
Amazon's policy on COVID-19 leave is a bit complex, but it's designed to support its workers during the pandemic.
In the United States, Amazon offers up to two weeks of paid leave for employees who are diagnosed with COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms.
This paid leave policy is in addition to Amazon's existing sick leave policy, which provides additional paid time off for employees who need to care for a family member with COVID-19 or who are experiencing other health issues.
Amazon also offers a special COVID-19 paid leave policy for employees who are under quarantine due to potential exposure to the virus.
Amazon Ends Paid Leave Policy
Amazon is ending its paid leave policy for workers who test positive for Covid-19.
The company will now offer up to five days of excused, unpaid leave for U.S.-based workers who test positive for Covid-19.
This change is effective starting Monday, and it marks a return to pre-pandemic policies.
Amazon initially offered up to two weeks of paid time off for employees diagnosed with Covid-19 or placed into quarantine.
In January, the company reduced paid leave time to one week, or up to 40 hours.
Now, workers will receive up to five days of excused, unpaid time off for a confirmed Covid-19 diagnosis.
Eligible workers can still use accrued time off for a Covid-19 related absence.
Amazon is also ending its vaccine incentive program, citing plateaued vaccination rates across the country.
The company will no longer notify workers of positive cases in its facilities, unless required by law.
This change is part of Amazon's "safe return to normal" policies, which the company believes is supported by the sustained easing of the pandemic and updated guidance from public health authorities.
Here's a breakdown of Amazon's changing Covid-19 leave policies:
Note that these changes may have varying impacts on workers, particularly those in high-risk or high-exposure positions.
Amazon Workers' Covid Leave
Amazon initially offered up to 14 days of paid time off to workers at the start of the pandemic.
The company later cut this down to 7 days in January, citing the wider availability of rapid testing.
Amazon workers can no longer take excused time off while waiting for their COVID-19 test results.
The company will also end its vaccine incentive program, which paid workers $40 for every COVID-19 vaccine dose.
Amazon will no longer notify entire sites of positive COVID-19 cases unless required to do so by local law.
This change in policy comes as Amazon workers at the LDJ5 warehouse in Staten Island are voting to unionize.
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Amazon Workers Lose Covid Leave Pay
Amazon is cutting paid time off for front-line US workers who test positive for Covid-19, effective Monday. This change means that all US-based Amazon workers who test positive for Covid-19 will now get up to five days of excused, unpaid leave.
The company initially offered up to two weeks of paid time off for any employees diagnosed with Covid-19 or placed into quarantine. In January, Amazon reduced paid leave time to one week, or up to 40 hours. Now, workers will receive up to five days of unpaid leave.
Amazon employees in the US will now receive up to five days of excused, unpaid time after receiving a confirmed Covid-19 diagnosis. Prior to this change, employees with Covid-19 got up to seven days of paid leave.
A spokesperson told CNBC workers are still able to use their sick time off if needed. The company will also stop sending site-wide notifications of positive cases in its facilities, unless required by law.
Here are the changes to Amazon's Covid-19 leave policy:
- Paid time off for Covid-19 has been reduced to 5 days of unpaid leave
- Time off for waiting for test results is no longer excused
- Vaccine incentives are ending
- Site-wide notifications of positive cases will no longer be sent, unless required by law
Online Retailer Offers Sick Time for Covid-19 Workers
Amazon is offering two weeks of paid sick time to workers with COVID-19.
This policy change is in response to an online petition started by Amazon staff, who complained about the company's lack of response to the virus.
The company will provide up to two weeks of pay to all employees diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed into quarantine, effective immediately.
This is a significant change, as workers can now take unpaid time off without repercussions.
Amazon joins other companies, such as Uber and Lyft, in compensating employees affected by the virus.
Uber has stated it will suspend accounts of drivers and riders who have contracted COVID-19.
The company is taking steps to help workers affected by the virus, including providing pay for up to two weeks.
This move is part of a larger effort by tech companies to support employees during the pandemic.
Microsoft and Google have also reported that they will continue to pay hourly workers whose jobs couldn't be conducted at home.
Amazon's policy change is a positive step towards supporting workers during this challenging time.
The company's response to the online petition shows that it is listening to the concerns of its employees.
This policy change is effective immediately, and workers can now take paid sick leave to care for themselves or a family member with COVID-19.
Expand your knowledge: What Time Are You Leaving?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amazon pay for sick leave?
Yes, Amazon provides paid time off that can be used for sick leave, in addition to meeting or exceeding local safe and sick leave law requirements. Learn more about Amazon's paid time off policies.
Sources
- https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/30/amazon-workers-wont-get-paid-for-covid-leave-anymore.html
- https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-ends-paid-covid-19-sick-leave-policy-for-workers-2022-4
- https://whdh.com/news/amazon-ends-its-paid-covid-19-sick-leave-policy/
- https://www.engadget.com/amazon-covid-leave-policy-reduction-213033841.html
- https://www.engadget.com/amazon-ends-paid-covid-19-leave-policy-182821043.html
- https://www.foxbusiness.com/business-leaders/amazon-compensate-employees-coronavirus
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