BENGALURU: Close to 200 warehouse workers and delivery drivers from Amazon gathered in New Delhi on Friday, protesting against low wages and poor working conditions.
Some workers joined the demonstration under the banner of the 'Make Amazon Pay' campaign, which is being held across 20 countries.
The protests, which began on Black Friday, November 29, are expected to continue until December 2, coinciding with one of the largest shopping weekends of the year.
Amazon, in a statement, responded to the protests, stating, "This group is intentionally misleading and continues to promote a false narrative. There has been no impact on our operations due to these activities."
The company emphasised that its teams across India are continuing to perform their usual tasks, ensuring timely deliveries for customers.
Amazon further asserted that it provides "fair and competitive wages" and regularly reviews its wage structure against industry benchmarks. The company also ensured that it complies with all applicable wage laws across the states where it operates. "Our comprehensive wage package aims to incentivize and reward our associates through a combination of fixed pay, monthly attendance bonuses, and additional incentives, enabling them to enhance their earning potential," the statement added.
Additionally, Amazon noted that all associates working in its facilities are entitled to Provident Fund and Employees' State Insurance (ESIC) benefits, in line with applicable laws. The company also said that the workers are provided with medical, personal accident, and term insurance, over and above the minimum statutory requirement of ESIC.
While the workers are demanding higher pay, Amazon maintains that it offers competitive compensation, comfortable working conditions, and has created over 1.5 million jobs globally.
The protests are supported by over 80 trade unions and rights groups across various countries, with the campaign spearheaded by UNI Global Union and Progressive International.
According to UNI Global Union, the goal is to hold Amazon accountable for alleged labor abuses, environmental harm, and threats to democracy.
In India, workers affiliated with the Amazon India Workers Association, supported by UNI Global Union, are calling for improved working conditions, particularly in extreme heat.
The union said it would submit a memorandum highlighting its demands to India's Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The gig economy has become huge in India due to its fast economic growth, but workers face low wages and difficult working conditions.
India's National Human Rights Commission sent a notice to Amazon in June 2023 after local media reports that workers were being made to work without breaks during the peak hot summer season. Amazon India denied the charge.