27 February 2019

...[A]n official Amazon video showing operations inside its first Australian warehouse...shows an orderly environment....

Instead, workers have told ABC News:

• the workplace is built around a culture of fear where their performance is timed to the second;
• they are expected to constantly work at ‘Amazon pace’, described as somewhere between walking and jogging;
• high-pressure targets make them feel like they can’t go to the toilet and sometimes push them to cut safety corners;
• they can be sent home early without being paid for the rest of their shift when orders are completed; and
• everyone is employed as a casual and constantly anxious about whether they’ll get another shift.

“We strive to be a great employer in Australia and we believe we are making good progress but still have lots more to do,” the company noted in its written response to the ABC’s questions.

...Amazon denies its targets are unreasonable.

“Some of our roles are physically demanding jobs and this fact is made clear when associates join, so they understand the process and requirements,” it wrote.

“As with nearly all companies, we expect a certain level of performance from our associates and we continue to set reasonable productivity targets objectively, based on previous performance levels achieved by our workforce.”

...Amazon says it had informed job applicants that “all roles were casual”. ...“As we grow our local operations, we will be transitioning the majority of associates to full-time permanent employees with competitive pay and benefits, as we have done in other places where we operate around the world.”

...“We encourage associates to carry a water bottle with them and most do. Water coolers are available throughout the fulfilment centre (and break room) and are replenished during the day,” it says.

“Associates are allowed to use the toilet whenever needed. We do not monitor toilet breaks and factor appropriate breaks such as these into daily planning.”