Amazon workers in India report high pressure, hazards on the job and low pay: UNI Global Union Survey
10.07.24
Amazon warehouse and delivery workers in India are enduring intense pressure and unsafe conditions while struggling to support themselves with insufficient pay, according to a new survey by UNI Global Union. This report, published by UNI Global Union in partnership with the Amazon India Workers Association (AIWA), is the first to examine the working conditions of Amazon employees in India, drawing responses from 1,838 participants.
It comes in the wake of widespread reports of dangerous conditions at Amazon during last month’s heatwave in and around New Delhi.
“Indian workers face a troubling reality that mirrors the experiences of Amazon employees worldwide,” said Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union. “It’s clear that for conditions to improve at Amazon in India and beyond, workers need strong unions.”
Key findings:
- High Pressure: Four out of five warehouse workers reported that the targets set by Amazon are difficult or very difficult to achieve.
- Safety Issues: Only 21.3 per cent of warehouse workers and drivers believe the work environment at Amazon is safe.
- Insufficient Breaks: 86.3 per cent of warehouse workers and 28.0 per cent of drivers said the company does not allow adequate time for them to use the restroom.
- Injuries: One in five delivery drivers surveyed reported being injured on the job.
The report also highlighted Amazon’s inadequate response to workplace injuries. Some workers shared experiences of receiving no assistance after being hurt on the job, while others spoke of health issues due to high work pressure and being denied leave.
“I had an accident, and no one helped me. I spent all my money,” recounted a delivery driver. A warehouse worker added, “due to high work pressure, health issues arise, and we are not even allowed to take leave.”
This survey follows a similar study by UNI Global Union conducted last year across eight countries, including the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom, which also reported highly pressurized and harmful working conditions at Amazon. The findings from India echo the global alarm workers around the world are raising about inhumane productivity demands, inadequate safety measures and poor compensation.
Commissioned by UNI Global Union and conducted by Jarrow Insights over 50 days from February 2 to March 22, 2024, the survey used both on-site and digital methods to ensure a representative sample of Amazon’s workforce in India.
UNI Global Union represents over 20 million workers from more than 150 countries in the services sector. It works to advance workers’ rights and conditions worldwide through organizing, collective action and collective bargaining.
The Amazon India Workers Association advocates for the rights of Amazon warehouse workers in India, focusing on collectivization, labour rights, occupational health and safety, and worker education.
