Amazon Woes

[lpetrich]

This is the online retailer amazon.com

Amazon battles warehouse union drive with hardball tactics - The Washington Post - "The stakes couldn’t be higher for the e-commerce giant, which is fighting the biggest labor battle in its history on U.S. soil"

Some workers in Amazon’s Bessemer, Ala., warehouse complain that the company’s aggressive performance expectations leave them little time to take bathroom breaks.

When they do get there, they face messaging from Amazon pressing its case against unionization, imploring them to vote against it when mail-in balloting begins Feb. 8.

“Where will your dues go?” reads a flier posted on the door inside a bathroom stall.

“They got right in your face when you’re using the stall,” said Darryl Richardson, a worker at the warehouse who supports unionization. Another pro-union worker who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution said of Amazon’s toilet reading: “I feel like I’m getting harassed.”

Amazon Workers' Fight To Unionize Draws Help From Around The World | HuffPost - "Labor groups across the country and beyond are joining the effort to create a union at an Amazon facility in Alabama, which would be a first in the U.S."

Roughly a hundred organizers have been calling workers from Amazon’s Bessemer, Alabama, warehouse in recent weeks, making the case for why they should unionize. The robust phone-banking operation reflects the high stakes for organized labor as workers at the facility consider forming the first Amazon union in the U.S.

The organizing effort extends well beyond the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), which would represent the facility’s employees. The phone campaign includes around 20 organizers on loan from the AFL-CIO, the influential labor federation that includes 55 unions. A dozen nurses who recently unionized their hospital in North Carolina also have been pitching on the effort, calling workers to tell them large-scale labor victories are possible in the South.

The Amazon Union Election Is Unusual. Amazon's Robust Anti-Union Campaign Isn't. | HuffPost - "The retail giant’s attempt to scuttle a union drive is just a scaled-up version of corporate America’s standard playbook."

BESSEMER, Ala. ― The union election taking place at an Amazon warehouse in Alabama is exceptional in many ways. With nearly 6,000 workers, a victory for the union at this facility would mark the biggest win for organized labor in more than a decade, while creating the first unionized workforce among all of Amazon’s sprawling U.S. operations.

The election is more ordinary in one important respect: Amazon’s aggressive anti-union campaign.

After the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union filed an election petition last November, Amazon hired what are known as “union-avoidance consultants” ― members of a specialized industry whom employers tap to help discourage unionization. The company has held what are known as “captive audience” meetings, where workers are forced to listen to lectures about the bad things that could come from organizing a union. Supervisors continue to stop by workstations to urge staff to vote “no.” And workers are on the receiving end of anti-union literature in the mail, on the internet and even in the warehouse bathrooms.

As far as I can tell, voting is still continuing.

 

[lpetrich]

More Perfect Union on Twitter: "NEWS: ..." / Twitter

NEWS: A Jefferson County public official has confirmed that Amazon asked for the traffic light patterns to be altered outside its Alabama warehouse.

The county Roads & Transportation Department told us they were “notified by Amazon of traffic delays” during shift changes late last year.

After an inspection, the county increased “maximum green times” at the intersection to “clear more vehicles per phase” on December 15.

The city of Bessemer had previously tweeted a statement alleging that the union organizers' claim was false. It is not. In fact, the city does not control the traffic lights outside the warehouse. The county does.

We asked Amazon for a response. A spokesperson had disregarded the union organizers’ claims as a “rumor.” But now we know the truth—that Amazon REQUESTED the change.

Trying to win by obstructionism - Jeff Bezos ought to consider running for Senator.

The Battle To Unionize Amazon's Alabama Warehouse Started Right Here | HuffPost

BESSEMER, Ala. ― The most closely watched union campaign in years began at the entrances to an Amazon warehouse here last October. Five months later, workers and organizers are still standing at the same posts day and night, determined not to let up until the ballots are counted at the end of March.

