Amazon ends its PTO policy for workers with COVID-19

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

An internal memo obtained by CNBC shows that Amazon will no longer grantPTO for workers who are sick with COVID-19. Up to five days of excused leave will be offered by Amazon, with the option for workers to use their paid sick time.

At the start of the Pandemic, Amazon offered 14 days of PTO, but later shaved one week off this policy in line with the CDC's updated guidance. Workers with confirmed COVID-19 cases can submit a request for paid time off, regardless of their vaccine status, according to the company. Workers will no longer be excused time off when waiting for their COVID-19 test results because of the wide availability of rapid tests.

Amazon is adjusting some of its policies. The vaccine incentive program that paid workers $40 for every vaccine dose they received will no longer be offered by Amazon.

The easing of the Pandemic, ongoing availability of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, and updated guidance from public health authorities all signal that we can continue to safely adjust to our pre-COVID policies.

After the LDJ5 Amazon warehouse in Staten Island, New York ended its union election, Amazon updated its policies. If the warehouse votes to unionize, it will be the second Amazon warehouse to do so. The Staten Island warehouse voted to unionize with the ALU in a historic win for workers.