Amazon employees staged a walkout at company headquarters in Seattle on Wednesday (May 31) to protest against changes in company’s climate policy, layoffs and a return-to-office mandate. There was a gathering of more than 100 people by afternoon near the Spheres, a glass-dome monument at Amazon’s headquarters.

"Emissions climbing. Time to act!" the group chanted. "Stand together; don't turn back!"

More than 1,900 employees had pledged to protest globally, according to the organisers, an activist group known as Amazon Employees for Climate Justice (AECJ).

"I'm out here to support everyone at Amazon who believes we can just do better. You know, we can do better on the environment, we can do better on personal choice, and family and work balance. It's real simple," said Kevin Freitas, who has worked at the company for six years."

AECJ has said that the walkout has followed moves from Amazon "in the wrong direction". The company recently removed a goal to make all Amazon shipments net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The company still has a broader pledge on climate for a decade later.

The e-commerce giant has also cut about 27,000 roles within the company in recent months. This comes to 9 per cent of its corporate workforce. This is quite a shift for a company that touted its job creation.

A return-to-office mandate by May 1 caused confusion for some staff as to whether they needed to relocate homes nearer to work or whether they would be laid off beforehand.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/bill-gates-has-a-doomsday-prediction-says-ai-could-kill-google-search-and-amazon-595404">Bill Gates has a doomsday prediction, says AI could kill Google Search and Amazon</a>

Brad Glasser, Amazon spokesperson, released a statement and said that the company was pushing hard to cut carbon emissions.

He added that Amazon listens to employee feedback and was happy with the collaboration that arose from its return-to-office policy.

There have been other protests in recent years, including in 2019, when Amazon workers were among hundreds of employees of large technology companies to join marches in San Francisco and Seattle, saying their employers were too slow to tackle global warming.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amazon employees staged a walkout at company headquarters in Seattle on Wednesday (May 31) to protest against changes in company’s climate policy, layoffs and a return-to-office mandate.

Amazon employees staged a walkout at company headquarters in Seattle on Wednesday (May 31) to protest against changes in company’s climate policy, layoffs and a return-to-office mandate. There was a gathering of more than 100 people by afternoon near the Spheres, a glass-dome monument at Amazon’s headquarters. "Emissions climbing. Time to act!" the group chanted. "Stand together; don't turn back!" More than 1,900 employees had pledged to protest globally, according to the organisers, an activist group known as Amazon Employees for Climate Justice (AECJ). "I'm out here to support everyone at Amazon who believes we can just do better. You know, we can do better on the environment, we can do better on personal choice, and family and work balance. It's real simple," said Kevin Freitas, who has worked at the company for six years." AECJ has said that the walkout has followed moves from Amazon "in the wrong direction". The company recently removed a goal to make all Amazon shipments net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The company still has a broader pledge on climate for a decade later. The e-commerce giant has also cut about 27,000 roles within the company in recent months. This comes to 9 per cent of its corporate workforce. This is quite a shift for a company that touted its job creation. A return-to-office mandate by May 1 caused confusion for some staff as to whether they needed to relocate homes nearer to work or whether they would be laid off beforehand. Also Read | Bill Gates has a doomsday prediction, says AI could kill Google Search and Amazon Brad Glasser, Amazon spokesperson, released a statement and said that the company was pushing hard to cut carbon emissions. He added that Amazon listens to employee feedback and was happy with the collaboration that arose from its return-to-office policy. There have been other protests in recent years, including in 2019, when Amazon workers were among hundreds of employees of large technology companies to join marches in San Francisco and Seattle, saying their employers were too slow to tackle global warming. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Amazon employees stage walkout at company headquarters in Seattle

Amazon.com Inc's plan to set up a second headquarters in northern Virginia, after being rebuffed in New York, will face its first test when local officials vote on Saturday on a proposed financial package worth an estimated $51 million.

Amazon in November picked National Landing, a site jointly owned by Arlington County and the City of Alexandria, just outside of Washington, along with New York for its so-called HQ2 or second headquarters. That followed a year-long search in which hundreds of municipalities, ranging from Newark, New Jersey, to Indianapolis, competed for the coveted tax-dollars and high-wage jobs the project promises.

Amazon in February abruptly scrapped plans to build part of its second headquarters in New York after opposition from local leaders, who were upset by incentives promised by state and city politicians. 
 
