What’s going on:
Amazon has recently decided to pause the progress of their HQ2 project in Virginia, setting off a ripple effect that may cause harm to communities across America who were expecting economic growth and job opportunities, according to the Washington Post.
Why it matters:
There have been at least 100 closures, suspensions, and terminations of Amazon facilities in the United States, as reported by Marc Wulfraat, a consultant who tracks Amazon.
Amazon still intends to expand their logistics network in the United States throughout the year, and there are proposed Amazon sites that are yet to be opened, like warehouses in Tallahassee, Florida and Chicago’s West Side.
How it’ll impact the future:
On May 1, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced that the company would be requiring corporate employees to return to the office at least three days a week. This abrupt change has caused some friction among those who prefer working remotely.
The fate of Amazon’s HQ2 project in Virginia and its future facilities replies on both the labor market as well as Amazon’s remote work policies.