Amazon workers have long fought to increase their hourly wages. The company recently upped its base starting pay to $15 per hour.
So why are some workers angry about that benevolence?
Amazon warehouse workers have been pushing for decreased pressure in their “work rates,” a pre-established quota that makes personal needs like bathroom breaks a concern if they want to keep their jobs.
Meanwhile, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has become the richest man in the world with anestimated net worth of $156 billion, according to Forbes.
But not all Amazon employees are happy. CNBC reported that some employees could actually make less money now, since the company is also getting rid of monthly bonuses and stock awards.
The new plan will provide a more reliable increase in their daily pay, but all bonuses appear to be gone. Including a regular Christmas bonus.
Amazon pocketed second-quarter profits this year of more than $2 billion.
And it prompted a backlash from workers. It led to Sanders sending a letter to Amazon, asking how long-time employees who previously received stock incentives would be affected by the new plans.
But at least one group of Amazon employees was happy, at least if this tweet from Amazon executive Dave Clark is any indication.
Shared the new Amazon $15 minimum wage with the team here at LGB3 early this morning! Best All Hands Ever!!! 👊😃 pic.twitter.com/RqkvHQuomO
— Dave Clark (@davehclark) October 2, 2018
There’s still controversy. Is Amazon playing $15 an hour enough to pay for these workers?
