In a recent development the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognisance of a media report alleging violation of labour laws at Amazon's Manesar warehouse in state of Haryana. NHRC has sought a detailed report from the Secretary, Union Ministry of Labour and Employment within a week.
The NHRC has taken cognisance of the media report that alleged that at one of the warehouses of a multinational company in Haryana’s Manesar, a 24-year-old worker was asked to pledge that they would not take toilet or water breaks until they finished unloading packages from six trucks, each measuring 24 feet long, after their team’s 30-minute tea break had ended.
The notice further stated that a female employee at the Manesar warehouse reportedly alleged that no restroom facilities are available on the working sites.
"Reportedly, the labour associations in India have accused five warehouses in and around Manesar of violating regulations outlined in the Factories Act, 1948. While labour Inspectors can demand corrections, there is limited enforcement," the notice read.
The Commission raised serious issues of human rights of the workers in violation of the labour laws and the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment from time to time.
"Accordingly, the Commission has issued to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Labour and Employment calling for a detailed report in the matter within one week."
The NHRC also issued notice, and noted that the government has been insisting on improving workers' living standards.
A woman worker also claimed that she keeps standing for nine hours daily and is required to evaluate 60 small products or 40 medium-sized products per hour during duty.
A female employee at the warehouse reportedly stated that no restroom facilities are available on the working sites. Reportedly, labour associations in India have accused five warehouses in and around Manesar of violating regulations outlined in the Factories Act, 1948.
Further, as per the news report, one of the workers, who works ten hours a day for five days a week and earns Rs 10,088 per month stated that even if they work continuously without breaks, including the 30-minute lunch and tea breaks, they cannot unload more than four trucks per day.
Amazon has also encountered similar accusations internationally.
"Apart from ensuring proper payment of minimum wages to the workers, government schemes have been introduced to provide social security for the labourers including a safe working environment, safety gear in hazardous working conditions, medical insurance and free annual health check-ups of the workers by the employers. A scheme was started 'Shramev Jayate' in the year 2014 targeting the country's growth and maximum benefit to the workers. Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, 2017 also came into effect to increase the paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks." the NHRC notice read.