Amazon India is under scrutiny again for allegedly exploitative work conditions at its facilities. Warehouse and delivery workers have reported inhumane corporate practices, including insufficient restroom breaks and lack of financial assistance for work-related injuries.
A survey conducted by UNI Global Union in collaboration with the Amazon India Workers Association (AIWA) revealed alarming findings from 1,838 participants. According to the survey, four out of five warehouse workers find their work targets “very difficult” to achieve. Additionally, 21.3% of the workers and delivery executives described their working conditions as “unsafe.”
A significant concern raised in the survey was the inadequate restroom breaks. A staggering 86.3% of warehouse workers and 28% of drivers reported insufficient restroom breaks. Workers also requested lower targets to allow proper breaks for eating. Allegations were made regarding the use of “identity blocklists” to monitor workers who fail to meet their targets. “Feedback for being late is given when you take more than 10 minutes in the washroom,” one worker stated.
Workers described high work pressure at Amazon India. One former warehouse worker mentioned, “My feet hurt a lot after standing for 10 hours.” Another current worker claimed that the pressure is so intense that staff do not get the chance to converse with each other. One in every five delivery partners surveyed reported suffering work-related injuries, with one stating, “I had an accident and no one helped me. I spent all my money.”
Concerns were also raised about low salaries and the inability to take leaves. Around 46.4% of warehouse workers reported that their salaries were insufficient to support their basic needs, while 52.9% said it was just enough. For delivery staff, these figures were 37.2% and 60.1% respectively.
Amazon denied the claims made in the survey. However, the allegations add to the ongoing criticism of the company, which has long faced accusations of unfair compensation and anti-union practices.
In response to the allegations, the Labour Ministry recently submitted a detailed report from the Haryana government on alleged labour law violations at Amazon’s facilities. This follows Amazon’s admission in May to workplace safety violations at its Manesar warehouse in Haryana.
The findings and ongoing issues highlight the need for improved working conditions and fair treatment of workers at Amazon India.