If the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union wins this fight to create the first union within Amazon’s U.S. workforce, the victory will have been seeded right here.

“Every gate is really important. It’s how you start organizing,” said José Aguilar, a union representative stationed at an entrance one day last week.

...
The entrance is where organizers amassed many of the 3,000 union cards workers signed. Signing a card indicates you authorize the union to represent you, but in reality it just means you’re game for a secret-ballot election. Once a union gathers cards from 30% of the expected bargaining unit, it can trigger an election through the National Labor Relations Board, though unions typically try to gather a greater share, to be more confident they have majority support.

The entrance is also where union organizers built trust and relationships with workers coming and going from the warehouse. And it’s where they endured frigid temperatures, the occasional cussing, and a lot of boredom between warehouse shift changes.

Talk about dedication.

 

[lpetrich]

Dispatch from Alabama: The Biggest Amazon Union Drive Yet | Labor Notes

The election by mail will continue until March 29, with results likely available in mid-April.

Weeks away from the deadline, workers appear divided. There’s a clear faction of former union members or workers with union family ties who firmly favor unionization. The younger workers I met seemed indifferent to the election, as they have prospects elsewhere: the Army or other higher-paying jobs. They see the warehouse work very much on Amazon’s terms—as temporary, with no security.

...
BLM Birmingham led a caravan on March 13 to show solidarity with the workers. The workforce at the Amazon warehouse is estimated to be 85 percent Black.

Amazon has been touting its $15-an-hour starting wage and its health benefits in its campaign against the union. But at the kickoff rally for the caravan, Jennifer Bates, an Amazon worker and former union member, said, “You just offered us a wheelbarrow and called it a car. Everything looks good on paper, but once you go on the inside, you see the reality.”

Bessemer, population 27,000, is a suburb of Birmingham AL.

President Joe Biden weighed in on February 28, saying in a video: “There should be no intimidation, no coercion, no threats, no anti-union propaganda. No supervisor should confront employees about their union preferences.”

Biden is also supporting the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which passed the House in March, though its fate in the Senate depends on whether Democrats get rid of the filibuster.

If enacted, it would ban many of the union-busting tactics Amazon has employed, including captive-audience meetings. And it would promote favorable conditions for organizing—for instance, if workers got a majority signed on union authorization cards but then lost the election, the union could be certified anyway if the employer’s unfair labor practices might have swung the outcome.

Good that President Biden and Congress have done what they did.

 

[lpetrich]

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II on Twitter: "There’s something wrong when union-busting consultants can get paid $10,000 per day, but hard-working Amazon workers can't even get bathroom breaks.

We’re going to Bessemer, AL, on #MoralMonday to support workers’ rights to unionize. #PoorPeoplesCampaign (link)" / Twitter

More Perfect Union on Twitter: "NEW: ..." / Twitter

NEW: Bessemer's police chief has confirmed to More Perfect Union that his officers are providing "off duty security to Amazon."

Union organizers say they are routinely harassed by local police, and that officers have told them "they are there to keep an eye on us."

Amazon has a history of working with local police departments. It owns the surveillance technology company Ring, which partners with over 1300 law enforcement agencies across the country, including Jefferson County, Alabama—the county Bessemer is in.

 

[lpetrich]

Top Amazon Exec’s Snarky Tweets For Bernie Sanders Backfire | Worldwide Tweets

Leading Amazon executive Dave Clark tried to mock Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Twitter and was right away bombarded with unfavorable news posts about the business.

Clark, who is CEO of Amazon’s around the world customer system, tweeted Wednesday about Sanders’ approaching journey to Alabama, where the senator will fulfill with Amazon employees who are pressing to unionize, reported Reuters.

Bernie Sanders to Meet With Alabama Amazon Workers Trying to Unionize

Dave Clark on Twitter: "1/3 I welcome @SenSanders to Birmingham ..." / Twitter

1/3 I welcome @SenSanders to Birmingham and appreciate his push for a progressive workplace. I often say we are the Bernie Sanders of employers, but that’s not quite right because we actually deliver a progressive workplace

2/3 for our constituents: a $15 minimum wage, health care from day one, career progression, and a safe and inclusive work environment.

