Amazon VET Policy In 2023: Everything You Need To Know as a Worker

If you‘ve worked in an Amazon warehouse, you‘ve probably heard about VET opportunities. But you may still have questions about what VET is, how it works, and whether those extra hours are worth it.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll explain everything you need to know about Amazon‘s Voluntary Extra Time policy so you can decide if picking up additional shifts is right for you. I‘ve got insights as an experienced fulfillment center worker so you have the inside scoop.

Let‘s get started!

What Is VET?

VET stands for Voluntary Extra Time. It‘s a program that allows Amazon warehouse employees to work more hours outside of their normal shift schedule.

With VET, you can choose to sign up for extra hours when Amazon needs to get more work done at your facility. The company sends VET notifications when:

• Customer order volumes are spiking
• Additional help is needed to complete warehouse tasks
• There are open shifts that need to be filled

Some key facts:

• Optional – You choose whether to accept VET shifts or not
• Temporary – VET is offered week-to-week based on changing needs
• Short notice – Shifts are often posted last minute with minimal notice
• More hours – Gives you a chance to earn more money for extra effort

Now that you know the basics, let‘s look at how the program works and what the policies are.

How Do I Pick Up and Use VET Shifts?

When VET shifts become available at your facility, you‘ll get notified through the Amazon AtoZ app on your phone. You may also get texts or emails about open VET opportunities.

Here‘s the step-by-step process:

1. Get a VET notification from Amazon via app, text, or email

2. Open AtoZ app and review available VET shifts with dates, times, and hours

3. Select and claim the shifts you want by tapping "Accept Shift"

4. Added VET hours appear in your schedule – you‘re expected to work them

5. Show up and complete the full VET shift you accepted

6. Get paid your regular base rate for the extra VET hours

Pretty straightforward right? The key is that once you claim a shift, you have to follow through and work it.

Pro Tip: Set reminders so you remember your VET start times. Since shifts get posted last minute, it‘s easy to mix up your schedule.

What Types of VET Shifts Might I See?

Amazon needs extra help at different times and has a few ways to schedule VET shifts:

• Extended shifts – Add extra hours before or after your scheduled hours

• Extra day – Pick up VET on a day you don‘t normally work

• Full VET shift – Claim a full VET shift on its own separate day

• Half shifts – Some VET shifts are only 4-5 hours rather than a full 10

• Last minute additions – Shifts dropping in as needs change

VET gives managers flexibility to cover needs as they come up. You‘ll see a lot of variation in when and how long the shifts are.

For example, you might get a 10-hour VET shift opportunity on a Sunday when you usually have the day off. Or VET could be tacking on an extra 2 hours before one of your normal shifts.

It‘s good to be open-minded so you can take advantage!

How Much Does VET Pay?

This is a big question for a lot of Amazon workers. Here‘s how it works:

You get paid your regular hourly base rate for all VET hours worked – no overtime applied.

For example:

• Your base rate: $18/hour

• You work a 5-hour VET shift

• You earn $18 x 5 hours = $90 total

Some workers wish VET came with overtime or a bonus. But Amazon only pays the regular rate. This is an important factor when deciding if the extra effort is worthwhile for you.

Are There Limits on VET Hours?

Yes, Amazon sets some maximums on VET to avoid burnout and comply with labor laws:

• No more than 60 hours total per week

• No more than 6 consecutive days worked

• No VET shifts that exceed 12 hours in one day

So if your regular schedule is 50 hours this week, you could only pick up 10 additional VET hours before hitting the cap.

These limits are good to prevent overwork, but sometimes there‘s pressure to right up to that 60-hour max. Watch out for burnout.

And remember, even with these maximums, you can voluntarily choose to work fewer VET hours if the extra shifts don‘t fit your needs.

Who Offers VET Shifts?

VET is primarily used in Amazon‘s super busy fulfillment centers where demand fluctuates.

Job roles eligible for Voluntary Extra Time include:

• Warehouse associates
• Pickers
• Packers
• Sorters
• Seasonal associates

Managers and supervisors determine where extra help is needed. Then they release VET shifts for those departments.

The busiest facilities tend to offer the most VET opportunities. Places like mega warehouses or those near big cities and airports often have lots of workload changes.

During peak seasons like Prime Day and the holidays, VET is very common to help meet customer demand.

Can I Get in Trouble for Not Taking VET?

Here‘s the most important thing to remember:

VET is completely voluntary!

You cannot be punished or retaliated against if you decline to work any offered voluntary extra shifts.

However…

Once you do accept a VET shift, you are obligated to work the entire shift as scheduled. Not showing up for VET can lead to attendance violations.

So avoid "yes fatigue" – don‘t say yes to VET shifts unless you‘re 100% sure you can work them. The extra money may be tempting to overcommit.

Be selective and smart about when you choose VET to avoid issues down the road.

How Do I Know if VET is Worth It for Me?

Whether you should take on VET shifts depends a lot on your personal situation:

Consider taking VET if:

• You want to make as much money as possible

• You can handle the physical demands

• You don‘t have other major commitments

• You want extra experience for advancement

Avoid overdoing VET if:

• You feel tired or burned out

• It takes away family or school time

• You have long commutes adding to fatigue

• You have other jobs with set schedules

Think about your needs, responsibilities, and priorities outside of work. And don‘t feel pressured by the extra money potential if the workload seems unsustainable.

Setting clear limits on your availability and maximum hours per week can help avoid burnout.

Will Amazon Offer More VET Shifts in 2024?

As Amazon continues its rapid growth, industry experts predict increased VET opportunities in 2024 and beyond.

Here are some of the key reasons why:

• Prime membership keeps growing – now over 200 million members worldwide

• Amazon expanding its warehouse footprint – opened over 250 new fulfillment centers in 2022

• Push to make 1-day Prime shipping the standard on more items

• More sales events like Prime Day add workload throughout the year

To staff all these new facilities and meet faster delivery goals, Amazon will rely on programs like VET. The company even says it expects to hire an additional 150,000 seasonal workers in 2024.

So chances are, you‘ll continue to have plenty of VET shifts available if you want them. Just be thoughtful about taking on only what you can reasonably handle.

And if those extra hours start to feel like too much, remember – VET is always your choice.

Key Takeaways on Amazon‘s VET Policy

To wrap up, here are the most important points to understand:

• VET allows you to voluntarily work additional shifts when available

• Keep an eye out for VET notifications in the AtoZ app or via text

• Pick up shifts that fit your schedule by claiming them in the app

• Be aware VET is paid at your regular base rate, not overtime

• Amazon limits VET hours for safety but the extra shifts are optional

• Manage burnout risk by not overcommitting to shifts you can‘t work

• VET provides flexibility for Amazon and a way for you to increase earnings

• Expect ongoing or increased VET opportunities as Amazon grows

I hope this guide gives you a better idea of how Amazon VET works and what to consider when opportunities arise. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help explain these programs.

Wishing you the best,

Lilly