While the opposition in Arlington is still nascent, the vote has become a political flashpoint between the project's supporters and activist opponents. It has given local activists the chance to push for a delay so that the county's proposal can be reviewed and debated further.

A five-member panel of the Arlington County Board will vote on whether Amazon will receive the estimated $51 million, a fraction of the $481 million promised by the county. Only 5 percent of the incentives are direct. 
 
Amazon has also been offered a $750 million package by the state that the Virginia General Assembly approved with little opposition.

The scene at Saturday's vote is likely to be different. At least 100 members from local activist groups are expected to attend. Protests are expected to begin at least an hour before the vote comes up for hearing at 1 pm EST, Reuters has learned from labor groups. The $51 million includes a controversial direct financial incentive or a cash grant of $23 million to Amazon over 15 years, which will be collected from taxes on Arlington hotel rooms. The grant is contingent upon Amazon occupying six million square feet of office space over the first 16 years.

Arlington has also offered to invest about $28 million over 10 years of future property tax revenue in onsite infrastructure and open space at the headquarters site.

A filing on the county board's website says the $23 million grant and the $28 million in strategic public infrastructure investments were "instrumental in Amazon choosing Arlington for its headquarters."

A county spokesman declined to comment.

Arlington County Chair Christian Dorsey has stated publicly he had 'no interest'&nbsp;in postponing the vote, had heard no suggestions to do so from other board members, and expected the measure to pass.

Amazon's 25,000 new jobs will help offset the more than 34,000 jobs Arlington has lost since 2003 due to federal agency closures and other factors, and help diversify the local economy, company spokeswoman Jill Kerr said. 'Our investment of $2.5 billion will generate more than $3.2 billion in tax revenue which can be used for public services.'

Activists from For Us, Not Amazon, a coalition of nine labor groups and grassroots organizations working in areas such as minority advocacy, are not convinced.

Roshan Abraham, an organizer from Our Revolution Arlington, a coalition member, said his group wants Amazon to engage with the community more, hold public hearings on the company's investments, address rising housing costs, displacement of low-income families near the proposed site and donate to affordable housing funds.

'What we are very concerned about is Amazon has met behind closed doors, at invitation events, but haven't met with the community in a public, accessible way,'&nbsp;he said.

Amazon said it has met with many community leaders and residents, including local businesses, nonprofits, and community and civic associations and will continue to engage with them as it expands its presence in Arlington.

Amazon.com Inc's plan to set up a second headquarters in northern Virginia, after being rebuffed in New York, will face its first test when local officials vote on Saturday on a proposed financial package worth an estimated $51 million.

Amazon.com Inc's plan to set up a second headquarters in northern Virginia, after being rebuffed in New York, will face its first test when local officials vote on Saturday on a proposed financial package worth an estimated $51 million. Amazon in November picked National Landing, a site jointly owned by Arlington County and the City of Alexandria, just outside of Washington, along with New York for its so-called HQ2 or second headquarters. That followed a year-long search in which hundreds of municipalities, ranging from Newark, New Jersey, to Indianapolis, competed for the coveted tax-dollars and high-wage jobs the project promises. Amazon in February abruptly scrapped plans to build part of its second headquarters in New York after opposition from local leaders, who were upset by incentives promised by state and city politicians. While the opposition in Arlington is still nascent, the vote has become a political flashpoint between the project's supporters and activist opponents. It has given local activists the chance to push for a delay so that the county's proposal can be reviewed and debated further. A five-member panel of the Arlington County Board will vote on whether Amazon will receive the estimated $51 million, a fraction of the $481 million promised by the county. Only 5 percent of the incentives are direct. Amazon has also been offered a $750 million package by the state that the Virginia General Assembly approved with little opposition. The scene at Saturday's vote is likely to be different. At least 100 members from local activist groups are expected to attend. Protests are expected to begin at least an hour before the vote comes up for hearing at 1 pm EST, Reuters has learned from labor groups. The $51 million includes a controversial direct financial incentive or a cash grant of $23 million to Amazon over 15 years, which will be collected from taxes on Arlington hotel rooms. The grant is contingent upon Amazon occupying six million square feet of office space over the first 16 years. Arlington has also offered to invest about $28 million over 10 years of future property tax revenue in onsite infrastructure and open space at the headquarters site. A filing on the county board's website says the $23 million grant and the $28 million in strategic public infrastructure investments were "instrumental in Amazon choosing Arlington for its headquarters." A county spokesman declined to comment. Arlington County Chair Christian Dorsey has stated publicly he had 'no interest' in postponing the vote, had heard no suggestions to do so from other board members, and expected the measure to pass. Amazon's 25,000 new jobs will help offset the more than 34,000 jobs Arlington has lost since 2003 due to federal agency closures and other factors, and help diversify the local economy, company spokeswoman Jill Kerr said. 'Our investment of $2.5 billion will generate more than $3.2 billion in tax revenue which can be used for public services.' Activists from For Us, Not Amazon, a coalition of nine labor groups and grassroots organizations working in areas such as minority advocacy, are not convinced. Roshan Abraham, an organizer from Our Revolution Arlington, a coalition member, said his group wants Amazon to engage with the community more, hold public hearings on the company's investments, address rising housing costs, displacement of low-income families near the proposed site and donate to affordable housing funds. 'What we are very concerned about is Amazon has met behind closed doors, at invitation events, but haven't met with the community in a public, accessible way,' he said. Amazon said it has met with many community leaders and residents, including local businesses, nonprofits, and community and civic associations and will continue to engage with them as it expands its presence in Arlington.