3/3 So if you want to hear about $15 an hour and health care, Senator Sanders will be speaking downtown. But if you would like to make at least $15 an hour and have good health care, Amazon is hiring.

These tweets got lots of responses, like

Robert Reich on Twitter: "
—Forcing workers to urinate in bottles
—Firing pregnant women for taking too many bathroom breaks
—Surveilling employees who posed ‘labor organizing threats’

This is why Amazon workers are unionizing.

Solidarity with @BAmazonUnion as they finish their historic organizing drive." / Twitter

Tim on Twitter: "@RBReich @BAmazonUnion When I was a supervisor at a auto parts manufacturing plant they sent us to union busting classes. I went but there was no way I was going to interfere. Unions are good and necessary despite the propaganda otherwise." / Twitter

Sara Nelson on Twitter: "Sick. Out of touch arrogant greedy Bs. $15 is the floor and it’s pathetic for the work people do in inhuman conditions. You won’t even let people use the elevators because that’s saved for product. Reminds me of mine owners 100 years ago more concerned about the mules than men" / Twitter

 

[lpetrich]

Rashida Tlaib on Twitter: "Workers reported safety issues at @amazon facilities in Michigan. @RepDebDingell and I reported it. The company publicly invites us to visit the site anytime. But when we showed up, @amazonnews management on-site called the police. They knew who we were and why we were there. (link)" / Twitter

That's Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Debbie Dingell.


Responding to AMZN exec Dave Clark:
Rep. Mark Pocan on Twitter: "Paying workers $15/hr doesn't make you a "progressive workplace" when you union-bust & make workers urinate in water bottles." / Twitter

Which got responses

Amazon News on Twitter: "@repmarkpocan 1/2 You don’t really believe the peeing in bottles thing, do you? If that were true, nobody would work for us. The truth is that we have over a million incredible employees around the world who are proud of what they do, and have great wages and health care from day one." / Twitter

liz on Twitter: "@amazonnews @repmarkpocan i worked for you once and i went out to the bathroom twice in a work day and a couple days later i was reprimanded for this saying that i didnt make rate. i never like to talk about this but i think it's cool for this one time so sincerely eat shit amazon news rep" / Twitter

Including this one directed at Rep. Mark Pocan:
Amazon News on Twitter: "@repmarkpocan 2/2 We hope you can enact policies that get other employers to offer what we already do." / Twitter

 

[lpetrich]

AOC got into the act:
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "This you? (pic link)" / Twitter

Hello,

This evening, an associate discovered human feces n an Amazon bag that was returned to station by driver. This is the 3rd occasion in the last 2 months when bags have been returned to station with poop inside. We understand that DA's may have emergencies while on-road, and especially during Covid, DAs have struggled to find bathrooms while delivering. Regardless, DAs cannot, MUST NOT, return bags to station with poop inside.

We've noticed an uptick recently of all kinds of unsanitary garbage being left inside bags: used masks, gloves, bottles of urine. By scanning the QR code on the bag, we can easily identify the DA who was in possession of the bag last. These behaviors are unacceptable, and will result in Tier 1 Infractions going forward. Please communicate this message to your drivers. I know it may seem obvious, or like something you shouldn't need to coach, but please be explicit when communicating the message that they CANNOT poop, or leave bottles of urine inside bags.

The health and safety of all DAs and Amazon associates will always be our top priority. None of us should have to deal with these kinds of messes. Please respond and confirm that you've received this email.

Thanks for your support,

Jen Snyder On-Road Area Manager | DPP1

amazonlogistics

AOC then linked to
Documents Show Amazon Is Aware Drivers Pee in Bottles

If employees actually had to pee in bottles, Amazon said, “nobody would work for us.” That’s a lie.

