Worker Allegedly Forced to Forego Breaks During Package Unloading: NHRC takes suo motu Cognizance
Category: Legal News
「 ✦ Content ✦ 」
Key Aspects –
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports alleging labor law violations at Amazon’s warehouse in Manesar, Haryana. The Commission noted that if the reported details are accurate, they represent severe breaches of human rights and contravene guidelines set by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Consequently, the NHRC issued a notice to the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, requesting a comprehensive report on the matter within a week. In a press release, the NHRC expressed concern over these allegations, particularly in light of existing pro-worker laws and government policies. According to the media report, a 24-year-old worker was compelled to vow not to take toilet or water breaks until completing the unloading of packages from six 24-foot trucks, immediately following a 30-minute tea break. Additionally, a female employee reportedly stated that no restroom facilities are available on-site. Labor associations have accused five warehouses in the Manesar area of violating the Factories Act, 1948. The report also mentioned a worker who earns ₹10,088 per month and works ten-hour days, five days a week, claiming that it is impossible to unload more than four trucks daily, even without breaks. Another female worker reported standing for nine hours daily and being required to inspect 60 small or 40 medium-sized products per hour. Similar allegations have been made against Amazon in other countries as well.
Written by – Anurag Das
