An internal memo from Amazon reveals the company’s carefully considered plans to increase its influence in Southern California through various efforts that include improving its reputation via charitable work and countering “labor agitation” from labor teams and other groups.
The Plan for Community Engagement
The eight-page memo provides a rare glimpse into how one of America’s largest companies is executing its public relations goals and attempts to mitigate the reputational damage stemming from criticisms of its business practices. It also outlines how Amazon aims to systematically engage local politicians and community groups to advance its interests in a region that could be hindered by local bans on warehouse development, facing resistance from environmental and labor activists.
Audio and Political Challenges
Amazon faces significant audio challenges in Southern California, where it is believed to be building facilities in communities that are predominantly colored and impoverished, adversely affecting their health. The Inland Empire, an area in Southern California discussed in the document, has seen a boom in warehouse development over the past few decades. However, there has also been a rise in local opposition to new warehouses, with many municipalities instituting temporary bans on developments.
Collaboration with Local Groups and Politicians
Amazon plans to “win the trust” of community groups and nonprofit organizations, such as the San Bernardino Valley College Foundation and Feeding America, to counter state legislation “that will continue to threaten the region’s economy and Amazon’s interests.” The legal projects referred to include a bill that prohibits companies from building large warehouses within 1,000 feet (300 meters) of private homes, apartments, schools, daycare centers, and other facilities.
Media Coverage and Positive Impact
Media coverage is among Amazon’s top concerns. The document outlines the company’s goals for generating positive stories about itself through charitable campaigns, including a food drive organized by Amazon employees who donate to the Los Angeles Food Bank, where significant moments are captured in the media. The memo suggests organizing similar moments during a back-to-school donation event and a toy drive, where donations are delivered and Amazon executives, along with groups that receive grants from the company, “talk about Amazon’s impact” to the media.
Ongoing Monitoring
Amazon is carefully monitoring three matters in the region over the next year: warehouse bans, labor organization among contracted delivery drivers, and community groups that refuse charitable donations. It states that some elected leaders have been hesitant to accept political donations from the company.
Shahir Kausji, executive director of the Warehouse Workers Resource Center, stated that the organization works directly with warehouse workers in the region who continuously voice concerns over low wages, high injury rates, and other issues. He said the memo illustrates Amazon’s strategy “to cover these legitimate concerns with donations, media articles, and support for political changes that either benefit Amazon or harm its competitors.”
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