...
But Amazon workers with whom I spoke said that the practice was so widespread due to pressure to meet quotas that managers frequently referenced it during meetings and in formal policy documents and emails, which were provided to The Intercept. The practice, these documents show, was known to management, which identified it as a recurring infraction but did nothing to ease the pressure that caused it. In some cases, employees even defecated in bags.

Amazon did not provide a statement to The Intercept before publication.

One document from January, marked “Amazon Confidential,” details various infractions by Amazon employees, including “public urination” and “public defecation.” The document was provided to The Intercept by an Amazon employee in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who, like most of the employees I talked to, was granted anonymity to avoid professional reprisal.

Then that document that AOC showed.

Skyward Soldier | Twitch.tv/TheSkywardSoldier on Twitter: "@AOC As a former Amazon delivery driver...

Yeah, we used to piss in bottles. LOTS of my coworkers did. We were on such a tight schedule to get things done and delivered, and if we didn't, well, we'd be in big trouble.

Boss told me if I piss in a bottle to take it out of the truck." / Twitter

 

[lpetrich]

Amazon workers ‘forced to urinate in plastic bottles because they cannot go to toilet on shift’ | The Independent | The Independent

"Claims come as protestors in the UK join strikers around the world to demand internet giant improves workers’ conditions"

Union officials say they are taking action after more than 600 reports were made from Amazon warehouses to the Health and Safety Executive in the past four years.

A spokesman said: “These include workers using plastic bottles to urinate in instead of going to the toilet, and pregnant women have been forced to stand for hours on end, with some pregnant women being targeted for dismissal.”

The demonstrators have been joined at the protest by Jack Dromey, Labour MP for Birmingham Erdington, and six members of the CCOO Union from Spain who have been striking over the same poor working conditions there.

Other pickets have already taken place in Germany, Poland and United States this week to coincide with what the company calls Amazon Prime Day, when customers are offered big discounts.

So it's not only in the US.

 

[Loren Pechtel]

Amazon workers ‘forced to urinate in plastic bottles because they cannot go to toilet on shift’ | The Independent | The Independent

"Claims come as protestors in the UK join strikers around the world to demand internet giant improves workers’ conditions"

Union officials say they are taking action after more than 600 reports were made from Amazon warehouses to the Health and Safety Executive in the past four years.

A spokesman said: “These include workers using plastic bottles to urinate in instead of going to the toilet, and pregnant women have been forced to stand for hours on end, with some pregnant women being targeted for dismissal.”

The demonstrators have been joined at the protest by Jack Dromey, Labour MP for Birmingham Erdington, and six members of the CCOO Union from Spain who have been striking over the same poor working conditions there.

Other pickets have already taken place in Germany, Poland and United States this week to coincide with what the company calls Amazon Prime Day, when customers are offered big discounts.

So it's not only in the US.

Elsewhere I ran into an interesting point on this:

It's actually a sensible thing for their delivery drivers. The thing is they are paid by the delivery rather than time--finding a restroom is thus effectively off the clock time. We have seen the same thing for a long time for truckers--they're paid by the mile and it's even more of an issue for them to go to a restroom because of their big rigs. It only makes the news due to reckless disposal of the containers. This is inherent in any position where you are paid for work rather than time and aren't near a bathroom while doing so--it's the rational choice even if not overloaded.

Peeing in a bottle is not some horrible act of desperation. Note this equipment list:

https://www.kandooadventures.com/climb-kilimanjaro/plan/kilimanjaro-packing-list/

Under "Odds and Sods", look at the 6th item. Having a pee bottle in your tent makes things easier if you need to go in the night.

(Yes, this is one of the seven summits but it is a trek, not mountaineering--you just walk up. It's been done by a 6 year old.)

 

[laughing dog]

Peeing in a bottle is not some horrible act of desperation.

It is when there are restrooms available and some asshole won't let you use them. Really, wtf is wrong with someone who defends making workers pee in a bottle (and how do women do that?) when restrooms are available.

