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Journalism of Courage
Days after the Ministry of Labour and Employment sought a response from Amazon India, citing a media report on alleged workplace practices at its warehouse in Manesar, the e-commerce platform admitted that an employee had asked a group of workers to take a pledge.
On June 14, The Indian Express reported that on May 16, a group of employees was made to take an oath that they would not take toilet and water breaks until their target was met. The National Human Rights Commission had quoted the Express report and asked for a report from the Labour Ministry. On June 21, the ministry wrote to Amazon, seeking a response to the alleged incident.
“Our investigation revealed that on May 16, 2024, around 16:30 hours, after both the breaks for the day had been taken, one of the employees at the building did lead a small subset of employees and associates at the Subject FC (Fulfillment Centre) in a pledge. The employee thought of the pledge as a motivational exercise. This was an unfortunate and isolated incident and a clear violation of our workplace standards. Prompt disciplinary action has been taken against this employee. The investigation also determined that such a pledge was not forced to be taken by the employees or associates, and neither were the contents of this pledge enforced at Subject FC on the day of this incident, or any other day, and the employees continued to take breaks,” the response stated.
It further said the company takes the lessons learnt from this disappointing incident seriously “and will double down on efforts to re-train our managers on workplace health, safety and well-being”.
An Amazon India spokesperson said that they found an “isolated incident of poor judgement” by an individual that was totally unacceptable and against the policies, and took disciplinary action.
In the 11-page response, signed by Country Manager Manish Tiwari, the company said the provision of restroom facilities as mentioned under rule 41 of the Haryana Contract Labour (Abolition and Regulations) Rules, 1975) does not apply to the FC “as no associate is required to halt for the day or night in excess of the duration of their respective shifts”.
On seating arrangement, the response said seating is provided in cafeterias. “We appreciate your suggestion of providing additional seating space and are evaluating arranging for additional seating arrangements through satellite cafeterias at the FC for the convenience of the employees,” it said.
The regional labour commissioner and labour enforcement officer had visited the facility for an inspection on June 20, after which the letter was sent.
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