Amazon in Waterloo Region

[jamincan]

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.

[danbrotherston]

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 Bezo'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.

[tomh009]

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.

My expectation is that they will still use contractors/gig workers to do the delivery, but they will be driving from Shirley rather than down the 401 from Toronto.

Me, I prefer to get delivery to my local post office as there is no issue with having to be at home at the time of delivery. Unless it's something big enough to be a hassle to carry home.

[tomh009]

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.

[jamincan]

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.

I was actually thinking of the local delivery companies in KW, but now that I think about it, Amazon already handles their own packages in KW anyway.

[neonjoe]

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.

I was actually thinking of the local delivery companies in KW, but now that I think about it, Amazon already handles their own packages in KW anyway.

Most deliveries I get from Amazon are either from Intelcomexpress (who are located on Gage Ave) or Go Logistics (in rental Discount Vans)

[panamaniac]

I confess that I’ve never used Amazon. Have I missed anything?

[danbrotherston]

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.

While this is generally true, there are specific details which are worse...gig workers for example, I feel are even worse off than minimum wage workers at say Walmart, where they are actually forced to compete continuously for work, while also using their own resources.

It's just another step forward in the already problematic marathon we've been having away from workers rights and good jobs.

[jeffster]

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 Bezo'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.

And none of those workers will be able to afford rent or a mortgage. My understanding that these jobs don’t pay much more than minimum wage. I suppose if one is looking for additional family income, or kids still living at their parents house. Maybe the odd laid-off worker who’s mortgage is paid off.

[tomh009]

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.

While this is generally true, there are specific details which are worse...gig workers for example, I feel are even worse off than minimum wage workers at say Walmart, where they are actually forced to compete continuously for work, while also using their own resources.

It's just another step forward in the already problematic marathon we've been having away from workers rights and good jobs.

I was thinking distribution centre workers, who will (almost certainly) be employees. Gig-based delivery "jobs" are far more problematic.

[danbrotherston]

While this is generally true, there are specific details which are worse...gig workers for example, I feel are even worse off than minimum wage workers at say Walmart, where they are actually forced to compete continuously for work, while also using their own resources.

It's just another step forward in the already problematic marathon we've been having away from workers rights and good jobs.

I was thinking distribution centre workers, who will (almost certainly) be employees. Gig-based delivery "jobs" are far more problematic.

Fair enough, I suppose they already use gig workers for delivery here. Their warehouse jobs have problems too, but at a minimum different ones from gig work, and potentially similar to other similar jobs.

[Chris]

Blair Engaged loses court battle over Amazon warehouse, ordered to pay legal costs

https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/blair-engag...-1.6343777

[bravado]

Blair Engaged loses court battle over Amazon warehouse, ordered to pay legal costs

https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/blair-engag...-1.6343777

I’m a pretty big YIMBY, and I work in logistics, and I think the 401 is the best place to put a warehouse - but Jesus Christ it’s a big one. I was legit shocked when I was over in that area  for the first time in a while. Pictures don’t do it justice.

[LesPio]

Take a look inside Amazon’s new fulfillment centre in Cambridge, Ont.

https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/take-a-look...-1.7109564

Amazon says its new fulfillment centre in Cambridge, Ont. is the first-of-its-kind in the country.

The one-million-square-foot facility on Old Mill Road is unique because it acts as both a storage and distribution site. The packages, however, aren’t going to customers but other fulfillment centres across southwestern Ontario.

“The inventory will essentially come through here,” explained Greg Clutton, YMH2’s site lead, during Wednesday’s grand opening. “We allow ourselves to carry more inventory of the top selling items or items that made may turn a little bit slower.”

Those on hand for the event said the fulfillment centre will benefit the community, as it currently employs 250 people and possibly an additional 1,000 workers over the next year.


The facility initially faced pushback from some nearby residents.

Mike Harris, the Kitchener-Conestoga MPP and Ontario’s Minister of Red Tape, said he’s glad the project went ahead despite the controversy.

“There was a lot of community engagement at the beginning, and I think the communities surrounding this area had some concerns, and a lot of that was alleviated,” he explained. “I think Amazon has done a very good job now of being good community stewards.”

[bravado]

Interesting to see the current Mayor not there for the opening - she made it very clear that she values rich landowners nearby more than jobs and new tax revenue - directly next to the busiest highway in North America…