NHRC notice to Centre over 'anti-labour practices' at Amazon warehouse in Haryana; E-commerce major says facilities top class

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Centre regarding allegations of "anti-labour practices" at an Amazon India warehouse in Manesar, Haryana. According to the proceedings shared on the NHRC's website, the Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report detailing severe working conditions that potentially violate labour laws and human rights.

The NHRC's statement highlights a specific incident where a 24-year-old worker at the Manesar warehouse was reportedly asked to pledge not to take any toilet or water breaks until unloading packages from six trucks. Another female employee claimed that no restroom facilities were available at the working sites.

Amazon India's Response

"Employees and associates are free to take informal breaks throughout their shifts to use the restroom, get water, or talk to a manager," Amazon India stated. The company emphasized its commitment to employee safety and well-being, stating that their facilities are industry-leading and designed to ensure a comfortable working environment. "Safety and well-being of our employees and associates is our top priority. The infrastructure and facilities at our fulfilment centres are industry leading, and are designed to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment," Amazon India said.

It also highlighted the presence of heat index monitoring devices and cooling measures such as ventilation systems, fans, and spot coolers. "If we do find increasing heat or humidity inside our buildings, then our teams take action to provide comfortable working conditions, including temporarily suspending work. We have cooling measures in all our buildings, including ventilation systems, fans, and spot coolers. We also provide water and other hydration options, as well as regularly scheduled rest breaks in a cooler environment, and additional breaks when temperatures are high. Employees and associates are free to take informal breaks throughout their shifts to use the restroom, get water, or talk to a manager or HR," the firm said in a statement.

The NHRC has requested a detailed report from the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment within one week.

The NHRC's statement also underlined the government's ongoing efforts to improve workers' living standards. Initiatives include ensuring proper payment of minimum wages, providing social security, a safe working environment, medical insurance, and free annual health check-ups. The 'Shramev Jayate' scheme, launched in 2014, aims at maximizing worker benefits. The Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, 2017, also increased paid maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks.

(Inputs from PTI)