In an unprecedented move, over 20 leaders of major trade unions across Europe, representing over eight million workers, are calling on European data protection authorities to ramp up oversight over Amazon\u2019s abusive \u2013 potentially illegal \u2013 data surveillance practices. This collective initiative underscores a growing concern about the harms of Amazon\u2019s practices on workers\u2019 rights and workplace safety.<\/p>\r\n
The union leaders, from 11 European countries where Amazon\u2019s warehouse and delivery operations employ a significant number of workers, are raising alarm regarding the company\u2019s pervasive use of surveillance and algorithmic management. These invasive measures include the extensive use of hand scanners, activity monitoring software, video cameras, GPS devices and other tracking technologies. Recent surveys have shown this surveillance\u2019s serious consequences on workers\u2019 mental and physical health.<\/p>\r\n
Highlighting recent regulatory actions, the union presidents cited the decision by the French data protection authority (CNIL) on December 27, 2023, which found Amazon France Logistique in violation of several General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) principles. The CNIL imposed a substantial fine of \u20ac32 million for creating an \u201cexcessively intrusive system\u201d for monitoring employee activity and performance, along with penalties for inadequate video surveillance protocols.<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWe ask you, European data protection authorities, to follow France\u2019s example by investigating the legality of Amazon\u2019s use of worker data and taking steps to stop practices that are in breach of the law. We ask that you ensure Amazon complies with European legislation that protects workers fundamental rights and freedoms, including privacy and control of their data<\/em>,\u201d the signatories state in a letter submitted to data rights authorities across the EU.<\/p>\r\n This is not Amazon\u2019s first confrontation with European data privacy laws. In 2021, Luxembourg\u2019s data protection authority issued a \u20ac746 million fine against the corporation for similar surveillance practices involving European consumers, marking at the time the largest fine in the law\u2019s history.<\/p>\r\n Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union<\/strong>, said, \u201cAmazon\u2019s relentless surveillance is not just about monitoring; it\u2019s about control and intimidation. Such draconian measures strip our workers of their dignity and rights under the guise of increased productivity. We demand immediate change and accountability.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\r\n The unions are urging all European data protection authorities to emulate France\u2019s proactive stance by investigating the legality of Amazon\u2019s surveillance tactics and implementing measures to curtail any unlawful activities. Their appeal emphasizes the need for Amazon to adhere to European legislation safeguarding workers\u2019 fundamental rights, including privacy and data control.<\/p>\r\n The union leaders committed to collaborating with European authorities to enforce the data rights of Amazon employees, sending a clear message that excessive surveillance in the workplace is unacceptable and will be challenged.<\/p>\r\n “The pervasive and harmful surveillance tactics employed by Amazon not only undermine the trust between workers and management but also highlight a systemic disregard for our privacy laws. It’s high time that we stand up and demand that these multinational companies respect workers’ personal data and their right to a dignified workplace. We need robust action now to ensure that our laws are fully enforced<\/em>,” said Oliver Roethig, Regional Secretary of UNI Europa<\/strong>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In an unprecedented move, over 20 leaders of major trade unions across Europe, representing over eight million workers, are calling on European data protection authorities to ramp up oversight over Amazon\u2019s abusive \u2013 potentially illegal \u2013 data surveillance practices. This collective initiative underscores a growing concern about the harms of Amazon\u2019s practices on workers\u2019 rights<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":13749,"template":"","categories":[163],"global-issues":[],"sectors":[],"cross-sector-groups":[],"workers-rights":[],"regions":[84],"topics":[48],"class_list":["post-13748","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-tag","regions-uni-europa","topics-amazon"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n