Recently, amazon reinstated a policy that penalizes its workers from taking breaks. The workers are claiming that this attempt to be more productive can put them at a greater risk of contracting coronavirus on the job. The company had previously suspended these productivity quotas due to the ongoing pandemic, but has now recklessly reinstated them, making the workplace oppressive and dangerous. The. attorney representing the workers has said the Amazon is treating the ongoing pandemic as a thing of the past, and is now abandoning policies put in place in order to make a safe working environment. This change in policies has come on the brink of Prime Day, which is one of amazons busiest days of the year. What do you think about this change in policy, and do you think that the workers are making valid point through this lawsuit?
Settembre, Jeanette. “Amazon Reinstates Policy That Penalizes Workers for Taking Too Many Breaks, Lawsuit Alleges.” Fox Business, Fox Business, 15 Oct. 2020, www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/amazon-policy-fires-workers-breaks.
I think the that workers do have a valid point in their concern for safety; however, I think they are addressing the wrong issue. This change in policy seems to affect the efficiency of the business in order to properly prepare for one of their business times of the year. If the workers were genuinely worried for their safety then they would be addressing whether safety protocols are being ignored not whether they're being worked too hard. Therefore, I think that the workers would have an easier time fighting to protect their labor rights than fighting on the account of safety concerns.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kiera in that if they are truly worried about safety, bring forward the evidence that they are being treated with unsafe persuasions. This will help the fact that they might be able to ensure they have better working conditions during these busy times rather than granting them more breaks.
DeleteI think the workers have every right to be mad but I'm not so sure they will win in court. Perhaps Amazon will just pay them off to keep this from blowing up into a huge problem...
ReplyDeleteI think that workers do have the right to be upset but at the same time Amazon can make company choices on behalf of their efficiency. As long as they aren’t breaking the law when it comes to COVID protocols then I don’t see a problem. I think this is more related to labor rights and break time allotted. I feel that it is well known that Amazon is a more physical job, but they also pay well and we have to realize that the job isn’t for everyone.
ReplyDeleteThis news does not seem out of place for Amazon. Not bringing in to the politics of whether or not they should be discouraging their workers from forming unions and such, Amazon has been overwhelmed recently with people going to brick-and-mortars less and ordering online, and they should hopefully hire more to give their workers reasonable hours and provide more jobs.
ReplyDeleteAmazon has an obligation to provide a safe work environment and workers should hold them accountable to provide one but it seems the employees would have a stronger case if they argued for social distancing, disinfection of work surfaces, and personal protective equipment. Amazon has an obligation to provide these things but they also have the right to establish and manage efficiency and productivity standards.
ReplyDelete