Union pressure | Amazon splashes $1bn to raise pay & cuts health costs for staff

Typically maligned over its benefits and working conditions, Amazon has unexpectedly pledged more than $1billion to improve pay and health benefits for its US fulfillment and transportation employees.

The company said the average hourly wage for frontline staff will rise above $23. For long-tenured employees, hourly increases will range from $1.10 to $1.90. Full-time staff can expect an annual bump of about $1,600.