Here’s a question that would have been unthinkable in Michigan a few short years ago.
Amazon will receive millions of dollars from the state of Michigan if it meets hiring goals for a distribution center to be built in Macomb County. But questions have been raised on whether enough workers can be found.
The State Economic Development Corporation promises Amazon $4.5 million in funding from the state if Amazon meets the stated goal of hiring 1,025 new workers.
But will Amazon find the employees to fill those positions?
That’s one reason Amazon is getting state funds.
The state agency says in a document,
“to meet the Company’s hiring needs, there is concern about the availability and ability to hire the appropriate workforce.”
The Amazon fulfillment center is earmarked at the site of an old Ford and Visteon parts plant in Shelby Twp. which has been torn down. It would be the company’s third warehouse in the Detroit area.
The state’s jobless rate is under 4 percent, considered full employment. Most of the Amazon warehouse jobs are hourly positions that pay $12.75 per hour, with full-time hours and benefits.