> As Amazon became large, we decided to use our scale and scope to lead on important social issues. Two high-impact examples: our $15 minimum wage and the Climate Pledge. In both cases, we staked out leadership positions and then asked others to come along with us. In both cases, it’s working. Other large companies are coming our way. I hope you’re proud of that as well.
This, son, is the market at play. Without regulations to raise the minimum wage for everyone, companies are supposed to raise it to compete. Amazon has chosen to raise it for publicity, to compete, or by pure generosity. In the mean time, most American workers are paid well below minimum wage, and the situation is not getting better, I should even say: the situation is getting worse. Amazon has given ammunition for people to claim that see, companies are doing the right thing, all is well.
This, son, is the market at play. Without regulations to raise the minimum wage for everyone, companies are supposed to raise it to compete. Amazon has chosen to raise it for publicity, to compete, or by pure generosity. In the mean time, most American workers are paid well below minimum wage, and the situation is not getting better, I should even say: the situation is getting worse. Amazon has given ammunition for people to claim that see, companies are doing the right thing, all is well.