It is asserted multiple times in the article, but is there any evidence that Amazon uses temp workers at all their facilities or just in this one UK example? I haven't seen any accounts of heavy use in US warehouses, but they could be out there.
There's been a whole lot of articles about heavy use of temps in US warehouses. I think I recall one from a few months ago which talked about how the average temp in some CA warehouses was around 90 degrees most of the day and was staffed almost entirely by temp workers.
Edit: found it.
Amazon uses temporary employees in its Breinigsville warehouse, works them to the point of heat exhaustion--no, really, it parks ambulances outside--and then lets them go after they've failed to perform.
As a former manager for Amazon across multiple fulfillment centers, they ALL use temps. They don't all use the same temp agencies, and sometimes they use more than one at the same facility. In about 2006 some facilities would do a direct hire into Amazon. But the model now is the try-before-you-buy. A new temp is told that after so many hours they are eligible for "conversion" to a full time Amazon associate. But, there is also a max allowable hours before they are let go. So within that window they have to keep minimal attendance points and minimal warnings (write-ups). If there is space, a manager will always try to convert the best of his/her temps.
No, it isn't glorious work. Yes, I felt like I was managing a literal sweatshop in the summer. But, working in a warehouse/distribution environment is tough everywhere. I really wasn't a fan of how Amazon treated any of the fulfillment workers (managers or associates) and that ultimately led to me leaving. Don't miss it at all.
Comments
It is asserted multiple times in the article, but is there any evidence that Amazon uses temp workers at all their facilities or just in this one UK example? I haven't seen any accounts of heavy use in US warehouses, but they could be out there.
There's been a whole lot of articles about heavy use of temps in US warehouses. I think I recall one from a few months ago which talked about how the average temp in some CA warehouses was around 90 degrees most of the day and was staffed almost entirely by temp workers.
Edit: found it.
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2011/09/what-it-ta...
And it seems there's an update - http://www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2012/06/amazons-wa...
As a former manager for Amazon across multiple fulfillment centers, they ALL use temps. They don't all use the same temp agencies, and sometimes they use more than one at the same facility. In about 2006 some facilities would do a direct hire into Amazon. But the model now is the try-before-you-buy. A new temp is told that after so many hours they are eligible for "conversion" to a full time Amazon associate. But, there is also a max allowable hours before they are let go. So within that window they have to keep minimal attendance points and minimal warnings (write-ups). If there is space, a manager will always try to convert the best of his/her temps.
No, it isn't glorious work. Yes, I felt like I was managing a literal sweatshop in the summer. But, working in a warehouse/distribution environment is tough everywhere. I really wasn't a fan of how Amazon treated any of the fulfillment workers (managers or associates) and that ultimately led to me leaving. Don't miss it at all.