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Amazon rolls out machines that pack orders and replace jobs

reuters.com

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Re: Amazon rolls out machines that pack orders and replace jobs

#3
"That would amount to more than 1,300 cuts across 55 U.S. fulfillment centers for standard-sized inventory." ... "removing at least 24 roles at each one, these people said. These facilities typically employ more than 2,000 people."

I'm surprised that number is so low. There's only a couple dozen people out of 2000+ that actually put orders in boxes?

Re: Amazon rolls out machines that pack orders and replace jobs

#7

"That would amount to more than 1,300 cuts across 55 U.S. fulfillment centers for standard-sized inventory." ... "removing at least 24 roles at each one, these people said. These facilities typically employ more than 2,000 people." I'm surprised that number is so low. There's only a couple dozen people out of 2000+ that actually put orders in boxes?

I guess 24 roles could also mean 24 roles like lead packer, junior packer etc ...

Re: Amazon rolls out machines that pack orders and replace jobs

#8
post #2

Something tells me people will find a way to complain about this. And that those people will be the same people that think Amazon's warehouse policies are oppressive.

True.

Why not just employ people with a living wage, and then ask them to do a reasonable amount of things?

Ohhhhhhhh... riiiiiiight... "profitability" and "being competitive."

Re: Amazon rolls out machines that pack orders and replace jobs

#9
post #2

Something tells me people will find a way to complain about this. And that those people will be the same people that think Amazon's warehouse policies are oppressive.

IMO the best "counterargument" here is that those were jobs which paid folks who then paid into their local economy. That goes away with robots and becomes more revenue.

Lots of folks are in favor of a "automation tax." I'm not sure how I feel.

Note I'm not arguing these points, but merely pointing them out.

Re: Amazon rolls out machines that pack orders and replace jobs

#10

"That would amount to more than 1,300 cuts across 55 U.S. fulfillment centers for standard-sized inventory." ... "removing at least 24 roles at each one, these people said. These facilities typically employ more than 2,000 people." I'm surprised that number is so low. There's only a couple dozen people out of 2000+ that actually put orders in boxes?

I guess 24 roles could also mean 24 roles like lead packer, junior packer etc ...

Looks like they mean 24 people at each center, as 24 * 55 = 1320.
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