Amazon’s arrival in New Stanton with its new warehouse has created ripples in the local job market. Boasting a colossal facility spanning over a million square feet, Amazon is on the hunt for 600 employees, offering positions starting at $17.75 per hour.
This has sparked both excitement and apprehension among small businesses in Westmoreland County.
Economic Impact
The promise of 600 new jobs is like a beacon of hope for many in the area. The positions offer competitive wages and benefits, which can be enticing for job seekers.
Amazon’s hiring efforts include events such as those hosted at the PA CareerLink office, where they aim to attract potential employees. The latest event even saw around 140 individuals seeking more information about job opportunities at the warehouse.
| Job Market Stats | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Westmoreland County | Unemployment Rate: 3.5% |
| Allegheny County | Unemployed Workers: 20,000 |
| Fayette County | Unemployed Workers: 2,200 |
| Washington County | Unemployed Workers: 3,400 |
| Average Entry-Level Wage | $15.38/hr for entry-level laborers |
| Amazon Entry-Level Wage | $17.75/hr |
| Pittsburgh Region Wage | $22/hr for experienced warehouse workers |
Local Concerns
Small business owners and chamber officials are somewhat worried about the ripple effect Amazon’s hiring could have on their existing staff.
The president of the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce, Daniel DeBone, expressed concerns about the potential talent drain from small businesses to Amazon. He emphasized the importance of small businesses, referring to them as the “bread-and-butter” of the local economy.
Quotes from Local Leaders:
- “It’s great that they have selected New Stanton,” said DeBone, _“but the competition for workers might strain small businesses already struggling to hire.”
- “We don’t expect a negative impact on the job market,” said Majestic Lane from the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.
Accessibility and Workforce Pool
The New Stanton site is conveniently located and accessible from several major counties like Allegheny, Washington, and Fayette.
This easy access might play a significant role in drawing workers from a broader geographic range, which could reduce the immediate impact on New Stanton’s local businesses.
Industry Insights
Some business owners, like Brian Dworkin of Castle Co-Packers LLC, believe Amazon’s presence hasn’t significantly impacted their hiring efforts. Dworkin highlighted that their struggle to find workers began much before Amazon’s arrival.
Other local businesses, such as Greensburg Machine & Driveline, also believe that their need for skilled labor sets them apart from Amazon, which tends to hire for more general positions.
Wage Dynamics
Amazon’s entry-level wage rate exceeds the average for similar jobs in the region, which might put pressure on other local employers to increase their wages.
This could potentially benefit employees as they may see better pay offers across the board.
Brianne Summy from Rochling Machine Plastics mentioned the importance of staying competitive in terms of wages and benefits to attract and retain workers.
They are not overly concerned about losing seasoned employees to Amazon, although competition remains.
Community Impact
Amazon’s impact on the local economy is not just limited to job creation but also the potential infusion of millions of dollars in wages spent locally. This financial boost can positively affect other businesses as well.
Challenges and Perceptions
Local small businesses continue to face the challenge of recruiting staff. “It’s a challenge for everybody,” said Summy.
Despite the competition from Amazon, the local business community remains optimistic about managing the workforce dynamics while ensuring growth and sustainability.
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