Amazon Fulfillment Canada: Peak Season" Overtime Rules
Working at an Amazon Fulfillment Centre (FC) in Canada is unlike any other warehouse job. It is faster, louder, and stricter.
But during "Peak Season" (Prime Day in July and the Holiday Rush from October to January), it becomes a different beast entirely.
For thousands of Canadians, Amazon is the go-to place for quick cash. The starting wage has recently bumped to ~$21.00 - $24.50/hr depending on the location, and they hire practically anyone who can pass a background check.
However, once you are hired, you will hear a term that strikes fear into the hearts of associates: MET (Mandatory Extra Time).
This guide explains exactly what MET means for your schedule, how the "Surge Pay" works, and whether the cheque is worth the exhaustion.
Looking for a warehouse job with a set schedule? Check out our Home Depot Merchandising Guide or compare this with the Costco Hiring Guide.
What is "Peak Season"?
In the Amazon world, the calendar is divided into "Normal Time" and "Peak."
The Big Two:
- Prime Week (July): Usually 1–2 weeks of intense overtime.
- Holiday Peak (Oct – Jan): The marathon. From Black Friday until Christmas, the volume of packages triples.
The Reality: During these times, Amazon imposes Blackout Dates. You cannot take vacation. If you had a trip planned for December, you will likely have to cancel it or quit.
The Dreaded "MET" (Mandatory Extra Time)
This is the most controversial part of the job.
How it works:
- Your contract states you can be required to work up to 60 hours a week.
- When volume is high, managers call "MET."
- Example: If you normally work 4 shifts (Mon–Thu, 10 hours each = 40 hours), they will add a mandatory 5th day (your "MET Day").
- Notice: They are required to give notice (usually 24 hours), but often it appears on your app (A to Z) with little warning.
The Penalty: If you miss your MET shift, you lose UPT (Unpaid Time Off) hours. If your UPT balance hits zero, you are automatically fired by the computer.
The Pay: Is It Worth It?
This is why people stay. The money during Peak is incredible.
1. Overtime Rules (Canada)
- Federal/Provincial Law: In most provinces (like Ontario), overtime starts after 44 hours.
- Amazon Policy: Amazon typically pays 1.5x (Time and a Half) for any hours over 40 hours in a week.
- The Math:
- Regular Rate: $22.00/hr.
- Overtime Rate: $33.00/hr.
- If you work a 60-hour Peak week:
- 40 hours @ $22 = $880
- 20 hours @ $33 = $660
- Total Weekly Pay = $1,540 (Gross)
2. Double Overtime (The "Surge")
During extreme Peak (like the week before Christmas), Amazon sometimes activates Double Overtime (2x pay). This is not guaranteed, but when it happens, you are making $44.00+/hr.
3. Shift Premiums
- Night Shift: usually $0.50 – $1.50/hr extra.
- Weekend Shift: sometimes carries a premium depending on the site.
Practical Questions Answered
We scanned r/AmazonFC and r/FASCAmazon to answer the real questions from associates in Brampton, Delta, and Calgary.
"Can I refuse MET?"
NO.
- Unless you have a medical accommodation on file before Peak starts, you must work it. "I have plans" is not a valid excuse.
"Are the safety shoes mandatory?"
YES.
- Amazon provides a credit (usually $110) via Zappos to buy composite-toe safety shoes. You must wear them. If you show up in running shoes, you will be sent home unpaid.
"Is it hard?"
YES.
- You will walk 15–20km a day (if you are a "Picker") or stand in one spot for 10 hours (if you are a "Stower"). Your feet will hurt.
- Pro Tip: Buy high-quality insoles (Dr. Scholl's Work) immediately. The free shoes are hard on your feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VTO (Voluntary Time Off)?
VTO is the opposite of MET. When the warehouse is slow, they will offer "Voluntary Time Off." You can go home early unpaid, without penalty. During Peak, VTO is rare. During January ("The post-Peak crash"), VTO is everywhere.
Do they drug test in Canada?
Yes. Amazon conducts an oral swab drug test at the hiring event.
- Cannabis: Amazon Canada has largely stopped screening for marijuana for most positions (unless it is a DOT-regulated driver role), but you cannot be impaired at work.
Can I listen to music?
Officially, NO. Earbuds are a major safety violation in most FCs because of the forklifts and robots. However, some sites are testing "Bone Conduction" headphones. Do not wear AirPods unless you want to be written up.
How do I apply?
No Resume Needed.
- Go to
hiring.amazon.ca. - You play a few "video games" (assessments) and pick your shift.
- There is no interview. If you pass the assessment and a background check, you are hired.
Deep Dive: The Financial Perks You Need to Know
Beyond the base wage and overtime, Amazon Canada offers specific financial incentives that can add thousands of dollars to your yearly income. Most new hires don't find out about these until months into the job.
Lightning Pay" (Surge VET)
When a warehouse is desperate for workers (usually during Prime Week or severe weather), they offer Voluntary Extra Time (VET) with a "Lightning Pay" premium.
- The Bonus: This is a flat rate added on top of your hourly wage and overtime.
- The Rate: It can range from $3.00 to $7.00 extra per hour.
- The Math: If you are on overtime ($33/hr) + Lightning Pay ($5/hr), you are making $38/hr to pack boxes.
- How to get it: Check the "A to Z" app every morning. These shifts disappear in seconds.
The Zappos Shoe Credit (Free
Boots)
Amazon requires safety shoes, but they don't make you pay for them.
- The Credit: Every year (usually Jan 1st), you get a $110 CAD credit to spend at Zappos at Work.
- The Brands: You can buy Timberland Pro, Reebok Work, or Keen.
- Pro Tip: If your shoes cost $140, you only pay the $30 difference. Buy the best shoes you can afford; your feet will thank you after a 10-hour shift on concrete.
- Career Choice (Free Tuition)
This is Amazon's best-kept secret. After just 90 days of employment, you are eligible for the Career Choice program.
- The Benefit: Amazon pre-pays 95% of tuition and fees for certificates and diplomas in high-demand fields.
- The Fields: Commercial Driving (AZ License), Tech (IT Support), Healthcare, and Administration.
- The Limit: In Canada, the annual limit is typically around $3,000 per year for up to 4 years. Many associates use this to get their truck driving license for free and then leave Amazon for a higher-paying trucking job.
Night Shift Premium
- If you choose the "Nights" or "Grave" shift (typically 6:00 PM to 4:30 AM), you get a shift differential.
- The Rate: In Canada, this is usually $0.50 to $1.50 per hour.
- Is it worth it? For an extra $1.00/hr, you earn an extra $40/week. Over a year, that's $2,000. If you are a night owl, it's free money.
Summary: The Survival Guide
- Prepare for MET: Expect to work 50–60 hours/week in December. Clear your calendar.
- Get Insoles: Your feet are your most valuable asset.
- Use the App: Check "A to Z" daily for schedule changes.
- Bank the Money: You can make $6,000+ in a single month during Peak. Use it to pay off debt or save for tuition.
- Don't Burn Out: Use your breaks to sit down and hydrate. The pace is relentless.
About the author
Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.
Sources
- Amazon Canada Hiring: Official job portal. https://hiring.amazon.ca/
- Ontario Employment Standards (Overtime): Rules on overtime pay. https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/overtime-pay
- Reddit (r/AmazonFC): Community discussions on MET and Peak Season. https://www.reddit.com/r/AmazonFC/
Note
Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.