Amazon is investing $230 million over the next year in pay and benefits for more than 100,000 Whole Foods Market store workers, with pay increases starting September 28.
A full-time Whole Foods worker decides whether to enrol in the new health plan, which starts at $5 a week with $5 copays, once benefits open January 1.
The company is scrapping its performance-review pay model for one with predictable annual raises tied to tenure. Average store base pay rises above $21 an hour; total compensation, including benefits, reaches more than $29 an hour.
Full-time workers get five additions on January 1:
A One Medical membership, with free same-day and virtual visits
Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
Parental leave of up to 20 weeks for birthing parents and six weeks for adoptive or supporting parents
Coverage for fertility care and cancer support
Free Amazon Prime and discounted Amazon Pharmacy prescriptions
The existing 20% store discount stays. Amazon says the total value of full-time benefits rises more than 75%.
Nearly 20,000 part-time workers, those putting in 20 or more hours a week, gain dental and vision coverage and basic life insurance for the first time, also effective January 1.
Separately, the National Labor Relations Board upheld the first union election win at a Whole Foods store, in Philadelphia, three months ago, rejecting Amazon’s objections. Local 1776 has pushed Whole Foods to start contract talks since.
The last piece of the rollout arrives later in 2027, when Career Choice, Amazon’s tuition-prepayment program, opens to Whole Foods’ full hourly workforce.
