09-10-2020, 12:57 PM
(09-10-2020, 11:33 AM)danbrotherston Wrote:(09-10-2020, 11:27 AM)jamincan Wrote: Cynically, I expect those "opportunities for local entrepreneurs" they talk about are gig work. I'm not necessarily opposed to it, but as I see it, all Amazon is doing here is taking over the handling of their local delivery so that it's done in house. It's not new jobs, because they are effectively replacing jobs at other companies who will no longer receive Amazon business. I'm skeptical that it's a net improvement economically. It may mean quicker deliveries for some customers, but it will likely mean lower wages with fewer (if any) benefits for workers.
This is always my objection with "jobs" claims. I mean, efficiency can be beneficial, but mostly it's just lining Bezos's (being a main shareholder) pockets. That money is coming out of local businesses which get replaced. Maybe there are some new jobs, but most are just worse jobs replacing existing jobs.
If you are thinking of retail jobs being replaced, they generally don't pay any better than Amazon. And someone will always make money on every transaction, or else the business will be going under.