Media Coverage Report 4

Amazon Proves Infertile Soil for Unions, So Far
Author: Nick Wingfield

Summary: Amazon continues to utilize union avoidance policies by disallowing employees represented by a union to communicate with Amazon directly.  Amazon employees primarily seek job security rather than health or pay benefits, which they already have. 

Significance: Anti-unionization polices are neither new nor uncommon among giant companies like Amazon.  This article demonstrates benefits Amazon employees receive while not painting Amazon in an unfair manner. 

Amazon Introduces a Dash Button for Cloud Services Because Why Not? 
Author: Barb Darrow

Summary: Amazon announced a Dash Button for cloud services.  The button allows the user to call or alert someone, unlock your car, track your items, and many other multi-purpose tasks.  The button requires set up, but paves the way for IoT (Internet of Things) technologies. 

Significance: Many technology companies are "scrambling" to be viewed as strong IoT providers.  Amazon shows a high degree of assertiveness with their cloud IoT dash button. 

Amazon to Expand Private-Label Offerings - From Food to Diapers
Author: Greg Bensinger

Summary: Amazon pushes into private-label products to capitalize on high profit margins because of the lack of necessary advertising and marketing of otherwise name brand products.

Significance: The article emphasizes the point that since Amazon is moving into the market of perishable items, any recalls would seriously damage their reputation.  The author is not confident in Amazon's second push into private-labels because of their failed attempt with the Element line. 


Donald Trump Threatens Amazon as payback for Washington Post Articles he doesn't like
Author: Matthew Yglesias

Summary:
Donald Trump claims Jeff Bezos engages in tax evasion strategies because of fear of Trump himself.  The article criticizes the factual accuracy of Donald Trump's claim and indicates that Jeff Bezos wants it to be easier to tax multimillion-dollar companies. 

Significance: The article highlights how inaccurate statements about the company could harm Amazon's reputation.  Potential customers could believe Trump and not engage with Amazon because of his harmful rhetoric. 

Wal-Mart is sharpening its attack on Amazon
Author: Anne D'innocenzio

Summary: Wal-Mart’s three-day free shipping program ShippingPass was just trimmed to two-day shipping and costs $49 for a year subscription.  The goal of ShippingPass is to compete with Amazon Prime but is only a pilot program and will not extend its program to all customers. 

Significance:  Amazon is gaining an increasing among of competitors and should observe the progress of programs like ShippingPass.  It is important for Amazon to track the success of the program and determine if it will remain as a worthy competitor.