Senators Want Amazon CEO To Give Warehouse Workers Sick Leave

Several senators wrote a letter to Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon, asking him to protect his warehouse workers during the coronavirus outbreak.

Senators Bob Menendez, Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, and Sherrod Brown, wrote in a letter that Bezos should provide paid sick leave and time-and-a-half hazard pay for warehouse workers, among other measures.

It was this week that an Amazon worker had tested positive for the virus in Queens, New York. Amazon temporarily closed the Queens, New York delivery station, known as DBK1.

Amazon also confirmed this week that at least five workers at Amazon warehouses in Spain and Italy contracted the disease.

“Any failure of Amazon to keep its workers safe does not just put their employees at risk, it puts the entire country at risk,” the senators wrote. “Americans who are taking every precaution…might risk getting infected with COVID-19 because of Amazon’s decision to prioritize efficiency and profits over the safety and well-being of its workforce.”
The letter also asks questions about what steps Amazon is taking to protect its employees from infection. Amazon has a deadline to respond by March 26.

“Our employees are heroes fighting for their communities and helping people get critical items they need in the crisis,” said an Amazon spokesperson. “Like all businesses grappling with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it is not easy as supplies are limited, but we are working hard to keep employees safe while serving communities and the most vulnerable.”

Disclaimer: We have no position in Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) and have not been compensated for this article.