Amazon pauses hiring across entire corporate workforce

Amazon halts hiring: The Seattle tech giant is hitting the brakes on any incremental hires across its corporate workforce as the shaky economy forces tech companies of all sizes to cut expenses. Amazon told analysts last week that the company was preparing for “what could be a slower growth period” due to increased foreign currency headwinds, global inflation, heightened fuel prices, and rising energy costs.

Housekeeper sues Jeff Bezos over working conditions: A woman who says she worked for nearly three years at the Amazon founder’s Seattle-area home claims she was subjected to racial discrimination and retaliation from members of his personal staff, wasn’t able to take legally required breaks, and didn’t have adequate access to a bathroom on the job. Read more.

Zillow Group beats earnings expectations: The Seattle-based real estate company reported Q3 revenue of $483 million, but CEO Rich Barton cautioned that a slowdown in the overall housing market makes the outlook for 2023 look “challenged.” Read more.

Microsoft extends tech support for Ukraine: The company will spend another $100 million to continue to provide cloud access and other help to protect Ukraine’s critical digital services and data during the ongoing war with Russia. 

Amazon backs women-led climate tech startups: The company earmarked $53 million to two initiatives. Read more. 

Tech Moves: Syndio and Porch Group hire CFOs; Meta exec joins Absci board; and more key personnel changes across PNW tech.