Amazon India has admitted to workplace safety lapses at its warehouse in the National Capital Region, Economic Times reported. In its submission to the central labour commissioner, the company reportedly accepted that there was a violation of workplace safety standards on May 16 this year at its Manesar warehouse and assured the government of a prompt corrective action.
Newslaundry had earlier reported on several of these violations.
The National Human Rights Commission had subsequently taken suo motu cognisance of alleged anti-labour practices at one of the warehouses as reported by the media. It sought a detailed report within one week from the secretary, Union Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Meanwhile, in a detailed response to the central labour ministry's query on the matter, seen by ET, Amazon India said one of the employees at the building did lead a small subset of employees and associates in a pledge after both the breaks had been taken, thinking it to be a motivational exercise for the team. “This was an unfortunate and isolated incident, and a clear violation of our workplace safety standards,” it wrote. “Prompt disciplinary action has been taken against this employee.”
The ET report said Amazon responded to 10 workplace safety and standard related questions raised by the government after reports emerged its employees were forced to take a pledge that they “will achieve the target, and refrain from using the washroom and avoid drinking water”.
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