A survey of Amazon India warehouse employees has revealed that almost 90 percent of them aren't allowed sufficient time to use the restroom, attesting to poor working conditions at the e-commerce giant.
The online survey was conducted by the UNI Global Union, the Amazon India Workers Association and London-based workers' cooperative Jarrow Insights between Feb. 2 and March 22 of this year. It polled 1,238 Amazon India warehouse workers and 600 delivery drivers, a total of 1,838 respondents. The number of respondents account for between two and five percent of the company's warehouse and delivery workforce in the country.
Nearly 87 percent of respondents said they do not have enough time to use the restroom during work. One worker who spends her day sorting products said in the survey that managers come hunting for staff members who they believe use the restroom excessively long.
"The designated break rooms are small and unbearably hot, so many female workers end up resting in the bathrooms during their breaks," she said. "However, if supervisors think we have stayed too long, they come looking for us and put pressure on us to go back to work."
A second employee attested to the first employee's remarks. They said if workers spend more than 10 minutes in the restroom, managers are reportedly upset about employees being late.
Moreover, roughly 81 percent of Amazon India warehouse employees claim it is tough or extremely difficult to meet the company's job goals. Because the targets are so demanding, they hardly ever get time for socializing, sleeping or eating. Thus, many get blacklisted for failing to meet the strict attendance requirements and production quotas.
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The Hindustan Times quoted one worker who said: "Our IDs are blocked, impacting our livelihoods, if we miss a day due to health reasons or family emergencies." A second employee who responded to the survey indicated: "They blacklist people on small issues, issue warning letters and terminate them from the company." A third employee revealed that workers "are placed in the identity blocklist if they do not meet targets."
Even delivery drivers see working at Amazon is DANGEROUS
Meanwhile, the survey also found that almost half of respondents – 47.3 percent of delivery drivers and 44.9 percent of warehouse employees – believe working at Amazon is dangerous. Even delivery drivers attested to this, sharing the risks of being employed by the tech giant. Some of the drivers claim they must drive recklessly to reach their goals.
"Sometimes, due to delivery targets, we have to drive fast," said one driver. "Then, whom should we ask to look out for our safety? There is no hearing of our grievances." (Related: Injured Amazon workers turn to crowdfunding to pay bills as company denies their requests for compensation and disability benefits.)
Another driver said Amazon India gives up to 70 kilograms (kg) of orders to drivers, even though orders typically weigh up to 40 kg. "While carrying it, we have to take care of our own safety and that of others – which sometimes leads to situations that can become very difficult," they continued.
Amazon responded to the survey by slamming its findings as "factually incorrect and unsubstantiated." According to a spokeswoman, Amazon India's facilities are "industry-leading" and boast of "specially designed infrastructure to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all."
"Our comprehensive wage package aims to incentivize and reward our associates through a combination of fixed pay, monthly attendance bonuses, and additional incentives, enabling them to enhance their earning potential," she continued. According to the spokeswoman, Amazon "ensures adherence to all applicable wage laws across the states where we operate" by periodically reviewing its wage structure against industry benchmarks.
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Watch this PBS news report about Amazon workers across Europe walking out on Black Friday to protest meager pay and unsafe working conditions.
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