AMAZON – The Chicago Times

Amazon to End Free Grocery Delivery on Prime Orders Under $150

By Brooks M. Deering, The Chicago Times

January 28, 2023

SEATTLE – Bad news for Prime grocery members as Amazon announces that it will end free grocery delivery for orders under $150.

In an email, Amazon said Prime members who use Amazon Fresh will be charged $3.95 to $9.95 for orders under $150 starting February 28.

Prime members currently pay $139 a year for faster shipping and other Prime perks which currently include free shipping on grocery deliveries for orders above $35. According to Amazon, the new Amazon Fresh delivery charge will be $3.95 for orders between $100-$150, $6.95 for orders of $50 to $100, and $9.95 for orders under $50.

“We’re introducing a service fee on some Amazon Fresh delivery orders to help keep prices low in our online and physical grocery stores as we better cover grocery delivery costs and continue to enable offering a consistent, fast, and high-quality delivery experience,” Amazon spokesperson Lara Hendrickson said in a statement.

Amazon recently announced that it will lay off 18,000 workers in an effort to cut costs during this inflationary period.

Rivian Stock Plummets After Massive Vehicle Recall

By H. Mannheim, The Chicago Times

October 11, 2022

NEW YORK – Shares of Rivian Automotive Inc shed 7.3% on Monday after the electric-vehicle maker announced a massive recall last week.

Rivian, which is financed by Amazon, announced last Friday a recall of nearly 13,000 vehicles that may have a loose fastener that could cause the vehicle to steer out of control. The recall constitutes nearly every vehicle produced by the company since it ramped up production in the third quarter.

Despite an initial vehicle production estimate of nearly 23,600 vehicles for 2022, production shortfalls and current economic conditions have caused Rivian’s share price to drop 67% during the year.

Amazon To Axe Kindle Out Of Communist China

By Brooks M. Deering, The Chicago Times

June 2, 2022

BEIJING – Amazon.com to end Kindle device and services in communist China.

On Thursday, Amazon announced the decision on WeChat, saying it was pulling the Kindle from the communist Chinese market, but Amazon’s remaining operations, not restricted by the communist government, would continue.

Amazon also announced that the Kindle China e-bookstore will cease offering eBooks on June 30, 2023. Amazon added that customers will be able download any purchased books for a year beyond that.

“We remain committed to our customers in China. As a global business, we periodically evaluate our offerings and make adjustments, wherever we operate. With our portfolio of businesses in China, we will continue to innovate and invest where we can provide value to our customers.” Amazon stated in a press release.

Amazon’s remaining businesses in communist China includes cross-border e-commerce, advertising, and cloud services.

The increased repression and control over online content by China’s communist regime has prompted other large U.S. tech companies to cut services in China.

Amazon Workers Reject Unionization In Alabama

by Al Brown, The Chicago Times

March 31, 2022

BESSEMER, AL – It appears that Amazon warehouse workers in Bessemer, Alabama have rejected unionization attempts this Thursday with a vote 993 to 875 against forming a union. However, the National Labor Relations Board stated that 416 challenged votes could overturn the decision.

According to Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, “This is just the beginning and we will continue to fight. Regardless of the final outcome, workers have shown what is possible. They have helped ignite a movement.”

Appelbaum has instructed RWDSU lawyers to file objections to how Amazon conducted the election. The RWDSU was founded in 1937 and represents some 60,000 laborers in retail, grocery stores, food processing plants, hotels, and the public sector. The RWDSU has allegedly been connected with various communist activists and provocateur throughout its history.

Amazon has fought hard to resist unionization since it would lead to higher costs for consumers. Amazon workers were provided with training sessions depicting the ills of unions, which often impose heavy mandatory member dues and actively push companies into an adversarial relationship with workers. Amazon currently offers workers health care, 401(k) plans, and an opportunity to participate in a prepaid college tuition program. In a statement, an Amazon spokesman said “As a company, we don’t think unions are the best answer for our employees. Our focus remains on working directly with our team to continue making Amazon a great place to work.”

Alabama is currently a right-to-work state in which workers can not be forced to join a labor union.

Markham: Three Cook County Schools Receive $100,000 From Amazon

By The Chicago Times Staff

February 25, 2022

MARKHAM, IL – Three schools in Markham have been awarded $100,000 from Amazon.

Amazon announced it has awarded $100,000 to the Barack Obama Academy, Markham Park School, and Prairie Hill Junior High School.

“We really want Amazon to continue to learn from the communities about your priorities, and we want to invest in the most important asset any of us have, which is our young people. Thinking about what they are going to build across the Southland and across the region as they learn and grow. And Amazon is proud that we can bring just a small bit of resources to developing the vision that the leaders and the educators across the Southland have had for so long about the growth and development of their students.” said an Amazon representative in a statement.

Amazon To Add 450 Corporate And Technology Jobs

By Sloan T. Wilson, The Chicago Times

December 22,2021

CHICAGO – As Amazon’s presence in Illinois grows, the retail giant plans to add corporate and technology jobs in downtown Chicago.

In a statement Tuesday, Amazon said it will hire 450 people over the next few years to work in its Loop office. Amazon will lease 67,000 square feet at 222 W. Adams St., adding to the 140,000 square feet it occupies at 227 W. Monroe St.

According to the statement “These 450 new roles will join the more than 1,000 corporate and technology employees already working here in Chicago. Chicago’s many amenities and proximity to outstanding academic institutions continue to attract and develop an incredible talent pipeline. We look forward to continue investing in Chicago and creating exciting career opportunities as we build on our strong relationships with the local community and its leaders.”

As the dominance of Amazon delivery grows, warehouse workers organized as Amazonians United Chicagoland plan a walkout Wednesday morning at Amazon facilities located in Cicero and the Gage Park neighborhood. Ted Miin, an Amazon employee who supports the walkout, said management has not responded to worker requests for a $3-per-hour raise.