Working in one of Amazon’s delivery centers or warehouses is hard work. Employees spend hours lifting heavy boxes while keeping to a strictly enforced time allotment for their tasks. Although much of the work done in delivery centers and warehouses is similar, it differs in what the workers earn.
In Sacramento, and other locations, delivery center workers are not given Paid Time Off (PTO), which is not the situation for warehouse workers. Delivery center workers are not permitted to work more than 30 hours per week, and do not receive benefits, such as health insurance. Should a delivery center worker take more than 20 hours off per quarter, they are terminated from employment.
When asked about the situation, an Amazon management representative said the company is proud to offer minimum wage of $15 per hour, and that benefits depend on various factors. The representative notes that approximately 1,000 full-time jobs with benefits in Sacramento are expected to become available, and the delivery center workers could apply for these positions. These jobs include Amazon’s health and education benefits.
A Different Class
After delivering a petition advocating PTO to management, Sacramento delivery center employees were shocked to learn that managers considered them a different class than warehouse workers. They were informed that Amazon considered them Class M and Class Q employees. None of the workers were previously aware of this differing classification.
In response, delivery center employees presented another petition, which addressed Class M and Class Q status, stating the distinction was in place so that Amazon did not have to provide PTO, even though many of these workers held the same hours as regular employees.
Workers Rebel
In recent months, Amazon workers nationwide have rebelled against what they consider the company’s unfair labor practices. In July, Minneapolis workers staged a strike in the midst of one of the e-commerce site’s busiest seasons, demanding improved treatment and lower quotas. In Chicago, a group petitioned for workplace safety and wanted to sit down with management, but Amazon management refused to meet with organized workers.
Union Opposition
Much of what these workers demand would fall under union contracts at other companies, but Amazon is well-known for its strong opposition to labor unions. Not surprisingly, managers at Amazon are required to attend training focused on keeping workers from organizing, regardless if these workers are in fulfillment or delivery centers.
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