Seattle Culture
Amazon to Hire 250,000 Seasonal Workers
Pay begins at $18 per hour
By Rob Smith October 3, 2024
Amazon is hiring 250,000 full-time, part-time and seasonal workers for the holiday season, the same number as last year. The roles span customer fulfillment and transportation operations across the U.S.
The company joins other major retailers, including Target, Macy’s and Burlington, in staffing up for the holidays.
Amazon says all seasonal employees will earn at least $18 per hour, and full-time workers will have immediate access to benefits and educational assistance. Many roles could become permanent. Seasonal employees who stay at the company could receive an average 15% pay increase over their first three years.
Amazon also says that one-third of holiday hires return annually.
Mastercard predicts holiday sales will rise 3.2% year over year between Nov. 1 and Christmas Eve.
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Microsoft Awards $5M Worth Of Grants To AI innovators
The grants are part of the company’s 50th anniversary this year
Microsoft has given 20 organizations $50,000 each as part of its AI for Good grants program. The grants — part of an initiative to celebrate Microsoft’s 50th anniversary this year — recognize organizations for their innovations in artificial intelligence. The organizations — who applied for the grants earlier this year — receive resources to help…
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The nonprofit has launched a fundraising campaign to make up for a $350,000 deficit
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Washington lawmakers propose doubling beer and wine taxes
You might be paying significantly more for your pint next year. House Bill 2079, introduced by Representative Lauren Davis (D–District 32), would raise the tax on beer from $4.78 to $9.56 per barrel for most breweries. The bill also proposes doubling taxes on wine from 1 cent to 2 cents per liter and increasing taxes…