Survey reveals plight of Amazon India warehouse employees

A recent survey revealed the pathetic conditions through which 90 per cent of warehouse employees at Amazon India go, as they are allegedly not even given adequate time for restroom breaks.

Conducted by the UNI Global Union, the Amazon India Workers Association, and Jarrow Insights, the survey highlights significant concerns over the working conditions faced by Amazon India’s warehouse workers and delivery drivers.

The survey, conducted online between February and March this year, collected responses from 1,238 warehouse workers and 600 delivery drivers, representing a small but significant portion of Amazon's workforce in India. This latest report follows a series of troubling accounts regarding hazardous conditions in Amazon India's warehouses.

One incident at the Manesar warehouse in Haryana brought to light allegations that workers were pressured into forgoing breaks, including those for water and bathroom usage until they met their targets. This incident, which occurred during a severe heatwave, prompted intervention from India’s labour ministry and an investigation by the National Human Rights Commission. While Amazon India confirmed the incident, it characterized it as isolated and unfortunate.

Contrary to Amazon’s defence, the survey results paint a grim picture of the daily struggles faced by its workers. An overwhelming 81% of warehouse employees described the company’s work targets as difficult or very difficult to achieve. The high pressure to meet these targets leaves workers with little time to rest, socialize, or even eat. Workers report labouring for 10 hours a day in extreme heat for meagre pay, with many earning around Rs 10,000 (£94) a month.

The survey reveals that nearly 87% of warehouse workers feel they do not have enough time to use the restroom at work. Female workers, in particular, describe resorting to resting in the bathrooms due to the oppressive heat in the designated break rooms, only to be pressured by managers to return to work if they spend too long there. Workers also face reprimands if they take more than 10 minutes for bathroom breaks.

Amazon has dismissed these allegations as factually incorrect and unsubstantiated, questioning the methodology of the survey and insisting that its own internal surveys show high levels of employee satisfaction.

According to Amazon, 87% of workers at the Manesar facility are satisfied with their jobs, with eight out of ten recommending Amazon as a great place to work. The company emphasizes its commitment to the safety and well-being of its employees, stating that it provides competitive pay, comfortable working conditions, and industry-leading facilities.

However, the report from the worker associations underscores the relentless productivity targets enforced by a combination of human managers and automated systems, creating a rigid structure that penalizes workers for human error. Many workers report being blacklisted for minor infractions, which bars them from ever working for Amazon again. Attendance policies are so strict that missing a day due to health or family emergencies can lead to job termination.

The survey also highlights safety concerns, with nearly 45% of warehouse workers and 47% of delivery drivers describing their working environment as unsafe. Delivery drivers, in particular, feel pressured to engage in unsafe driving practices to meet delivery targets. They also report being tasked with handling packages heavier than the company-stated maximum weight, further compromising their safety.

Financial strain is another significant issue, with over 46% of warehouse workers and 37% of drivers stating that their salaries are insufficient to meet basic needs. Many workers have seen stagnant wages despite rising inflation, leading to a situation where new hires and long-term employees earn the same pay.