Increased Hiring of Contractual Labor in the United States
March 1, 2023
Increased Hiring of Contractual Labor in the United States Home > Blog > Increased hiring of contractual labor in the U.S. Key Points: The US
Key Points:
- For most job applications, Amazon will now stop marijuana screening
- With help from the federal government, Amazon is working to legalize marijuana nationally
- Amazon states it “reinstated the employment eligibility” for applicants or former employees fired during marijuana screenings
In a recent plot twist, the head of Amazon’s Human Resources, Beth Galetti, wrote in the company blog that they have “reinstated the employment eligibility” for former applicants and employees. This was done to give individuals suspended during pre-employment or random marijuana screenings a fighting chance.
In a statement, Galetti wrote: “Pre-employment marijuana testing has disproportionately affected communities of color by stalling job placement and, by extension, economic growth, and we believe this inequitable treatment is unacceptable.“
Amazon also stated that it would still screen for certain positions. In particular, all candidates applying for the Department of Transportation, such as heavy equipment operators and truck drivers, would still be screened. In addition, there would still be impairment checks for drugs or alcohol after an inicident.
When Did They Come to this Decision?
Amazon released a blog post in early June 2021. This was a direct message from Amazon’s consumer boss, Dave Clark.
The blog indicated that the company plans to support the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act. It was the first indication of the company’s plan to clear criminal records of all its employees or potential candidates affected by screenings.
In the process, Amazon says that it plans to adjust the corporate drug testing policy for its workers.
What Made Amazon Come to This Decision?
The company only relaxed marijuana regulations after coming to terms with the vast legalization of marijuana in numerous U.S. states. They believe that this widens their search for potential candidates. At the same time, they can offer more applicants equal prospects in the limited job market.
In fact, with Amazon’s current speed of growth, it is no surprise that they are looking for new team members. Since the pandemic broke out, they have been on a hiring spree, offering multiple incentives to potential job applicants. These include the benefits of free college tuition and hiring bonuses. To further push its agenda, Amazon has been prompting associated delivery firms to advertise that they have stopped marijuana screenings.
However, with these numerous advantages to working with Amazon, you can expect a lot of competition for available positions. As a result, you might want to work with a full-service employment and staffing solution, like Apptree, for a better employment chance.
Legalities Involved with this New Change
Besides such changes taking place within the company, another crucial aspect worth noting here is the legal improvements that Amazon is lobbying for in the country. The company stated that it would support the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act.
They are looking into decriminalizing cannabis at a federal level. The company also wants to clear all criminal records of workers, reimbursing the impact on disadvantaged communities. Amazon has also supported a similar bill known as the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act. In a letter to lawmakers, Amazon requested Congress to clear all nonviolent and federal marijuana cases. This would result in the resentencing of all people imprisoned in federal prisons for these offenses. They are requesting all states to take similar steps towards this positive social change.
How Can Apptree Help You?
It’s worth wondering whether Amazon’s intentions were in goodwill or simply self-beneficial. Though it is not our place to determine their interests, it is still better to be safe than sorry.
If Amazon is simply advocating for these bills to protect costs in a tight labor market, you should remember that you would be competing for positions with thousands of potential candidates. In consequence, all of these applicants are never guaranteed a job. If you have nothing to help you stand out in this sea of applicants, you are just going to get lost amongst the crowds.
If you are looking to land a job with the numerous benefits Amazon promises, why not check out Apptree? We have staffed hundreds of job applicants in multiple industries, helping them get jobs with competitive salaries and benefits. We always take every needed measure to ensure that you are matched with a position meeting your needs and specific skills.
It might be temp-to-hire, short-term, direct hire, or long-term employment. Regardless, we have got you covered. Contact us at Apptree today for amazing career opportunities.
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on pinterest
Share on tumblr
Share on whatsapp
Remote Working Has Opened New Doors to Hiring Approaches
October 30, 2022
Remote Working Has Opened New Doors to Hiring Approaches Home > Blog > Remote working has opened new doors to hiring approaches Remote working has
Thousands of Americans Likely Jobless after Hurricane Ian
October 26, 2022
Thousands of Americans Likely Jobless after Hurricane Ian Home > Blog > Tens of thousands likely jobless after Hurricane Ian, economists say Hurricane Ian has