The New York State Division of Human Rights has filed a complaint against Amazon.com accusing the online retailer of discriminating against pregnant and disabled workers in its workplaces, Governor Kathy Hochul said Wednesday.
Amazon has also been accused of having policies that require workers to take unpaid leave, even if they are able to work, rather than providing reasonable facilities.
The agency blamed Amazon for giving managers the power to ignore recommendations from internal “accommodation consultants” on requests for changes to work hours or job responsibilities.
New York state law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and disabled workers who request it. It also treats pregnancy-related medical conditions like disabilities.
“My government will hold any employer accountable, regardless of how big or small they are. [porte]if they do not treat their workers with the dignity and respect they deserve,” Hochul said in a statement.
Amazon did not respond to requests for comment.
Amazon faces increasingly critical employee working conditions. Last September, six Democratic senators asked the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to investigate Amazon’s alleged “systemic” failure to provide adequate conditions for pregnant workers at product distribution centers.
Wednesday’s complaint described how Amazon allegedly forced a pregnant worker to continue lifting packages over 25 pounds and placed her on indefinite unpaid leave after she was injured.
The complaint also claims that the company reversed recommendations to allow two disabled workers to modify their working hours after their managers resisted the changes.
Complaints from the Division of Human Rights are confidential. The complaint against Amazon seeks unspecified civil fines and penalties, improved training and new working conditions policies.
Violations can result in fines of up to $50,000 or $100,000 for willful conduct. Amazon’s profit was $33.4 billion in 2021.
Source: CNN Brasil
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