Amazon Workers in India Join Global Strike Over Pay and Working Conditions
Amazon workers in India participated in a global strike on ‘Black Friday’, demanding better pay and improved working conditions. Around 200 workers gathered in New Delhi as part of the “Make Amazon Pay” campaign, which has been gaining traction across the world.
According to AP News, an Amazon India worker stated, “Our basic salary is INR 10,000 ($120), which should be at least INR 25,000 ($295).” The protest highlighted the workers’ dissatisfaction with their current wages, calling for a fairer pay structure that aligns with their demands.
In response, Amazon India denied the allegations, asserting that it provides competitive wages and regularly reviews its salary structure to ensure it aligns with industry standards and complies with all applicable wage laws across the states where the company operates. In a statement to Inc42, the company explained, “Our comprehensive wage package aims to incentivize and reward our associates through a combination of fixed pay, monthly attendance bonuses, and additional incentives.”
Amazon further refuted the workers’ claims, accusing them of promoting a “false narrative” and added that all workers are entitled to provident fund and Employees’ State Insurance Corporate (ESIC) benefits, as well as medical, personal accident, and term insurance.
However, the Amazon India Union Workers have indicated that they plan to escalate the protests across the country. In a statement on X, UNI Global Union’s Asia and Pacific arm expressed solidarity with the workers, saying, “We are here in Jantar Mantar, Delhi with Amazon India Union Workers & warehouse workers of Amazon to demand #MakeAmazonPay for minimum pay, decent working conditions and recognition of Amazon workers union.” UNI represents more than 20 million workers globally across 150 countries in the services and skill sectors.
This is not the first time that Amazon India has faced scrutiny over its workers’ conditions. Earlier in the year, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) sought a detailed report from the Indian government regarding allegations of labor law violations at Amazon’s warehouse in Manesar. The NHRC had taken suo motu cognizance of a report by the Indian Express, which claimed that the working conditions at the warehouse were harsh. Amazon acknowledged some lapses in workplace safety at the facility.
Meanwhile, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has recently directed e-commerce platforms to adhere to foreign direct investment (FDI) laws. His comments came after reports that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) found “direct links” between Amazon, Flipkart, and their preferred sellers.
Earlier, Goyal had publicly criticized Amazon for allegedly using predatory pricing tactics and said that the company’s planned investment in India was mainly to offset its losses rather than to create value for the Indian economy. However, Goyal clarified that while the government does not oppose online marketplaces, it expects them to operate fairly.
