So do you still wonder where Amazon will put their second headquarters? I? know Boston is in the running, but Boston will benefit from Amazon already…at least on paper. Amazon comes to Boston, and adds jobs.
In fact, Amazon leaders say they will add 2,000 jobs to Boston. They plan to build a 430,000 square foot skyscraper and office space in downtown Boston, near our computer service shop. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is happy. In a statement, he said this will add to Boston’s thriving workforce. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker also agrees. He praised Amazon for bringing thousands of jobs and help industries like IT support, research and robotics. Furthermore, Boston is still in the running for the big headquarters. You know, the one that they promise will add over 50,000 jobs and billions of dollars.
But what kinds of jobs will Amazon bring to our city? It will be mostly tech jobs. This includes speech science. In other words, they’ll be working on voices for Alexa. Then some others will be reading and working on books for the Amazon Audible service. They’ll also be working on Amazon Web services. Then there will be other employees working on and with Amazon Robotics. Keep in mind this city already has Boston Dynamics. So look at what they’re turning out. I admit, it will be interesting, even fun, to compare what Amazon robotics will do compare to Boston Dynamics.
Ready or not, Amazon comes to Boston. Yes, there is some good that comes with that. Our political leaders confirm it will bring jobs and add to our economy. Those are huge pluses. But what about certain downsizes. Look at Silicon Valley’s mess. Look at the wealth inequality, poverty, and ridiculous cost of housing. Here in Greater Boston, it isn’t much better. Almost daily, I see affordable housing being torn down and luxury condos built for millionaires. Will these jobs ease that burden or add to the burden? Will Amazon pay these employees fairly?