Amazon employees in India have taken to the streets to demand improved wages and working conditions ahead of the busy shopping season. Approximately 200 warehouse workers and delivery drivers gathered in New Delhi under the banner of 'Make Amazon Pay.' Some protesters wore masks resembling Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos as a symbol of their discontent with the company's practices.
The strike, which coincided with Black Friday, a major shopping event, was part of a global movement as Amazon workers in various countries called for higher pay, improved working environments, and the right to unionize.
One worker highlighted the disparity in wages, stating that the basic salary of 10,000 rupees should be increased to at least 25,000 rupees. Another worker expressed concerns about the high-pressure work environment within Amazon facilities.
A union leader emphasized that the workers were seeking government intervention to address their grievances. In response, Amazon issued a statement refuting the allegations, asserting that their facilities offer competitive pay, comfortable working conditions, and a safe environment for employees.
The Amazon India Workers Union announced plans for similar protests in different regions of India and other countries, including the United States, Germany, Japan, and Brazil. The demonstrations aim to advocate for fair wages, union rights, and environmental sustainability within the company.
The union intends to present a memorandum outlining their demands to India's Labor Minister. The gig economy in India has expanded rapidly, but workers often face challenges such as low wages and harsh working conditions.
In June 2023, the National Human Rights Commission of India issued a notice to Amazon following reports of employees being forced to work without breaks during extreme heat. Amazon India denied these allegations.
