Amazon is under fire for allegedly discriminating against some of its pregnant workers and workers with disabilities
New York’s Division of Human Rights filed a complaint against the company with Governor Kathy Hochul announcing the move on Wednesday.
Amazon is being accused of failing to provide these workers with the correct pay, forcing them to take unpaid leaves of absence.
There are multiple reports that the company did not follow guidelines with its workers, one pregnant worker was initially given approval to avoid lifting packages over 11 kilograms, but was then made to lift heavy items anyway by a manager.
Amazon did not provide this worker with accommodation after they were injured and instead placed them on indefinite unpaid leave, according to the complaint.
The company is being examined for its failure to accommodate these workers, and allowing managers to override safety recommendations.
Such actions are against breach New York’s Human Rights Law which protects pregnant and disabled workers from discrimination within a workplace.
Amazon is now being urged to “pay civil fines and penalties to the State of New York” and to fix its discriminatory practices.
Amazon’s spokesperson has denied its wrongful conduct saying the company offers “the best available options to accomodate” such employees.
