A curved blue arrow in the shape of a smile: the logo ofAmazon was unveiled this Tuesday, June 21 above the staff entrance to Rivesaltes (Eastern Pyrenees). The e-commerce giant’s delivery agency was inaugurated in presence of elected officials, partners and the pressorange vests on his back and safety shoes on his feet, a month and a half after his put into operation, May 5. The American firm had its warehouse visited to present its activities. A visit asoperation seduction to dispel criticism, after two years of controversy over the establishment of the company in the department.
32 permanent contracts signed to work in the Rivesaltes warehouse
It is one of 23 delivery agencies established on French territory. Orders intended for customers within a radius of 70 km around Rivesaltes. They are then shared according to the distribution areas, then delivered by specialized local companies (subcontractors). On the 150 positions promised by Amazonthere are 32 in the warehouse, all on permanent contracts. “The total should go up to 40 jobs“, precise Gregory Machetresponsible for the operations ofAmazon Logistics in the south of France. There are therefore a hundred distributed among the four transport companies that collaborate with the American giant.
– Thomas Vichard
And employment is essential data for Amazon leaders, which allows them to respond to criticism. “What is important to us is our contribution to local employment. At this Rivesaltes agency, we worked with elected officials and with local partners who are delighted with our arrival. It is also an opportunity to create jobs with our delivery partners. The best answer is the smiles on the faces of our employees and the eight out of ten who are satisfied with their jobs at Amazon“, says Gregory Machet.
On the studies that show that for one job created the American company destroys more than two, the operations manager ofAmazon Logistics also has the parade: “We have a study of cabinet independent wyman which tells us on the contrary that trade and physical trade have both progressed in terms of employment. This is a positive factor for the economic development of the territories.“
– Thomas Vichard
Soon deliveries with electric vehicles
On the issue of working conditions, sometimes criticized, it was repeated over and over throughout the visit to the warehouse, from the receipt of packages to their delivery: everything is going well. This is what employees and subcontractors say. “Everything is in place for us to work in good conditions, both for us in the offices and for the drivers on the road. It is the safety of the drivers above all, so there are no worries on that side.“, explains Pierre Olivier, manager of the transport company TSM for activities related to Amazon.
Finally, on theecological impact of the warehouseAmazon assures that it was built in “compliance with all environmental standards“. Of the photovoltaic panels and one rainwater harvesting system have been installed, and some of the delivery vehicles will soon be electric. Charging terminals have already been installed in the site car park.
– Thomas Vichard