E-commerce giant Amazon is facing legal challenges following an inspection at one of its key warehouses in Manesar, near New Delhi. The inspection uncovered alleged safety breaches, inadequate record-keeping, and non-compliance with mandatory worker protection regulations, as reported by Al Jazeera.

A labour inspection earlier this year, prompted by multiple complaints and an incident in May where workers at Amazon's Manesar facility in Gurugram, Haryana, were allegedly pressured to skip breaks to meet performance targets, uncovered significant issues.

Documents obtained by Al Jazeera through India's RTI Act and court records reveal that the May inspection identified several serious safety violations at the warehouse. These included Amazon's failure to supply essential safety equipment and maintain legally required records. Notably, female workers operating near moving machinery were reportedly not provided with tight-fitting clothing, posing additional safety risks.

The inspection report stated that "tight-fitting clothes are not provided to the female workers on or near the moving machinery," a violation of India's labour laws, which require workers to wear protective gear and safe clothing when operating in potentially hazardous environments. There was no mention of whether similar clothing provisions were made for male workers.

Additionally, Amazon  was accused of failing to issue employment identity cards to its warehouse workers, further compounding the legal violations. Based on the inspection report findings, the Haryana government filed a case against Amazon in a Gurugram court. The court initially summoned the company to appear on October 28, but the hearing was postponed, with the next session now set for December 10.

What Sparked the Investigation?

The legal case originates from a May incident where Amazon workers at the warehouse were allegedly pressured to give verbal commitments to avoid taking breaks, including for water or restroom use, until they completed their daily targets. An internal investigation by Amazon later confirmed that a manager had requested these pledges as part of a so-called "motivational exercise."

Amazon responded to the incident by calling it "unfortunate and isolated" in a letter to India's Ministry of Labour and Employment in June, but no details have been disclosed about any disciplinary action taken against the manager involved.

However, this investigation triggered a broader investigation into working conditions at the warehouse. Amazon claims that it has since addressed the issue. "We are committed to the safety and well-being of our employees and comply with all relevant laws and regulations," an Amazon spokesperson said. The company has not yet spoken on specific corrective measures taken.

Worker Perspectives

Three employees, speaking anonymously out of fear of retaliation from the company, described a workplace characterized by relentless pressure to achieve stringent targets and inadequate opportunities for rest.

Prakash*, a warehouse worker with nearly five years of experience, shared his experience processing return products at a rapid pace. "In one hour, I have to process 60 items that are returned. I have just a minute to open the box, check for damage, and determine whether the item is sellable," he told Al Jazeera. 

 "The targets are so tough to meet," Prakash added.

 Supriya*, another associate who works in the inbound department, explained that employees are required to remain on their feet for the duration of their 10-hour shift, with just two 30-minute break  that she said are insufficient to meet basic needs. "We are not allowed to sit, even for a few minutes," she said.

"The break time is too short for us to use the restroom, access our lockers, or stand in the queue for food," said Supriya.

Amazon's Response

In response to questions about working conditions, Amazon highlighted that its warehouses are equipped with "industry-leading infrastructure" and that its employees receive competitive pay and work in comfortable environments. The company also defended its policies regarding break times, stating that workers are "free to take informal breaks" as needed.

However, Supriya disputed Amazon's claims, arguing that "informal breaks" are not practical due to the intensive monitoring of workers' performance. Amazon uses a system called ADAPT (Associate Development and Performance Tracker) to track each worker's productivity.

Both Prakash and Supriya raised concerns about this system, pointing out that if workers fall behind on targets or take "idle" time, they risk facing disciplinary action. Workers who accumulate three negative ADAPT scores within a 22-day period could reportedly be blacklisted from future employment at Amazon's warehouses.