delivery.

Like Amazon, US supermarket chains Albertsons, Kroger and Raley’s have sought new hires to staff busy sections and fulfil online orders. They are turning to people in the restaurant, travel and entertainment businesses who are suddenly looking for work because of the coronavirus.

“We want those people to know we welcome them on our teams until things return to normal and their past employer is able to bring them back,” Amazon said in a blog post.

Major shipper United Parcel Service said its trucking and air deliveries were still on despite growing government restrictions on commercial activities. It said Monday it was meeting demand with its existing workforce.

The coronavirus, which has led to more than 7,100 deaths globally and prompted mass lockdowns of people, has also led to items being out of stock on Amazon and some deliveries taking longer than usual.