Inland Empire Ready for Amazon’s Hiring Surge
Amazon is poised to launch a massive recruitment drive in Inland Empire, with plans to bring on board over 2,000 full-time and part-time employees to staff two new facilities in Fontana and Jurupa. These cutting-edge facilities, known as “inbound cross docks,” recently commenced operations to handle cargo and sort merchandise for shipment to fulfillment centers responsible for fulfilling customer orders.
Paul Granillo, the President and CEO of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, hailed this job influx as a significant economic boost for the region. Granillo emphasized the critical role logistics jobs play in Inland Empire communities, where the starting wages often surpass the minimum wage threshold. In fact, the logistics sector saw a surge in employment in 2024 alongside healthcare and government sectors.
According to Granillo, Amazon stands as one of the largest private employers in the region, playing a pivotal role in maintaining economic vibrancy. The new Amazon positions offer a competitive starting pay of $20.75 per hour, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with company matching, and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave, as revealed by Amazon spokesperson Carly Levy.
Meanwhile, Michael McCarthy, an adjunct professor at Pitzer College specializing in environmental analysis, sounded a cautious note about the freight and logistics sector in the region. Highlighting concerns about tariffs and slowing growth post-pandemic, McCarthy warned of overreliance on warehousing as a significant issue that hampers economic diversification.
The rollout of new Amazon facilities comes amidst growing tensions surrounding the environmental impact of industrial development in the area. Activists and residents have raised concerns about the negative consequences of turning the region into a logistics hub, citing pollution, traffic congestion, and other issues. In response, last year, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a contentious bill establishing stricter standards for industrial warehouse construction to safeguard the health of surrounding communities.
As Inland Empire braces for Amazon’s hiring spree, the region stands at a crossroads, balancing economic growth with environmental concerns. It’s crucial to strike a delicate balance that promotes job creation while safeguarding the well-being of local residents and the environment. Residents, policymakers, and industry leaders must work together to ensure sustainable development that benefits all stakeholders in Inland Empire’s future.
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