CHA2 - Amazon.Com (First Day)

The previous 2 blogs concerning Amazon.com and Integrity Staffing Solutions, I shared the initial hiring process, orientation and what I was to believe would be my first day of employment.  Now, I am letting everyone know about my "real initial first day" (receive earnings).

Once I have shared my work related experience with Amazon.com and Integrity Staffing Solutions, I will post an additional blog providing why I made the decision to go to work for Amazon, prior employment background and my overall personal experience and views about Amazon and Integrity Staffing Solutions as an employee and moving forward.

Amazon.com day 1, Friday, November 25th arrival at 5:48pm.

Entered into the same door as I was instructed. Once again their was 2 male, Lead support staff at the entrance door to verify that their wasn't any cell phones, lighters, etc on person. I went to the Operations Management (Rob) to sign in. I handed my slip and he directed me to the area on his right side (my left) to the table with a young man to request my badge.  Once I had received my badge, I was then asked to go straight behind him into the conference area and have a seat at the table. (I was #3 at the table) We were asked by an Amazon associate, Amanda to write our name using the black marker provided on the back of the orange vest (last name), place badge on provided lanyard, glove size and to watch the video about loading trucks with Amazon packages. (this repeated about 3 or more times)

After approximately 8-10 employees had arrived and were ready, Amanda took us on a brief tour of the locker area, break room, bathrooms and pointed out the water cooler area. Upon completion of this brief tour, we were then asked to sign in with our badge to verify it was accepted.  Amanda proceeded to introduce us to our the Amazon.com trainer during the "pack school training process". (their was 7 areas of training) The most involved school was using the computers to scan, review error codes and knowing the process of what happened next, if necessary.... 

To come to a close about the information provided above, the company did not start our time at 6:30, it began when we clocked in using our badge. The first break was given at 9 (15 minute - I will comment later about breaks and lunches) and upon our return to training, our trainer I am sure felt was if he was being rushed due to Amanda's continued watch and other classes basically waiting on our trainer to finish. However, our trainer wanted to make sure we understood the process, steps, equipment, the protective eye, hands and use of certain equipment with causing injury to ourselves. Prior to lunch, Amanda had our trainer take us out to the Pack floor for "on the job training experience".

Overall, the 1st day, you are in pack school and with the trainer the balance of the night, although you are working and getting familiar with the process of the "pack" department.

The breaks were 15 , 30 and 15 breaks (well they wanted us to believe they were), and after our first 2 break and lunch had passed around 2:30am our trainer commented that we were working a 12 hour shift. Several employees commented that we were not made aware of this until just then. Our trainer explained that we would have a 25 minute break instead of 15 due to the 12 hour shift, so at that time we could go to the Integrity Customer Service desk to inquire about the shift concerns.

**THE FOLLOWING WAS HOW, WHY AND WHAT WAS SAID TO MYSELF AND 3 OTHER EMPLOYEES**

The 3rd shift (y-shift) Operations Manager; Leadership Staff for Integrity Staffing Solutions met with us briefly when we inquired with another member of the leadership team at the Customer Service desk of Integrity Staffing.  Steve, the leadership team member briefly went over our concerns about the shift change from 10 hours to 12 hours.

Kyle, Ops Manager stated that it was a breakdown of communication and due to this error on their behalf, anyone who needed to leave at 5am would not receive a point for leaving early. Kyle continued to advise that our hourly rate of $12.50 per hour would not begin until the new pay period on Sunday, November 27th and that for orientation (2.5 hrs) and hours worked on November 25th and the 26th would be paid at the rate of $11.50 per hour. It was also at this time, Amanda included our time began when we swiped our badges after the tour and Kyle confirmed this to be valid. (Questions I had, but at that time in front of other associates and I also wanted to verify the documentation received from the initial hiring location that the rate per hour was disclosed and initial start time had been given in writing)
Kyle asked which ones could not stay til 7am, so it could be documented and the point waived, myself and one other associate spoke up at that time. Kyle expressed that when we reported to work the following evening, we would be required to work a 12 hour shift or if we could not the point would be applied.

Everyone returned to work at the SIOC location of the warehouse and I worked until 5am. I did return the following evening, November 26th at 6:30am and worked the entire 12 hour shift.



Wednesday, November 23, 2011 12:30pm (checked in for the 1 to 3pm mandatory orientation, at the CHA1 Amazon facility); (paid for orientation at the rate of $11.50 per hour)

Friday, November 25th; arrived at 6pm (as I was instructed so I could begin work), but officially was not paid until 7pm although I received my badge at 5:57pm;
I was paid for 9.5 hours at the rate of $11.50 per hour. (I was officially hands on - working on a line in SIOC approximately 1.25 hours prior to lunch at 11:30pm; training school was prior to the release to the floor)

*Comment* clocking in 5-7 minutes to be at your assigned area was necessary due to the walking distance from the time clock to the pack area, but the time was rounded to the 6:30 start time. 

Saturday, November 26th; 6:25pm to 7am; Paid for 12 hours at the rate of $11.50 per hour (however I was working independently on a pack line)

*start of new pay period*
Sunday, November 27th, I called out ill. (I received 1.5 points for calling out)
Monday, November 28th, I worked a 10 hour shift, leaving at 5am receiving 1 point for leaving prior to 7am.
Tuesday/Wednesday off
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I worked 12 hour shifts

Friday, December 2nd I received my 1st pay check for the 2 days and orientation.

*Having 20 years experience in the employment/staffing industry this was the first time I have ever been aware of or apart of the "no pay" for scheduled showing for employment, especially when they schedule you and the selection process was not in order of arrival, but by gender/department needs.*

Amazon.Com's, founder and C.E.O., Jeffrey Bezos cannot be aware of each aspect of his facilities, because without employees to perform the requirements necessary to ship customers orders and remain the #1 online (e-commerce) retailer.

Continue to read my next blog about Amazon.Com.