Recent incidents in Seattle is causing businesses to think about the safety of employees. A rash of homicides, shootings, carjackings, and burglaries is party of the surge in crime. The Seattle Medium reported two weeks ago on the spike in crime that hit a new peak two weeks ago.
The fatal shooting of 15-year-old Michael del Bianco was at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Pike Street. This is where Amazon’s office building is located. Such brazen crimes has shaken many residents in the city.
Amazon recently announced that it has decided to relocate office staff in downtown Seattle. Amazon is not the only business with concerns. Other businesses in the area are opting to continue remote work for because of crime.
Amazon’s location in concern employs around 1,800. The company did not say how many are being relocated. A significant amount of employees have continued to work remotely since the start of the pandemic two years ago.
In a statement an Amazon spokesperson said, “We are hopeful that conditions will improve and that we will be able to bring employees back to this location when it is safe to do so.” Numerous other businesses have closed due to the recent spike in crime, including Qumulo, a cloud technology firm, and Piroshky Piroshky, a popular Russian bakery.
Amazon said it is now providing alternative office space for all 1,800 employees assigned to work at 300 Pine Street. Employees have the option to work there. The powerful drug fentanyl is being targeted as the reason for the uptick in crime. Prosecutors agree that the drug is playing a big role. The 3rd Ave and Pine Street area in Seattle has been a trouble spot for a long time.
