Jean MartinAmazon has agreed to pay $1.9 million to over 700 migrant workers following allegations of human rights abuses at its warehouses in Saudi Arabia.
The settlement aims to address exploitative labor contracts and improve working conditions for affected employees.
Acknowledgment and Investigation:
In response to the claims, Amazon acknowledged the issue and commissioned a third-party labor rights expert to investigate warehouse conditions.
The investigation revealed Amazon’s supply chain standards violations, including substandard living accommodations and wage irregularities.
Previous Reports and Allegations:
The settlement follows reports by Amnesty International and other investigative journalists detailing alleged human rights abuses and labor exploitation experienced by Amazon’s contracted workers in the region.
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These reports highlighted issues such as illegal recruitment fees and squalid living conditions.
Amazon’s Response and Remediation Efforts:
Amazon has stated that it has remediated the most serious concerns at the two Saudi warehouses, including upgrading housing accommodations.
The company emphasized its commitment to ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for all vendors, including responsible recruitment practices.
Despite the settlement, Amazon faces criticism for its labor practices and anti-union stance. The company has been accused of breaking labor laws and hindering unionization efforts.
Amazon’s recent legal challenge against the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has also sparked further controversy.