Amazon's second headquarters faces new blocks in Virginia funding vote

Top business leaders, lawmakers and others are urging Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos to reconsider his decision <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-cancels-plan-to-locate-headquarters-in-new-york-197522">not to move forward with plans for a new headquarters in New York</a>, to build an "exciting future" for the city.

In an open letter to appear in Friday's edition of The New York Times, the 80-odd signatories -- from bank CEOs to church leaders and the head of US airline JetBlue -- acknowledged the "rough" public debate that thwarted the project, but chalked it up to "New York charm."

In mid-February, Amazon abandoned its plans for a new headquarters in New York, to be located in the Long Island City neighbourhood of Queens, blaming opposition from community leaders angry at the huge subsidies on offer.

"New York attracts the best, most diverse talent from across the globe. We are a dynamic new centre of the country's most inclusive tech economy," the open letter said.

"We all hope you reconsider and join us in building the exciting future of New York."

They said the online retail giant's proposed New York campus would be a "tremendous benefit to residents and small businesses in the surrounding communities."

Also on the list of signatories are several current members of Congress representing New York.

Long Island City was one of two locations chosen last year for Amazon's so-called "HQ2" -- the other project in the suburbs of the US capital Washington will move forward.

The online retail giant had promised the sprawling complex would create 25,000 jobs in New York -- and possibly 40,000 by 2034 -- in exchange for nearly $3 billion in state and city incentives.

The New York plan had been endorsed by Mayor Bill De Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo.

But it ran into fierce opposition from some local politicians and community activists, including newly elected Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose district borders the New York site.

But those who signed the open letter wrote: "A clear majority of New Yorkers support this project and were disappointed by your decision not to proceed."

The letter says Cuomo would "take personal responsibility" for getting state approval of the project.&nbsp;

The New York Times has reported that Cuomo, a Democrat, has had several meetings with Amazon leaders in a bid to reverse the decision.

Amazon did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the letter.

Top business leaders, lawmakers and others are urging Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos to reconsider his decision not to move forward with plans for a new headquarters in New York, to build an "exciting future" for the city.

