Made to stand for 10 hrs: Amazon India staff alleges inhuman work practices
Around 46.4 per cent of warehouse workers said that their salaries were not enough to support their basic needs. (Photo: Bloomberg/file)
In the survey, four out of five warehouse workers reported that their work targets are ‘very difficult’ to achieve. Of the total participants, 21.3 per cent of the workers and delivery executives said that they faced ‘unsafe’ working conditions under Amazon’s policies.
Restroom breaks are not enough
In a shocking revelation, 86.3 per cent of the warehouse workers and 28 per cent of drivers alleged that the restroom breaks given to them by Amazon are inadequate. They also demanded that the Amazon should lower their targets so they can take proper breaks for eating. According to the workers, Amazon employs mechanisms like ‘identity blocklists’ to highlight the workers who do not meet their targets.
“Feedback for being late is given when you take more than 10 minutes in the washroom,” one of the workers said.
Workers allege high work pressure in Amazon India
“My feet hurt a lot after work for 10 hours standing,” a former warehouse worker told UNI Global Group. Another current worker alleged that the work pressure is so high that the staff does not even get the chance to talk to each other.
One of every five delivery partners surveyed by the researchers said they suffered work related injuries. “I had an accident and no one helped me. I spent all my money,” one of the delivery staff said.
‘Amazon India’s salaries not enough for basic needs’
The workers also complained about issues such as not being allowed to take leaves, not being respected at the workplace and receiving low salaries that barely match the cost of living and basic needs.
Around 46.4 per cent of warehouse workers said that their salaries were not enough to support their basic needs while 52.9 per cent said that it was just enough to meet their basic needs. For delivery staff, this data stood at 37.2 per cent and 60.1 per cent respectively.
Owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, Amazon has long faced intense scrutiny for its poor treatment of workers. Critics accuse the e-commerce giant of unfairly compensating its employees and actively working to prevent the formation of labour unions among its workforce.
Labour ministry submits report on Amazon India
Notably, last week the Labour Ministry submitted a detailed report of the Haryana government on alleged labour law violations in Amazon’s facilities and said that action has been initiated in the matter.
This comes after the US retail giant, in May, admitted to workplace safety violations at its Manesar warehouse located in Haryana.
First Published: Jul 11 2024 | 11:33 AM IST