New York accused Amazon of discrimination and sued the company

The New York City Human Rights Division filed a complaint against Amazon. E-commerce giant discriminates against pregnant workers and workers with disabilities. This was stated by New York Governor Katie Hokul. Instead of providing suitable working conditions for them, the retailer forced them to take unpaid leave, reports CNN Business.

A pregnant Amazon worker had to take unpaid leave due to an injury she sustained while lifting heavy boxes. Due to her position, the woman was allowed not to lift parcels weighing more than 11 kg. However, the manager ignored this rule.

Another injured employee was denied paid sick leave by Amazon. Instead, he was sent on indefinite unpaid leave.

Amazon is being asked to end discrimination, educate employees on the Human Rights Act and pay civil penalties. Amazon spokeswoman Kelly Nantel said the company was surprised by Hokul's announcement.

“For Amazon, it is extremely important that all employees, including people with disabilities and expectant mothers, feel safe,” Nantel said.

Amazon has come under scrutiny in recent years due to high employee turnover and workplace injuries

The pandemic, during which Amazon workers were seen as indispensable, has only heightened concerns about working conditions. During this period, the company faced unionization efforts at two warehouse sites in New York. JFK 8 employees have successfully voted for it. They became the first Amazon workers to officially join a union in the United States. Amazon disputes the results.

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This month, a New York appeals court dismissed a lawsuit filed by State Attorney General Letitia James over the company's response to the pandemic. Amazon has previously disputed these claims.

“We deeply care about the health and safety of our employees,” the company said in a previous statement. Under pressure from shareholders, Amazon said last month that it would conduct an audit to assess any impact its policy would have on hourly employees.