Amazon increases starting hourly wage and discounts for employees

Online behemoth Amazon said it’s increasing the starting hourly wage for its U.S. full-time operations employees like warehouse workers by $1 to $20. With the increase, the average wage will be nearly $24 an hour, with average total compensation of more than $32 an hour including the value of its benefits package, according to Amazon’s announcement Wednesday. The pay increase is effective starting Sept. 27, the retailer said. Amazon also said Wednesday that employees will receive new benefits like a 10% discount on eligible fresh groceries and everyday essentials at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market online as well as 20% off at Whole Foods physical stores. The discount can be combined with existing Prime member discounts, the retailer said. The discount will be available to every Amazon employee in the U.S. starting Oct. 1, the company said. Amazon also said it’s rolling out access to qualified employees and their families for a membership in First Tech Federal Credit Union that provides low-cost banking services they can keep for life. Employees can access accounts with no overdraft or monthly maintenance. The company said no credit history is required to open a checking and savi…