Amazon is facing a hefty fine of USD 5.9 million from California regulators for allegedly violating labor laws related to worker quotas at two of its warehouses in the state.
The fines, announced by California Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower, stem from Amazon’s failure to properly inform employees about productivity quotas, as mandated by a 2022 state law.
According to Garcia-Brower’s office, Amazon violated this law over 59,000 times between October 2021 and March 2022 at facilities in Moreno Valley and Redlands. Find the source sanjoseinside
Under California law, employers must provide written descriptions of quotas if workers can face disciplinary action for not meeting specified job speeds.
Amazon spokesperson Maureen Lynch Vogel stated that the company is appealing the citations and denied the existence of fixed quotas for warehouse workers, emphasizing a focus on individual performance over time.
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The issue of alleged quotas at Amazon’s warehouses has been a contentious point in the ongoing efforts by some workers to unionize. Critics argue that undisclosed quotas can lead to increased pressure on workers to perform at faster rates, potentially compromising safety and work-life balance.
This fine comes amid broader legislative efforts, including a proposed federal bill, to regulate workplace quotas and protect worker rights nationwide.
Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, a supporter of the federal bill, highlighted the significance of the fines against Amazon as evidence of the need for stricter regulation of what he termed “punishing” quota systems.
The outcome of Amazon’s appeal and ongoing legal challenges regarding unionization efforts at its warehouses will likely continue to draw attention as labor rights remain a critical issue in corporate and legislative arenas.