 

[TV and credit cards]

Elsewhere I ran into an interesting point on this:

It's actually a sensible thing for their delivery drivers. The thing is they are paid by the delivery rather than time--finding a restroom is thus effectively off the clock time. We have seen the same thing for a long time for truckers--they're paid by the mile and it's even more of an issue for them to go to a restroom because of their big rigs. It only makes the news due to reckless disposal of the containers. This is inherent in any position where you are paid for work rather than time and aren't near a bathroom while doing so--it's the rational choice even if not overloaded.

Peeing in a bottle is not some horrible act of desperation. Note this equipment list:

https://www.kandooadventures.com/climb-kilimanjaro/plan/kilimanjaro-packing-list/

Under "Odds and Sods", look at the 6th item. Having a pee bottle in your tent makes things easier if you need to go in the night.

(Yes, this is one of the seven summits but it is a trek, not mountaineering--you just walk up. It's been done by a 6 year old.)

I can't believe you're comparing the convenience of a pee bottle used by hikers, campers, etc to those who piss in an empty drink bottle because their job requirements pressure them to do so. Getting paid by the piece causes workers to rush their job; in deliveries, in manufacturing, in construction. It is a safety hazard and should be banned.

 

[Loren Pechtel]

Elsewhere I ran into an interesting point on this:

It's actually a sensible thing for their delivery drivers. The thing is they are paid by the delivery rather than time--finding a restroom is thus effectively off the clock time. We have seen the same thing for a long time for truckers--they're paid by the mile and it's even more of an issue for them to go to a restroom because of their big rigs. It only makes the news due to reckless disposal of the containers. This is inherent in any position where you are paid for work rather than time and aren't near a bathroom while doing so--it's the rational choice even if not overloaded.

Peeing in a bottle is not some horrible act of desperation. Note this equipment list:

https://www.kandooadventures.com/climb-kilimanjaro/plan/kilimanjaro-packing-list/

Under "Odds and Sods", look at the 6th item. Having a pee bottle in your tent makes things easier if you need to go in the night.

(Yes, this is one of the seven summits but it is a trek, not mountaineering--you just walk up. It's been done by a 6 year old.)

I can't believe you're comparing the convenience of a pee bottle used by hikers, campers, etc to those who piss in an empty drink bottle because their job requirements pressure them to do so. Getting paid by the piece causes workers to rush their job; in deliveries, in manufacturing, in construction. It is a safety hazard and should be banned.

You completely overlooked the first part of my post. This is a very practical thing for a delivery driver paid piecework.

 

[laughing dog]

Elsewhere I ran into an interesting point on this:

It's actually a sensible thing for their delivery drivers. The thing is they are paid by the delivery rather than time--finding a restroom is thus effectively off the clock time. We have seen the same thing for a long time for truckers--they're paid by the mile and it's even more of an issue for them to go to a restroom because of their big rigs. It only makes the news due to reckless disposal of the containers. This is inherent in any position where you are paid for work rather than time and aren't near a bathroom while doing so--it's the rational choice even if not overloaded.

Peeing in a bottle is not some horrible act of desperation. Note this equipment list:

https://www.kandooadventures.com/climb-kilimanjaro/plan/kilimanjaro-packing-list/

Under "Odds and Sods", look at the 6th item. Having a pee bottle in your tent makes things easier if you need to go in the night.

(Yes, this is one of the seven summits but it is a trek, not mountaineering--you just walk up. It's been done by a 6 year old.)

I can't believe you're comparing the convenience of a pee bottle used by hikers, campers, etc to those who piss in an empty drink bottle because their job requirements pressure them to do so. Getting paid by the piece causes workers to rush their job; in deliveries, in manufacturing, in construction. It is a safety hazard and should be banned.

You completely overlooked the first part of my post. This is a very practical thing for a delivery driver paid piecework.

