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NEW YORK — <\/span>Online behemoth Amazon said it’s increasing the minimum starting hourly wage for its U.S. full-time core operations employees to $20 ahead of the crucial holiday shopping season.<\/p>\n With the $1-per-hour increase across the board for these workers who do jobs like pack and ship orders, the average pay for these employees will reach nearly $24 per hour, the company said Wednesday. The retailer said the average total compensation will be more than $32 an hour including the value of its benefits package.<\/p>\n The pay increase is effective starting Sept. 27, the retailer said.<\/p>\n Amazon also said Wednesday that employees will receive new benefits such as a 10% discount on eligible fresh groceries and everyday essentials at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market online as well as 20% off at Whole Foods physical stores. The discount can be combined with existing Prime member discounts, the retailer said.<\/p>\n The discount will be available to every Amazon employee in the U.S. starting Oct. 1, the company said.<\/p>\n Amazon also said it’s rolling out access to qualified employees and their families for a membership in First Tech Federal Credit Union that provides low-cost banking services they can keep for life. Employees can access accounts with no overdraft or monthly maintenance. The company said no credit history is required to open a checking and savings account.<\/p>\n The rollout will start later this year. <\/p>\n