📷 Image Credits: NDTV
In recent reports, Amazon India workers in Haryana’s Manesar warehouses have spoken out about the harsh working conditions and unreasonable productivity demands they are subjected to. A 24-year-old worker revealed that employees are asked to pledge not to take breaks, including for water or toilet visits, until they achieve specific targets, such as unloading packages from large trucks. This physically demanding task is made even more challenging by the scorching temperatures reaching up to 50°C during the ongoing heatwave.
The situation is especially difficult for female workers who face additional hurdles due to lack of restroom facilities and the physical strain of the job. Some departments reportedly have no designated restroom areas, forcing employees to use makeshift solutions. In response to these allegations, an Amazon India spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to employee safety and well-being. They mentioned the presence of heat index monitoring devices, cooling measures, and provisions for water, hydration breaks, and rest opportunities.
This issue is not isolated to India, as Amazon has faced similar allegations internationally, including safety violations and ergonomic hazards in US warehouses. Recent incidents involving firing of workers and allegations of sex discrimination in Seattle further highlight the challenges faced by Amazon employees. The company’s response to these claims has been centered around ongoing investigations and commitment to addressing any discrepancies in employee treatment.
Labor associations have also raised concerns about violations of the Factories Act, 1948, at the five Amazon warehouses in Manesar. Despite amendments to work hours in Haryana, ensuring workers’ rights under the Act remains an issue. Workers’ accounts of being asked to forego basic needs like water and restroom breaks paint a concerning picture of working conditions in Amazon’s facilities. The allegations have sparked discussions about the need for better enforcement of labor laws and improved working conditions for warehouse employees.
Overall, the reports from Amazon India workers shed light on the challenges faced by warehouse employees in meeting unreasonable productivity targets. The intersection of heatwave conditions, lack of adequate facilities, and physical demands of the job underscore the importance of prioritizing employee well-being and ensuring compliance with labor regulations.
