Agenda Text
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Urging fair and full employment opportunities at Amazon.
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Official Text
WHEREAS, Amazon has targeted the City of Somerville for expansion of its e-commerce network; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the health, safety, and well-being of the residents of Somerville; and
WHEREAS, The measures put in place to combat Covid-19 by state and local guidelines to prevent the spread and curtail the transmission of the Coronavirus have had a devastating economic impact on local retail establishments in Somerville and have changed the retail options for the residents of Somerville; and
WHEREAS, Existing retail and e-commerce delivery networks currently operate in Somerville and set community standards for every family with sustaining wages, benefits including but not limited to quality health insurance and secure retirement; and
WHEREAS, These retail and e-commerce delivery options coexist in Somerville’s diverse neighborhoods, while adding value to the fabric of the community including good careers for Somerville residents to provide for their families; and
WHEREAS, Existing e-commerce delivery options have aptly served the residents of Somerville throughout the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining the highest of standards for its essential workforce; and
WHEREAS, Amazon, which does not conform to area standards for wages, benefits, and working conditions, has targeted the Somerville area for expansion of its e-commerce operations; NOW THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, That the Somerville City Council urges Amazon to meet and confer with the Somerville community, including but not limited to representatives from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 25, locally-impacted neighborhood groups, local residents, and other interested parties to discuss how Amazon can expand delivery operations, warehouses, and fulfillment centers in a way that is beneficial to Somerville and its residents, while guaranteeing sustainable growth for the City and helping to ensure that fair and equitable employment standards are maintained for all e-commerce delivery networks throughout Somerville; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED That prior to any expansion into Somerville, Amazon must commit to and present sufficient evidence to the Somerville City Council that its operation meets or exceeds current community standards set by existing e-commerce delivery networks. This commitment must include that all delivery drivers be direct employees of Amazon, not independent contractors, and that Amazon only hire competent and safe delivery drivers that will maintain the utmost professional conduct in their day to day operation in the neighborhoods of Somerville.