Big Technology Podcast The Uneasy Amazon Coalition, With Fulfillment Author Alec MacGillis
Apr 7, 2021
Alec MacGillis, a Senior reporter at ProPublica and author of 'Fulfillment,' dives into the economic divide exacerbated by Amazon. He discusses the challenges faced during a historic union election at an Alabama warehouse and the stark shift from manufacturing to fulfillment jobs. MacGillis critiques the notion of meritocracy, shedding light on how elite philanthropy often misses the mark. He also explores the murky connections between Amazon and government procurement, questioning the integrity of these relationships.
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Unionization in Bessemer
- Amazon faces a historic union drive in Bessemer, Alabama, its first full warehouse election.
- The election involves over 5,800 workers, a number inflated by Amazon's inclusion of supervisory roles.
Focus on Working Conditions
- The Bessemer union drive focuses on better working conditions, not just higher wages.
- This reflects the demanding nature of Amazon warehouse jobs, despite a $15 minimum wage.
Demanding Warehouse Work
- Amazon warehouse jobs are physically demanding and relentless, resembling factory work.
- Workers seek better conditions, higher pay, and more say in their work processes.
