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Poll results

Amazon is expanding its distribution network across the globe, including in Central Massachusetts, with a $300-million facility in Charlton, two last-mile delivery centers in Worcester, and warehouses in communities like Milford and Bellingham. The company will hire thousands of employees with starting salaries at $60,000 for managers and $15 per hour for hourly workers. It is making in-roads in being a good corporate neighbor, reflected through its July donation of $100,000 to the United Way of Central Massachusetts. Yet, the $2-trillion company has a mixed reputation, as Amazon is the subject of multiple antitrust efforts, has heavily resisted unionization among its employees, and is seen as a leader in an online retail movement negatively impacting physical retail establishments.

Will Amazon's growing presence be a net positive for the Central Massachusetts business community?
Yes, more jobs are always welcome. (25%, 58 VOTES)
Yes, Amazon has already shown a willingness to support the local community. (6%, 14 VOTES)
Yes, the company is fulfilling an increasing local demand for timely online retail delivery. (16%, 38 VOTES)
No, the work is demanding and its wages aren't high enough compared to similar jobs. (12%, 29 VOTES)
No, Amazon takes market share away from smaller local companies. (41%, 96 VOTES)
Poll Description

Amazon is expanding its distribution network across the globe, including in Central Massachusetts, with a $300-million facility in Charlton, two last-mile delivery centers in Worcester, and warehouses in communities like Milford and Bellingham. The company will hire thousands of employees with starting salaries at $60,000 for managers and $15 per hour for hourly workers. It is making in-roads in being a good corporate neighbor, reflected through its July donation of $100,000 to the United Way of Central Massachusetts. Yet, the $2-trillion company has a mixed reputation, as Amazon is the subject of multiple antitrust efforts, has heavily resisted unionization among its employees, and is seen as a leader in an online retail movement negatively impacting physical retail establishments.

  • 235 Votes
  • 6 Comments
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6 Comments

  • July 20, 2021
    I've never read a single good thing about the work environment in Amazon's warehouses. 15$ per hour will be the minimum wage in 2023 so that should be noted in the poll question. Say it like it is "Amazon will be looking to hire thousands of minimum wage workers for exhausting unrewarding work that should probably be done by robots, while ruining a beautiful town and clogging a major roadway." I used to live in Charlton and would hate to see it tainted with giant warehouses and crippling traffic.
  • July 20, 2021

    Their recent donation is United Way is actually not that impressive. One of the regional banks is much more generous and their earnings are less. Try reading "Fulfillment: Wining and Losing in One Click America" and you will see the price society pays. Also, the countryside in Worcester County will be a landscape of warehouses if Amazon is allowed to destroy agricultural communities.

  • July 20, 2021
    Whether it is local here in Mass. or any other part of the country, smaller local companies can't compete. f we don't have Amazon here with the job opportunities they provide they will be somewhere else. If you use Amazon anyway, why not have the benefit of the jobs here locally?
  • July 20, 2021

    Big supporter of small business. Road infrastructure isn’t even close to being able to handle the excessive traffic on the horizon in all locations especially Charlton where Rte 20 is already a traffic nightmare being the detour for traffic back up on the Pike.

  • July 20, 2021
    Amazon is a monster employer that chews up employees and spits them out, likely putting more strain on the unemployment system. Touting $15/hour for the planned Charlton facility is misleading, as $15 will be minimum wage by the time the facility opens. Siting the facility on existing farmland adjacent to 100 year-old homes, wetlands, and Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary on an already congested stretch of Route 20 is irresponsible and a shining example of corporate greed. The projected $24 million Charlton hopes to receive from Amazon over 10 years is less than the ticket price at auction for a joy ride to space with Jeff Bezos.