Amazon workers in India have joined a global wave of protests, rallying for improved wages and working conditions as the company braces for one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. Around 200 warehouse workers and delivery drivers gathered in New Delhi on Black Friday, holding signs under the banner of “Make Amazon Pay.” Some protesters wore masks of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, symbolizing their criticism of the company’s practices.
The workers, who are demanding higher wages, better working conditions, and union rights, expressed frustration over their current pay. “Our basic salary is 10,000 rupees ($120), which should be at least 25,000 rupees ($295),” said Manish Kumar, a 25-year-old warehouse worker. “And the environment there is to work under pressure,” he added, highlighting the challenging work conditions.
Union leader Nitesh Das explained that the workers were rallying not only for better conditions but also to urge the Indian government to take action on their behalf. The protests coincide with similar actions in other countries, including the United States, Germany, Japan, and Brazil, where Amazon workers are calling for fair pay, union rights, and commitments to environmental sustainability.
In response, Amazon issued a statement in which it accused the workers of promoting a “false narrative,” asserting that its facilities offer competitive pay and comfortable working conditions. The company emphasized its commitment to creating a safe and healthy working environment for its employees worldwide.
The Amazon India Workers Union has announced plans for further protests and stated that it will submit a memorandum to India’s Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, outlining its demands.
This comes after previous concerns about workers’ rights, such as reports in June 2023 that Amazon employees in India were allegedly forced to work without breaks during the hot summer months, prompting a notice from India’s National Human Rights Commission. Amazon India denied the accusation at the time.
As India’s gig economy continues to expand, workers are increasingly advocating for better pay and working conditions in an environment where rapid economic growth is often accompanied by labor challenges.
