Amazon minimum raise hike to benefit large employee base in Houston

Packages move through the shipping sorter at the Amazon HOU2 Fulfillment Center, 10550 Ella Blvd., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, in Houston. Packages move through the shipping sorter at the Amazon HOU2 Fulfillment Center, 10550 Ella Blvd., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, in Houston. Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Amazon minimum raise hike to benefit large employee base in Houston 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

Amazon employees in the Houston area could see their paychecks rise in time for the busy holiday shopping and shipping season.

The Seattle-based company plans to increase its minimum wage to $15 for all full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal employees across the U.S., effective Nov. 1, the company said Tuesday.

MORE at HoustonChronicle.com: Amazon minimum wage hike could be advantage in tight labor market

Amazon employs 3,500 workers in the Houston area, where it has fulfillment centers in north Houston and Brookshire, a sorting facility near George Bush Intercontinental Airport and a Prime Now Hub.

RELATED: Amazon showcases new fulfillment center in Houston

"We listened to our critics, thought hard about what we wanted to do, and decided we want to lead," Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos said in an announcement. "We're excited about this change and encourage our competitors and other large employers to join us."

The new wage will benefit more than 250,000 Amazon employees, according to Amazon. Additionally, more than 100,000 seasonal employees will be hired at Amazon sites across the country for the holidays.

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Last year, the company hired 10,000 seasonal employees in Texas to handle a surge in online commerce during the holidays.