 |
| California may force Amazon to improve working conditions |
California is preparing to pass a new bill that conflicts with the productivity measurement algorithm used in Amazon's campgrounds.
The bill revolves around warehouse labor issues and will be voted on in the Senate this week.
If the law becomes law, the law could force Amazon and other storage companies to make major changes.
Law AB-701, passed by the state assembly in May, requires warehouse operators to be transparent about automatic quota systems and blocks any systems that could endanger the health and safety of workers.
The bill's summary states that employees are not required to abide by quotas that prohibit eating or rest times, bathroom use, or health and safety laws at work.
The bill also seeks to prevent employers from penalizing workers who do not meet quotas, which do not allow them to rest or comply with health and safety regulations.
If workers can't truly meet Amazon's productivity expectations, the company may need to cut the state's share.
Many employees at the e-commerce giant have talked about avoiding or reducing breaks in order to meet their quotas.
The company's expectations have reportedly led to many delivery drivers urinating into coffee bottles and mugs rather than spending time in the bathroom.
Warehouse workers have similar complaints. The company closely monitors the efficiency of employees' work, including the time each employee leaves his workplace.
It was announced last year that Amazon wanted to use robots to scan 400 items per hour in fulfillment centers.
California may force Amazon to improve working conditions
According to a report by the Investigation Report Center, the severe infection rate of these repositories is 50% higher than Amazon's non-automated repositories.
Repetitive stress injuries are a problem in automated warehouses. Workers react to the speed at which the machine is moving, resulting in an increased frequency of repetitive motions that can lead to repetitive injuries.
Amazon announced infection control measures in warehouses in May. The plan includes a meditation suite and stretching area for staff, as well as hourly reminders for mind and body.
The company has a long history of controversial business practices. Earlier this year, he closed a warehouse in Chicago where workers staged strikes and protests to fight for better working conditions.
Some of these employees said they could choose between 10-hour shifts at other distribution centers. Or look for a new job.
In August, a National Labor Relations Board official recommended that Amazon Alabama warehouse workers hold another union vote.
The Retail, Wholesale and Supermarket Association has accused Amazon of violating labor laws by interfering with the process.
The bill says: Workers should not be forced to sacrifice basic human needs or accept improper terms for pay.