Top business leaders, lawmakers and others are urging Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos to reconsider his decision not to move forward with plans for a new headquarters in New York, to build an "exciting future" for the city. In an open letter to appear in Friday's edition of The New York Times, the 80-odd signatories -- from bank CEOs to church leaders and the head of US airline JetBlue -- acknowledged the "rough" public debate that thwarted the project, but chalked it up to "New York charm." In mid-February, Amazon abandoned its plans for a new headquarters in New York, to be located in the Long Island City neighbourhood of Queens, blaming opposition from community leaders angry at the huge subsidies on offer. "New York attracts the best, most diverse talent from across the globe. We are a dynamic new centre of the country's most inclusive tech economy," the open letter said. "We all hope you reconsider and join us in building the exciting future of New York." They said the online retail giant's proposed New York campus would be a "tremendous benefit to residents and small businesses in the surrounding communities." Also on the list of signatories are several current members of Congress representing New York. Long Island City was one of two locations chosen last year for Amazon's so-called "HQ2" -- the other project in the suburbs of the US capital Washington will move forward. The online retail giant had promised the sprawling complex would create 25,000 jobs in New York -- and possibly 40,000 by 2034 -- in exchange for nearly $3 billion in state and city incentives. The New York plan had been endorsed by Mayor Bill De Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo. But it ran into fierce opposition from some local politicians and community activists, including newly elected Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose district borders the New York site. But those who signed the open letter wrote: "A clear majority of New Yorkers support this project and were disappointed by your decision not to proceed." The letter says Cuomo would "take personal responsibility" for getting state approval of the project. The New York Times has reported that Cuomo, a Democrat, has had several meetings with Amazon leaders in a bid to reverse the decision. Amazon did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the letter.

Business leaders, lawmakers to Amazon: Please come back to New York

Amazon.com Inc is exploring alternatives to locating part of its new headquarters in New York in case the plan should fail due to local opposition, a person briefed on the matter told Reuters on Friday.

The online retailer has not yet acquired any land for the project, which would make it easy to scrap its plans, the source said. The Washington Post reported the story earlier on Friday.

The person briefed on the matter said that<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/woody-allen-sues-amazon-studios-for-quitting-movie-deal-195953"> Amazon </a>was still working towards winning approval from New York officials and had not given up on the proposal, but was considering potential alternatives to New York.

Earlier, the Post, which is owned by Amazon Chief Executive Jeff Bezos, reported that Amazon executives had internal discussions to reassess the situation in New York and explore alternatives. It cited two unnamed people familiar with the retailer's thinking.

In a statement on Friday, Amazon said it was working to engage with New Yorkers, but did not discuss whether it would change its plans.

"We're focussed on engaging with our new neighbours - small business owners, educators, and community leaders," it said. "Whether it's building a pipeline of local jobs through workforce training or funding computer science classes for thousands of New York City students, we are working hard to demonstrate what kind of neighbour we will be."

Amazon shares closed down 1.6 per cent on Friday.

In November, Amazon said it would branch out from its home base in Seattle with plans to create more than 25,000 jobs in two new developments.

The world's largest online retailer plans to spend $5 billion on the developments in Long Island City in New York's Queens borough, and in Arlington, Virginia, near Washington, DC, and expects to get more than $2 billion in tax credits and incentives with plans to apply for more.

Amazon has mailed flyers to Queens residents touting the economic benefits of its New York expansion.

But some residents in the rapidly transforming Long Island City neighbourhood across the East River from midtown Manhattan's skyscrapers have loudly opposed Amazon's plan. They say they fear more crowded subway stations, an overburdened sewage system and rent increases that would drive out long-time residents.

"I would be happy not to have them," said Terri Gloyd, the co-owner of the LIC Corner Cafe. "I think most of the neighbourhood hasn't wanted them here." She said her neighbours may have given the prospect of Amazon a warmer welcome had the subsidy package not been so large.

A critic of the plan, Queens lawmaker Senator Michael Gianaris, was appointed to a state Senate panel that has the power to block Amazon's campus, local media including the New York Times have reported.

City council speaker Corey Johnson told local radio he is looking at subsidies for Amazon and that the plan is not yet final. One point of contention could be Amazon's opposition to labour unions.

U.S. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose district spans parts of Queens and the Bronx, has also criticized Amazon.

Ocasio-Cortez tweeted a link to the Post story on Friday and said: "Can everyday people come together and effectively organise against creeping overreach of one of the world’s biggest corporations? Yes, they can."

In one sign of opposition, artists spray-painted Amazon's logo - spelled "AMAZNO" - on streets near the proposed site.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio support Amazon's plan.

Cuomo defended the deal on Friday as the largest economic development the state had ever won and cited the Post story.

"If Amazon does not come to New York, it's because of the political opposition. Because it is so ironic for Amazon after they spent one year with everyone seducing them, and everyone courting them, we win and then there's political opposition."

Bidding war

The split-second headquarters, which Amazon called HQ2, attracted 238 proposals from across North America in a year-long bidding war.

Amazon ended the frenzy by dividing the spoils between the two most powerful U.S. East Coast cities and offering a consolation prize of a 5,000-person centre in Nashville, Tennessee.

