Amazon has announced it will be handing out bonus payments totaling US$500 million to staff that have been working to supply its customers with goods throughout the Covid-19 lockdown.

As a ‘thank you’ to its employees Amazon Australia is giving $1000 to frontline workers, $2000 for frontline Amazon leaders, and $300 for each Amazon Flex delivery partner that has worked more than 10 hours in June. 

“I’m proud of the team of Amazon Associates and Amazon Flex delivery partners who have remained dedicated to serving our customers so they can stay home and stay safe during this unprecedented time,” Amazon Australia director of operations Craig Fuller said. 

In the United States, bonuses will also be given to employees of Whole Foods and delivery service partners.

The global business also unveiled its second quarter results at the end of last week, revealing a net income increase to US$5.2 billion during the quarter.

“This was another highly unusual quarter, and I couldn’t be more proud of and grateful to our employees around the globe,” Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said.

“As expected, we spent over US$4 billion on incremental Covid-19 related costs in this quarter to help keep employees safe and deliver products to customers in this time of high demand.”

Net sales grew 40 per cent to US$88.9 billion, compared to US$63.4 billion in the previous corresponding period.