Amazon India under human rights commission lens for alleged ‘anti-labour practices’ in Manesar warehouses

Amazon India is currently under scrutiny by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for alleged anti-labour practices at its Manesar warehouses. The NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report detailing severe working conditions and potential violations of labor laws and human rights. The case highlights concerns over restroom facilities, excessive workloads, and general working conditions at the warehouses.

Background and Allegations

The NHRC's involvement began after a media report surfaced, describing troubling conditions at one of Amazon India's Manesar warehouses. A particularly alarming claim from the report is that a 24-year-old worker was compelled to pledge not to take toilet or water breaks until the unloading of packages from six 24-foot-long trucks was completed. This demand came immediately after a 30-minute tea break. Such conditions, if true, indicate serious human rights abuses and violations of labor laws set forth by the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment.

A female employee from the Manesar warehouse also reported the absence of restroom facilities on the working sites. The NHRC noted that this lack of facilities constitutes a significant violation of workers' rights.

NHRC's Actions

The NHRC has issued a notice to the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, seeking a detailed report within a week. The commission emphasized that if the media report's contents are accurate, it represents a grave infringement of human rights and labor laws.

The NHRC’s notice points out that even under the current working conditions, it would be physically impossible for workers to unload more than four trucks a day without adequate breaks. This further underscores the excessive demands placed on Amazon's employees.

Amazon India's Response

In response to the allegations, Amazon India has asserted that the safety and wellbeing of their employees are top priorities. The company claimed that the infrastructure and facilities at their fulfillment centers are industry-leading, designed to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment.

Amazon's spokesperson emphasized the presence of heat index monitoring devices in their buildings, which help monitor temperature changes, particularly during the summer months. If temperatures or humidity levels rise to uncomfortable levels, Amazon takes action to ensure a comfortable working environment, including temporarily suspending work if necessary. The company also stated that all their buildings are equipped with cooling measures, such as ventilation systems, fans, and spot coolers.

Broader Implications and Concerns

The NHRC highlighted that five warehouses in and around Manesar are accused of violating regulations outlined in the Factories Act, 1948. These regulations are designed to protect workers' rights and ensure safe working conditions. The NHRC's investigation into Amazon's practices at these warehouses could have broader implications for the company's operations and its compliance with labor laws in India.

The commission's involvement underscores the importance of adhering to labor laws and maintaining humane working conditions. It also highlights the need for multinational companies to ensure that their practices align with local labor regulations and international human rights standards.

Conclusion

The NHRC's scrutiny of Amazon India's Manesar warehouses brings to light serious concerns about the company's labor practices. The allegations of excessive workloads, lack of restroom facilities, and potential human rights violations paint a troubling picture of the working conditions faced by employees. Amazon India's response underscores their commitment to employee safety and wellbeing, but the NHRC's investigation will be crucial in determining the validity of these claims and ensuring compliance with labor laws.

The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Amazon India's operations and set a precedent for how multinational companies are held accountable for their labor practices in India. As the NHRC awaits a detailed report from the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, the focus remains on ensuring that workers' rights are protected and that companies adhere to the standards set forth by labor regulations.