AUSTIN — Amazon and Fox are in talks over the future of more than 300 positions at the Seattle-based online retailer.
Fox is seeking to keep as many as 500 workers, according to an employee at one of the largest companies in the state.
Amazon has been looking for ways to expand its workforce in Alaska since it announced in December that it would move the headquarters of its fulfillment center in Seattle from Seattle to Anchorage.
The company also announced in March that it was expanding its Alaska office.
Amazon employs about 100 people in Alaska, but the company has faced resistance from local businesses and government officials who have said that Amazon’s work force would be too small to make it financially viable in the area.
The company said in a statement that the relocation would allow the company to bring on about 300 new employees and bring about $100 million to the state’s economy over the next four years.
Fox said it was exploring a variety of options including moving its headquarters from Seattle, but has decided to close more than 150 jobs at the Everett-based retailer, which it said has become a target for state officials, labor groups and community activists.
Fox, which has operations in Alaska and elsewhere in the U.S., is in talks with Fox Properties Group about a possible sale of its Everett-area fulfillment center, according an email obtained by The Associated Press.
The email was sent by a Fox spokeswoman.
The Everett-Seattle center, which serves the online retailer’s online and brick-and-mortar operations, has become an issue for Gov.
Bill Walker in recent months.
Walker has criticized Amazon for moving its operations to Everett and has ordered the company’s headquarters to be relocated to Seattle.
Fox Properties, which owns the Everett site, has been in discussions with Amazon and other potential buyers about the potential sale.
The decision to close the Everett center, however, is not without controversy.
The Everett office has been plagued by delays and problems, including one worker dying after being doused with an accelerant at work, according the state Labor Department.
In addition, Amazon has faced scrutiny in recent years for using a contract to fire workers who had a history of misconduct, including some who were under the age of 21.
Amazon has said it is reviewing the workplace practices of its employees.
The Associated Press was unable to reach Fox Properties for comment.
