Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) took aim at Amazon on Tuesday, criticizing the company for what he termed as rampant “corporate greed.” The Vermont senator’s remarks came on the heels of an investigative report released just before the company’s Prime Day sale, revealing a troubling pattern of worker injuries during the 2019 event.
According to the interim report from the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, which Sanders chairs, over 10 injuries per 100 workers were reported to OSHA during Amazon’s 2019 Prime Day week, more than double the industry average.
Mr. Bernie Sanders – Confirmed unsustainable productivity demands
When considering all injuries, including those not required to be reported to OSHA, the report uncovered nearly 45 injuries per 100 workers. This damning report is the result of a year-long investigation into Amazon’s labor practices and was strategically released ahead of this year’s Prime Day, a two-day sales event for Amazon Prime members.
Sanders lambasted Amazon for its apparent disregard for worker safety despite the company’s massive profits and the high compensation received by its CEO.
“The incredibly dangerous working conditions at Amazon revealed in this investigation are a perfect example of the type of corporate greed that the American people are sick and tired of,” Sanders declared, emphasizing the disparity between the company’s financial success and the wellbeing of its employees.
The report, which includes interviews with over 100 Amazon workers, confirmed unsustainable productivity demands and frequent serious injuries, especially during peak periods like Prime Day and the holiday season.
Workers described increased pressure to work faster and longer shifts, often under mandatory extra time, and accused Amazon of bypassing essential safety protocols.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel responded by asserting that employee safety is a top priority and highlighting the company’s progress in reducing incident rates.
Nantel criticized the report for presenting a one-sided narrative based on unverified anecdotes and outdated documents, and urged the public to consider Amazon’s annual safety report for a more accurate depiction of the company’s safety record.
Since becoming the HELP Committee chair, Sanders has focused on addressing unfair labor practices, also targeting Starbucks for alleged union-busting.
Earlier this year, he proposed legislation for a four-day workweek without pay reduction, aiming to lower the overtime threshold from 40 to 32 hours over four years and ensure increased overtime pay for extended workdays.