At the outset of its search last year, Amazon said it was looking for a business-friendly environment. The company said it will receive performance-based incentives of $1.525 billion from the state of New York, including an average $48,000 for each job it creates.

It can also apply for other tax incentives, such as New York City's Relocation and Employment Assistance Programme that offers tax breaks potentially worth $900 million over 12 years. What benefit the company would actually get was unclear.

Amazon.com Inc is exploring alternatives to locating part of its new headquarters in New York in case the plan should fail due to local opposition, a person briefed on the matter told Reuters on Friday.

Amazon.com Inc is exploring alternatives to locating part of its new headquarters in New York in case the plan should fail due to local opposition, a person briefed on the matter told Reuters on Friday. The online retailer has not yet acquired any land for the project, which would make it easy to scrap its plans, the source said. The Washington Post reported the story earlier on Friday. The person briefed on the matter said that Amazon was still working towards winning approval from New York officials and had not given up on the proposal, but was considering potential alternatives to New York. Earlier, the Post, which is owned by Amazon Chief Executive Jeff Bezos, reported that Amazon executives had internal discussions to reassess the situation in New York and explore alternatives. It cited two unnamed people familiar with the retailer's thinking. In a statement on Friday, Amazon said it was working to engage with New Yorkers, but did not discuss whether it would change its plans. "We're focussed on engaging with our new neighbours - small business owners, educators, and community leaders," it said. "Whether it's building a pipeline of local jobs through workforce training or funding computer science classes for thousands of New York City students, we are working hard to demonstrate what kind of neighbour we will be." Amazon shares closed down 1.6 per cent on Friday. In November, Amazon said it would branch out from its home base in Seattle with plans to create more than 25,000 jobs in two new developments. The world's largest online retailer plans to spend $5 billion on the developments in Long Island City in New York's Queens borough, and in Arlington, Virginia, near Washington, DC, and expects to get more than $2 billion in tax credits and incentives with plans to apply for more. Amazon has mailed flyers to Queens residents touting the economic benefits of its New York expansion. But some residents in the rapidly transforming Long Island City neighbourhood across the East River from midtown Manhattan's skyscrapers have loudly opposed Amazon's plan. They say they fear more crowded subway stations, an overburdened sewage system and rent increases that would drive out long-time residents. "I would be happy not to have them," said Terri Gloyd, the co-owner of the LIC Corner Cafe. "I think most of the neighbourhood hasn't wanted them here." She said her neighbours may have given the prospect of Amazon a warmer welcome had the subsidy package not been so large. A critic of the plan, Queens lawmaker Senator Michael Gianaris, was appointed to a state Senate panel that has the power to block Amazon's campus, local media including the New York Times have reported. City council speaker Corey Johnson told local radio he is looking at subsidies for Amazon and that the plan is not yet final. One point of contention could be Amazon's opposition to labour unions. U.S. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose district spans parts of Queens and the Bronx, has also criticized Amazon. Ocasio-Cortez tweeted a link to the Post story on Friday and said: "Can everyday people come together and effectively organise against creeping overreach of one of the world’s biggest corporations? Yes, they can." In one sign of opposition, artists spray-painted Amazon's logo - spelled "AMAZNO" - on streets near the proposed site. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio support Amazon's plan. Cuomo defended the deal on Friday as the largest economic development the state had ever won and cited the Post story. "If Amazon does not come to New York, it's because of the political opposition. Because it is so ironic for Amazon after they spent one year with everyone seducing them, and everyone courting them, we win and then there's political opposition." Bidding war The split-second headquarters, which Amazon called HQ2, attracted 238 proposals from across North America in a year-long bidding war. Amazon ended the frenzy by dividing the spoils between the two most powerful U.S. East Coast cities and offering a consolation prize of a 5,000-person centre in Nashville, Tennessee. At the outset of its search last year, Amazon said it was looking for a business-friendly environment. The company said it will receive performance-based incentives of $1.525 billion from the state of New York, including an average $48,000 for each job it creates. It can also apply for other tax incentives, such as New York City's Relocation and Employment Assistance Programme that offers tax breaks potentially worth $900 million over 12 years. What benefit the company would actually get was unclear.

Amazon exploring potential alternatives to New York HQ: Report