Fayetteville, NC (WTVD) — Amazon has announced plans to lay off nearly 18,000 employees, the most in the company’s history. According to the company, layoffs will primarily target talent, experience and technology employees, as well as across its retail operations, including e-commerce and brick-and-mortar stores.
Amazon representatives declined to say whether employees, particularly in North Carolina, could lose their jobs. It said it would contact employees directly affected by the layoffs on Monday. The statement further partly stated:
“We are working to support those affected, offering packages that include severance pay, temporary health insurance benefits, and outside job assistance. We have weathered a difficult economy and will continue to do so…I am also optimistic that we will be inventive, resourceful and crafty during this time…”
Robert Van Geons, president and CEO of Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation, noted that 18,000 layoffs is a bucket drop for a company that employs 1.5 million people worldwide.
He said the layoffs shouldn’t affect the warehouse in Raleigh or a warehouse scheduled to open in Fayetteville later this year. Given that the new warehouse is expected to create about 500 jobs, he said Amazon’s new facility remains a boon to the city.
“When Amazon chooses your community to be two facilities instead of one, it’s about your local economy, how we’re growing, and how great a place we are for our logistics and manufacturing operations. It makes a very clear statement.. “This adds to our tax base of over $100 million to pay for schools, parks and public services. So it’s great all around.”
He said a job at a giant retailer would be a great opportunity for Fayetteville residents to build personal wealth.
“Amazon wages are higher than traditional service sector wages…for many, this could mean a 30-50% wage increase.”
Van Geons advised those interested in working at Amazon’s new Fayetteville warehouse to beware of false job listings designed to defraud applicants. Instead, they should pay attention to job announcements and apply directly on her website on Amazon.
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