Amazon’s Quebec operations are ending, marking a significant shift in the company’s delivery strategy. The e-commerce giant is transitioning away from its in-house delivery network in the province. This change will see a return to utilizing third-party logistics providers for package fulfillment and delivery. The reasons behind this decision remain unstated by Amazon.
Amazon will close seven Quebec sites, impacting nearly 1800 employees, and shifting to a third-party delivery model similar to its pre-2020 system. The company cites a review of operations and claims the decision is unrelated to recent unionization efforts at a Laval warehouse, despite speculation linking the two. Amazon is offering affected workers severance packages including up to 14 weeks of salary and transition support. Intelcom, an existing Amazon subcontractor, is reportedly poised to assume some of the vacated roles.
Meta and Amazon scaling back their diversity programs ahead of a potential Trump inauguration is a fascinating development, prompting a flurry of speculation and opinions. The immediate reaction from many is a sense of cynicism, a feeling that these companies never truly cared about diversity, viewing their previous initiatives as mere performative acts designed to garner positive public image and potentially secure government funding. The suspicion is that these programs were always ultimately subordinate to profit maximization.
This shift, however, may not solely be about placating a potential Trump administration. It’s possible that the companies are proactively addressing potential legal risks.… Continue reading
Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon and owner of The Washington Post, praised Donald Trump’s presidential victory, days after the Washington Post reportedly canceled an endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. Bezos attributed the decision to cancel the endorsement to a belief that endorsements have little impact on voters and contribute to the perception of media bias. The decision drew criticism from several Post reporters and subscribers, and the outlet reportedly lost 250,000 subscribers as a result. The Washington Post claims to have reverted to its original policy of not endorsing presidential candidates.
As an employee of a company that values work-life balance and productivity, I find it disheartening to hear about the recent mandate from the Amazon cloud boss regarding the return to office policy. The idea that employees who are unhappy with the 5-day office mandate can simply leave is not only callous but also demonstrates a lack of empathy and understanding towards the workforce.
It is evident from the various comments and reactions online that this decision is not being well-received by Amazon employees. The sentiment of feeling disregarded and undervalued by management is palpable and resonates with many individuals who prioritize flexibility and autonomy in their work environment.… Continue reading
As an employee who has been navigating the world of remote work for the past few years, the recent mandate from Amazon to return to the office five days a week has left me feeling frustrated and disillusioned. The notion that this move is in line with wanting to operate like the world’s largest startup feels like a hollow excuse to uproot the flexible work arrangements that so many employees have come to appreciate.
The idea that being physically present in an office is essential for team cohesion and innovation seems outdated in a world where technology allows for seamless virtual collaboration.… Continue reading
Amazon is legally responsible for recalling dangerous products sold on its site, as a recent ruling by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has highlighted. This decision comes after years of complaints about hazardous items being sold on Amazon, including faulty carbon monoxide detectors and unsafe kids’ sleepwear.
The fact that Amazon, a company with billions in revenue, has been found responsible for more than 400,000 dangerous products is a step in the right direction. It’s about time that they are being held accountable for the items being sold on their platform. Whether they like it or not, the safety of their customers should be a top priority.… Continue reading
Amazon’s decision to eliminate plastic air pillows in their packaging is a welcomed change that reflects a growing concern for the environment. As a consumer, I have noticed a shift towards more sustainable packaging materials, such as paper, which can be composted and recycled. This move not only reduces single-use plastic waste but also promotes eco-friendly practices within the retail industry.
However, while I appreciate the effort to reduce plastic waste, I have encountered instances where items are shipped without any protective packaging at all. This lack of padding can result in damaged goods, especially when it comes to fragile items.… Continue reading
As a Wisconsin resident, I was intrigued by the recent decision by the Supreme Court of Wisconsin to uphold the ruling that declared Amazon drivers to be employees. This ruling sheds light on a prevalent issue that exists not only in Wisconsin but all over the country – the misclassification of employees as independent contractors. It is absurd that there are individuals who are clearly performing the duties of an employee but are being treated as contractors, depriving them of the protections and benefits that come with being an employee.
Reading about the first-hand experiences of individuals who work as Amazon delivery drivers only solidifies the fact that these individuals should be classified as employees.… Continue reading
UPS announces 12,000 job cuts, saying that package volume slipped last quarter. This news is disheartening, but not entirely surprising given the changing landscape of the shipping industry. As someone who ships around 100 packages a week, I’ve observed a shift in the market. It used to be a 90/10 split between UPS and USPS, but now it’s more of a 10/90 split due to USPS’s Ground Advantage service, which offers lower prices. This has undoubtedly impacted UPS’s market share.
The rise of e-commerce giant Amazon has also played a role in UPS’s struggles. A few years ago, UPS took a stand and told Amazon to either accept their rates or develop their own shipping program.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood