California has slapped Amazon with a $5.9 million fine, accusing the e-commerce giant of jeopardizing worker safety in its warehouses. The penalties stem from alleged violations of the state’s Warehouse Quota Law at facilities near Los Angeles. Amazon, however, disputes these claims and plans to appeal.
California Penalizes Amazon for Employee Safety Violations
California has fined Amazon $5.9 million, accusing the company of endangering warehouse workers. The penalties were announced on Tuesday by state officials.
Warehouse Quota Law Violations
The California Labor Commissioner’s Office issued two citations in May against Amazon.com Services LLC. These citations claimed violations of the state’s Warehouse Quota Law at facilities in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Legal Requirements for Warehouse Quotas
The Warehouse Quota Law, effective since 2022, mandates employers to inform workers about any quotas. This includes the tasks per hour they must complete and potential disciplinary actions for non-compliance.
Specific Fines at Two Locations
Amazon was fined $1.2 million for a warehouse in Redlands and $4.7 million for another in Moreno Valley. The company has expressed disagreement with these allegations and is appealing the fines.
Amazon’s Response to the Allegations
Amazon insists it does not enforce fixed quotas and evaluates individual performance over time. The company encourages employees to review their performance and consult with managers if needed.
Allegations of Non-Compliance
The citations claim Amazon failed to notify employees in writing about the quotas. Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower criticized Amazon for practices that the law aims to eliminate.
Risks of Undisclosed Quotas
Undisclosed quotas can pressure workers to accelerate their pace, increasing injury rates and other violations. Such practices can also lead to workers skipping breaks to meet targets.
Investigation and Advocacy
The agency started investigating in 2022 after workers reported unfair quota practices. The Warehouse Worker Resource Center, a nonprofit, supports efforts to improve working conditions.
Broader Legislative Context
Similar laws exist in Minnesota, New York, Oregon, and Washington. In May, Senator Edward Markey introduced a federal version of the warehouse worker protection act in Congress.
