Supporting Statement:
Amazon states, “we respect and support the Core Conventions of the International Labour Organization and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work” and says it respects workers’ right to join or form a union “without fear of reprisal, intimidation, or harassment,”1 an important recognition that the fulfilment of these rights is conditioned by how employers choose to respond to union organizing efforts.
According to the ILO, “freedom of association refers to the right of workers [...] to create and join organizations of their choice freely and without fear of reprisal or interference” and collective bargaining “allows workers to negotiate their working conditions freely with their employers.”
For years, Amazon has faced overwhelming negative media coverage2 in the US and internationally3 accusing the company of interfering with workers’ exercise of their rights through anti-unionization tactics4 including allegations of intimidation5, retaliation6 and surveillance7. On multiple occasions, US regulators and courts have ruled that Amazon violated labor laws and ordered remedies, including rerun union elections8, the reinstatement of terminated workers9, and an order to cease and desist discharging workers in retaliation for union organizing.10
In response to investor concerns, Amazon published a report on its human rights commitment in 202211 which details Amazon’s approach to these fundamental rights. While this report references both ILO conventions, it fails to explain whether and how Amazon’s human rights policies and practices align with these international standards or its own commitments.
The apparent misalignment between Amazon’s commitment and its reported conduct represents reputational and operational risks and may negatively impact Amazon's long-term performance. A respect to human rights can create a motivated workforce that provides management with critical and timely information that helps to reduce workplace accidents, improve training, and boost employee morale and corporate culture, thus boosting productivity and ultimately shareholder value.12
An independent assessment would help investors assess Amazon’s adherence to its human rights commitments.
1 https://sustainability.aboutamazon.com/governance/amazon-global-human-rights-principles
2 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/16/technology/amazon-unions-virginia.html
3 https://novaramedia.com/2022/10/18/inside-the-fight-for-the-uks-first-formal-amazon-warehouse-strike/; https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/sep/30/trade-unions-urge-eu-to-investigate-amazon-effort-to- spy-on-workers
4 https://pressprogress.ca/amazons-anti-union-tactics-around-the-world-show-what-canadian-warehouse- workers-are-up-against/
5 https://nypost.com/2021/04/19/amazon-used-illegal-intimidation-tactics-in-ala-vote-union/
6 https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/fired-interrogated-disciplined-amazon-warehouse- organizers-allege-year-retaliation-n1262367
7 https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/24/how-amazon-prevents-unions-by-surveilling-employee-activism.html
8 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/29/business/amazon-bessemer-alabama-election.html
9 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/18/business/amazon-protest-firing-ruling.html
10 https://www.nlrb.gov/news-outreach/news-story/nlrb-region-29-wins-federal-court-order-requiring-amazon- to-cease-and
11 https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/policy-news-views/amazons-human-rights-commitment-policy-and- practice
12 https://www.ipa-involve.com/involvement-and-productivity-the-missing-piece-of-the-puzzle; https://doi.org/10.1111/bjir.12662