Amazon launches $25M relief fund to help employees, contractors and delivery drivers cope with COVID-19

With coronavirus causing havoc around the world, Amazon announced today it’s offering extra time off with pay for employees diagnosed with the illness. The retail giant also launches a $25 million initial contribution fundfocused on supporting independent delivery service partners and their drivers, Amazon Flex participants, and seasonal employees under financial distress during this challenging time.

Amazon said all employees diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed into quarantine will receive up to two-weeks of pay. While they are away, the additional pay will ensure employees have the time they need to return to good health without the worry of lost pay. The pay is also in addition to unlimited unpaid time off for all hourly employees through the end of March.

In a blog post, Beth Galetti, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Amazon, said: “The health and safety of our employees and contractors around the world continues to be our top priority as we face the challenges associated with COVID-19. Leaders across Amazon are meeting every day to consider the evolving situation and are consulting with medical experts to ensure we are doing all we can to keep our teams healthy. We’ve taken a number of actions over the past few weeks and today we’re introducing two more.”

As part of the relief measure, Amazon will be offering all of these groups the ability to apply for grants approximately equal to up to two-weeks of pay if diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed into quarantine by the government or Amazon.

In addition, the fund will support all Amazon employees and contractors around the world who face financial hardships from other qualifying events, such as a natural disaster, federally declared emergency, or unforeseen personal hardship. Applicants can apply and receive a personal grant from the fund ranging from $400 to $5,000 USD per person.