Amazon Poland workers threaten strike

When Amazon, the world’s largest online store,  announced plans to open three distribution centers in Poland, it was poised to be one of the country’s largest employers. Now, however, the excitement has died down, as workers at Amazon Poland’s centers in Wrocław and Poznań have voiced their disgruntlement regarding low pay and grueling work conditions. For about PLN 12.50  an hour (night shift wages are slightly higher) workers must pack at least 140 packages an hour, or find the appropriate number of assigned products. Given that each distribution center covers an area of 95,000 square meters, the physical requirements can be daunting. Standing or walking for shifts of 10-12 hours, lifting packages of up to 15 kg, and facing constant pressure from managers has motivated workers to unionize and demand higher wages. Night shift workers complain they have nowhere to sit for a quick break, and ambulances have had to be called repeatedly after workers fainted. Marzena Wieckowska, an Amazon Poland spokesperson, told Gazeta Wyborcza that workers clearly sign a contract that requires physical work upon employment. Addtionally, Amazon Poland claims it already provides longer breaks than is legally necessary. As Tomasz Smoszyński, the head of Solidarity workers' union at Amazon Wrocław, told Gazeta Wyborcza , “the excruciating tempo of work at the center is also the result of competition between managers, both within one center, as well as amongst other locations. Managers are constantly raising distribution goals, perhaps because higher turnover leads to benefits.” The workers unions want a wage increase to PLN 16 an hour as well as better working conditions and more breaks. In addition, many are angry that Amazon Poland is employing more part-time than full-time workers, who are not eligible for benefits or overtime. During an investigation by the National Labor Inspector, Amazon Poland was fined for unfair payments to part-time workers.