Amazon under fire for plant closure
POLITICIANS have blasted Amazon bosses over their decision to close the ret a i l g iant’s west of Scotland distribution centre – and put 300 jobs on the line.
The news was broken to employees by management at 6pm on Monday ahead of a ‘ consultation period’.
The Gourock site, which regularly employs hundreds of seasonal workers from Glasgow during busy periods, is one of three fulfilment centres earmarked for closure in the UK and could shut as early as March 19.
Amazon says that all staff will have the chance to relocate to other sites, but bosses have also admitted there will be ‘ limited opportunities available in Scotland’ – leaving staff facing the axe.
One Glasgow man, who previously carried out festive shifts at the depot said: “People are already struggling to pay their bills and just two weeks after Christmas, they are told their jobs are going.
“I’ve got friends who still work there and they are really upset by how this has been handled. It’s yet another example of how firms like Amazon put profits ahead of people.”
Scottish Labour MSP for West Scotland Neil Bibby yesterday described the news as “devastating”.
He added: “For 19 years, Amazon has been a major source of jobs in a part of Scotland with high unemployment and for 300 people to find out they are out of work so soon after Christmas is a hammer blow.
“Unfortunately, the people of Inverclyde and the west of Scotland know all too well the consequences of losing a significant employer. This community has been battling depopulation and economic decline for many years and this represents a worrying setback.”
The move comes a few days after Amazon announced plans to cut more than 18,000 jobs globally from its consumer retail business and human resources division, although it is understood the Gourock closure is separate from those plans.
Inverclyde MP Ronnie Cowan says he is seeking urgent talks with Amazon over the decision.
The SNP MP said: “On the global scale of Amazon’s business, I am at a loss as to how this will benefit the company going forward.
“Over many years Amazon has benefited from a loyal, committed and productive workforce in Gourock and whatever the reasons for this decision, it cannot be any reflection on them.
“It goes without saying that in the midst of a cost- ofliving crisis, this will come as a massive blow to the staff and their families.
“Amazon has said it will try to redeploy workers, but has so far given me no hard commitments.”
Amazon’s only other Scottish fulfilment centre is based in Dunfermline.
Its operations in Scotland include a development centre in Edinburgh, as well as delivery stations in Motherwell, Baillieston, Dundee, Bathgate and Portlethen, and an Amazon Fresh distribution site in Glasgow.
The Faulds Park base is one of three that the online retail giant is shutting down, with the others in England.
The firm said it was closing older sites and building two new ones south of the border.
An Amazon spokesperson said: “We appreciate this will be a difficult time for our people in Gourock and are committed to supporting them through this consultation.
“All will be offered alternative roles at other Amazon sites. We will also provide a range of retraining and reskilling opportunities for those who decide to pursue their career outside of Amazon.”