Amazon Workers’ Struggles Amidst Prime Day Pressure
Feeling Dehumanized and Disposable
Amazon workers in Poland, Germany, and France have described their experiences in the online retail giant’s warehouses as dehumanizing and disposable. “You are no longer Julie or Ludovic; you are number 412, and you can be replaced by number 313,” says El Djoudi Laouedj, an area manager and trade union member at Amazon’s Lauwin-Planque warehouse in France, in an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
The Impact of Prime Day
With Amazon’s global Prime Day deals running from July 8-11, the company is anticipating an influx of deliveries during its largest sale yet, which typically accounts for 1-2% of its annual business.
In interviews, European warehouse workers and union leaders have expressed concerns about what Prime Day means for their working conditions, including longer hours in sweltering temperatures and increased risks of injury.
Reports of Injuries and Unsafe Conditions
A report by Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders’ office highlighted Prime Day as a “major source of injuries” for U.S. workers.
Amazon, the largest U.S. online retailer, claims to prioritize having the “safest workplaces in our industries.” They assert that they have invested over $2 billion in safety improvements since 2019 and that injuries requiring more than basic first aid have dropped by 34% in the past five years.
Calls for Change
Workers and labor leaders are calling on the e-commerce giant to negotiate and make jobs more sustainable. Laouedj emphasizes, “It’s a company that has created lots of jobs worldwide. We don’t want Amazon to close; we want conditions to improve.”
The Stress of Prime Day
Traditionally a slow month for retailers, July has become a busy season for shoppers seeking bargains due to Prime Day.
While additional orders are not formally requested by management, the pressure to fulfill extra Prime Day orders is palpable. Laouedj states that the pressure is “felt on the floor” of warehouses as workers race to fill trucks and dispatch orders.
Workplace Pressures and Risks
“Thank god we can still go to the toilet, but if we take too long, a manager will come to check,” says Habib Latreche, a logistics operator and member of the Yellow Vest union.
This intense pace combined with repetitive motions and sometimes malfunctioning cooling systems increases the likelihood of injury, a concern that has escalated in recent years.
Latreche adds, “It creates continual stress. We have to work well and safe, but we also have to work fast,” emphasizing that workers bear the brunt of the demand for quicker deliveries.
Injury Statistics and Amazon’s Response
Musculoskeletal disorders such as strains and sprains account for 57% of all recordable injuries at Amazon globally, according to company data.
To combat this, Amazon has made investments in adjustable height workstations and robotic systems for repetitive tasks, along with measures to mitigate heat stress.
Psychological Stress and Monitoring
However, workers in Germany are still critical of performance pressures and constant digital monitoring, leading to heightened psychological stress, as stated by Monika Di Silvestre, trade union secretary of the UNI Europa affiliate ver.di in Germany.
Polish warehouse workers report relentless pressure, with Agata Wypior, leader of Solidarity Amazon Poland, noting that over 44% of employees frequently forego breaks to meet their targets.
Automation Fears and Union Responses
“Amazon sets targets through artificial intelligence that only a robot can meet,” Wypior explains, pointing out that the pressure extends beyond peak periods—”We have Prime Day every day.”
In response to worker concerns about automation, an Amazon spokesperson highlighted a study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology showing that 60% of employees expect positive impacts from working alongside robotics and AI.
Political Scrutiny and Hope for Change
Unions are advocating for safer workplaces and relief from the relentless pressure, and this issue has captured the attention of EU lawmakers, who have scrutinized Amazon’s working conditions.
During a parliamentary hearing in June, senior Amazon leadership was invited to discuss labor practices, but disagreements arose over which executives should attend.
A Call for Responsible Employment
The Amazon spokesperson reiterated the company’s commitment to being a responsible employer in Europe and expressed openness to dialogue about labor conditions.
Workers’ Hopes for Better Conditions
Despite the challenges, workers remain hopeful for change, with some looking back nostalgically at the working conditions of a decade ago. Some even refer to Amazon’s ‘Day One’ ethos, which emphasizes avoiding complacency after success.
“They say it’s always Day One at Amazon. So we can always go back to being amazed. I still hope so,” Wypior concludes.
Conclusion
The ongoing struggles faced by Amazon workers underline the complex dynamics of labor, automation, and corporate responsibility. As pressures mount during high-demand periods like Prime Day, the call for improved conditions and respect for the human element within the workforce becomes ever more critical.
Questions and Answers
- What do Amazon workers in Europe feel about their working conditions?
Many workers describe feeling dehumanized and disposable, often identified only by their employee number and facing constant pressure.
- What is Prime Day, and how does it affect workers?
Prime Day is Amazon’s major sales event, typically generating 1-2% of the company’s annual business, leading to increased workloads and stress for warehouse workers.
- What percentage of injuries at Amazon are musculoskeletal disorders?
Musculoskeletal disorders account for 57% of all recordable injuries at Amazon globally.
- What measures has Amazon taken to improve worker safety?
Amazon has invested in safety improvements, including adjustable height workstations and robotic systems to handle repetitive tasks and heavy lifting.
- What do unions want from Amazon?
Unions are calling for negotiations to improve working conditions and make jobs more sustainable, emphasizing the importance of safer work environments.
