Amazon Faces NY Discrimination Complaint

MAY 19 2022·Updated AUG 24

Story

Image credit: AP [via USA Today]

The Facts

The NY State Division of Human Rights has accused tech giant Amazon of discriminating against pregnant and disabled workers, and failing to follow recommendations from the company's "accommodation consultants."
Reuters
Amazon allegedly forced pregnant women to lift heavy packages, rather than lighter ones, and failed to make provisions for disabled employees to continue working by claiming the medical documentation they submitted wasn't "appropriate."
New York Post
Through a spokesperson, Amazon expressed surprise over the complaint and declined further comment until they've received it.
New York Post
Amazon is the second-largest US private employer, after Walmart, and has more than 39K employees in NY.
Reuters
A rash of allegations have been made against Amazon recently by workers, union leaders and politicos who have challenged what they claim to be an unforgiving working environment.
New York Post

Sources Split

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The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

These complaints are precisely why Amazon workers have tried to unionize, and why Amazon spent $4.3M in anti-union efforts last year alone; a budget which doesn't include spending on outside advertising, public relations or high-price lawyers.

Intercept

Pro-establishment narrative

Many Amazon workers are more than satisfied with the company's working practices, especially their pay and benefits (which include 401(k) and exceptional healthcare options). As an employer, anecdotes suggest that they treat their staff exceptionally well and have higher than average staff satisfaction rates.