Amazon India is currently facing the flak following the allegations of severe working conditions and demanding productivity requirements at its warehouses located in Manesar, a prominent industrial area in Haryana.
Exposing Work Conditions at Amazon India’s Manesar Warehouses
As per the recent expose on the same, it has been detailed how the workers are compelled to forgo breaks which includes essential needs like water and restroom visits, until they meet specific performance targets.
Notably, the tasks that they undertake involve unloading of heavy packages from trucks, which is worsened by the current scorching heat which has gone up to 50°C during the current season heatwave.
A 24-year-old worker who earns ₹10,088 monthly for 10-hour shifts spanning five days a week, highlighted the intense pressure to achieve targets without sufficient rest breaks.
Underscoring the impracticality of the imposed goals, he lamented that despite continuous effort, they struggle to unload more than four trucks daily.
When it comes to the female employees, then the hardships that they face due to inadequate facilities takes a physical toll of them. As per reports, some departments lack proper restroom facilities, forcing employees to resort to makeshift solutions that are unhygienic and inadequate.
Amazon’s Response to Allegations and Global Scrutiny: Safety Measures and Legal Challenges
In a response to such accusations, an Amazon India spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to employee safety and well-being.
As a counter to rising heat, the spokesperson claimed that the company had deployed heat index monitoring devices and cooling measures in their facilities, and additionally they are also ensuring access to adequate water, hydration breaks, and rest opportunities.
Notably, it is not only in India wherein such claims and allegations have been made. But also similar allegations came out of US wherein authorities cited safety violations and ergonomic risks in various warehouses.
In similar events, a warehouse worker was fired in the US after posting a TikTok video about handling heavy boxes earlier this year.
Additionally, three female marketing managers in Seattle have filed a class action lawsuit accusing Amazon of widespread gender discrimination and retaliatory practices, alleging violations of federal and state laws.
