Amazon Slapped with $6 Million Fine for Violating California Safety Law
In a groundbreaking move, a California labor regulator announced a hefty fine of nearly $6 million against tech giant Amazon for over 59,000 violations of the Warehouse Quotas Law that came into effect in 2022. This law empowers employees to request detailed explanations of productivity quotas and disciplinary actions related to these quotas.
According to the state labor commissioner’s office, Amazon flouted the law at two Southern California warehouses between October and March. Lilia García-Brower, the labor commissioner, condemned Amazon’s system as a direct violation of the Warehouse Quotas Law’s core principles.
Amazon Claps Back at Penalties
A spokesperson for Amazon, Maureen Lynch Vogel, refuted the allegations and stated that the company had appealed the fines. Denying the use of fixed quotas, Vogel emphasized that Amazon evaluates individual performance over a period of time and encourages regular performance reviews by workers.
The California law also prohibits quotas that impede employees from taking breaks or following health and safety regulations. The penalties imposed on Amazon mark a significant development in regulating warehouse quotas across the country.
Safety Concerns and Investigations
Workers’ advocate groups have criticized Amazon for its high rates of serious injuries compared to other warehouse employers. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Amazon multiple times for exposing workers to ergonomic injuries, leading to ongoing investigations by the Justice Department.
Despite investing millions in safety enhancements, Amazon continues to face scrutiny over its safety practices. Several states have introduced similar laws, with federal legislation proposed to address the issue at a national level.
