Unsafe working conditions at Amazon’s warehouse in Manesar, Haryana, have sparked legal action and scrutiny over the retail giant’s labor practices. Allegations of inadequate safety measures, unreasonable work targets, and harsh monitoring have led the local government to take Amazon to court. The case highlights growing concerns about worker welfare in Amazon’s vast fulfillment network across India.
Unsafe Work Environment Investigated
Earlier this year, a labor inspection at the Manesar warehouse revealed violations of safety protocols and labor laws. Workers reportedly lacked essential safety gear, and female employees weren’t provided tight-fitting clothing near moving machinery, a standard safety requirement. This posed serious risks of injuries from entanglement.
Additionally, Amazon failed to issue employment identity cards to workers, a basic legal requirement in India. These findings prompted the Haryana government to file a case in June, with court hearings underway since October.
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Controversial Management Practices
The investigation followed a May incident where workers were allegedly pressured to pledge not to take breaks until meeting daily targets. Amazon confirmed that a manager led this “motivational exercise,” calling it an isolated incident. Although disciplinary action was taken, the company did not disclose specific details.
Workers described a high-pressure environment where unrealistic targets make resting nearly impossible. One employee, Prakash*, revealed he processes 60 return items per hour. “In one minute, I have to open, check, and review each item,” he said, adding that the pressure to meet targets is overwhelming.
Strict Monitoring and Target Enforcement
Amazon uses a tracking system known as ADAPT (Associate Development and Performance Tracker) to monitor employees’ productivity. Workers with three negative ADAPT reports within 22 days risk blacklisting from future employment. Both Prakash and Supriya*, another warehouse associate, criticized this system for creating a constant sense of surveillance.
Supriya shared that meeting hourly targets often means sacrificing informal breaks. “Idle time is logged, and failing to meet targets results in negative ADAPT flags,” she explained. Despite Amazon’s claim that employees can take informal breaks, many workers dispute this, citing heavy monitoring and unrealistic expectations.
Worker Fatigue and Lack of Rest Facilities
Warehouse employees work 10-hour shifts with only two 30-minute breaks. Supriya noted that these breaks are insufficient for using the restroom, accessing lockers, and eating. She also highlighted the lack of rest areas outside the cafeteria, forcing employees to remain on their feet for most of their shift.
Amazon acknowledged the absence of additional rest facilities but insisted that its cafeterias offer adequate seating. However, Supriya and her colleagues feel the company must provide better rest arrangements and revise its policies on break times and monitoring.
Growing Worker Discontent
Amazon’s handling of worker conditions has drawn criticism worldwide. In India, over 80% of warehouse workers surveyed by the Amazon India Workers Association (AIWA) found their targets difficult to achieve. Despite Amazon dismissing these findings, workers and labor unions continue to call for fairer treatment.
Supriya stressed that removing ADAPT would create a less oppressive environment. “We’re committed to ensuring on-time deliveries, but constant target anxiety needs to end,” she said.
As Amazon faces its next court hearing in December, workers demand changes that prioritize safety, dignity, and reasonable work expectations.
Names have been changed to protect identities.
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