First, you completely overlooked the point that these were warehouse workers, not drivers. Second, where a delivery driver urinates (in a restroom or a bottle) should be the choice of the driver, not a employer mandate. Third, you ignore the difficulties of urinating in a bottle for a woman.

 

[Toni]

Amazon workers ‘forced to urinate in plastic bottles because they cannot go to toilet on shift’ | The Independent | The Independent

"Claims come as protestors in the UK join strikers around the world to demand internet giant improves workers’ conditions"

Union officials say they are taking action after more than 600 reports were made from Amazon warehouses to the Health and Safety Executive in the past four years.

A spokesman said: “These include workers using plastic bottles to urinate in instead of going to the toilet, and pregnant women have been forced to stand for hours on end, with some pregnant women being targeted for dismissal.”

The demonstrators have been joined at the protest by Jack Dromey, Labour MP for Birmingham Erdington, and six members of the CCOO Union from Spain who have been striking over the same poor working conditions there.

Other pickets have already taken place in Germany, Poland and United States this week to coincide with what the company calls Amazon Prime Day, when customers are offered big discounts.

So it's not only in the US.

Elsewhere I ran into an interesting point on this:

It's actually a sensible thing for their delivery drivers. The thing is they are paid by the delivery rather than time--finding a restroom is thus effectively off the clock time. We have seen the same thing for a long time for truckers--they're paid by the mile and it's even more of an issue for them to go to a restroom because of their big rigs. It only makes the news due to reckless disposal of the containers. This is inherent in any position where you are paid for work rather than time and aren't near a bathroom while doing so--it's the rational choice even if not overloaded.

Peeing in a bottle is not some horrible act of desperation. Note this equipment list:

https://www.kandooadventures.com/climb-kilimanjaro/plan/kilimanjaro-packing-list/

Under "Odds and Sods", look at the 6th item. Having a pee bottle in your tent makes things easier if you need to go in the night.

(Yes, this is one of the seven summits but it is a trek, not mountaineering--you just walk up. It's been done by a 6 year old.)

It's a safety hazard. First of all, driving a big rig requires concentration and coordination and both hands, not one or both fiddling with a bottle, bottle cap and your dick.

AND drivers deserve and need a physical break to get out, stretch their legs, urinate, defecate, have something to eat and be treated like actual human beings rather than automatons.

 

[TV and credit cards]

Elsewhere I ran into an interesting point on this:

It's actually a sensible thing for their delivery drivers. The thing is they are paid by the delivery rather than time--finding a restroom is thus effectively off the clock time. We have seen the same thing for a long time for truckers--they're paid by the mile and it's even more of an issue for them to go to a restroom because of their big rigs. It only makes the news due to reckless disposal of the containers. This is inherent in any position where you are paid for work rather than time and aren't near a bathroom while doing so--it's the rational choice even if not overloaded.

Peeing in a bottle is not some horrible act of desperation. Note this equipment list:

https://www.kandooadventures.com/climb-kilimanjaro/plan/kilimanjaro-packing-list/

Under "Odds and Sods", look at the 6th item. Having a pee bottle in your tent makes things easier if you need to go in the night.

(Yes, this is one of the seven summits but it is a trek, not mountaineering--you just walk up. It's been done by a 6 year old.)

I can't believe you're comparing the convenience of a pee bottle used by hikers, campers, etc to those who piss in an empty drink bottle because their job requirements pressure them to do so. Getting paid by the piece causes workers to rush their job; in deliveries, in manufacturing, in construction. It is a safety hazard and should be banned.

You completely overlooked the first part of my post. This is a very practical thing for a delivery driver paid piecework.

I overlooked nothing. Would you like me to better address the first part of your post? The part you find “sensible”? It is practical for the driver. It is also dangerous and lazy on their part, especially if that driver is performing local deliveries and likely has plenty of restroom options.
It is also the company maximizing productivity, encouraging these dangerous practices on the road.
And haven’t you in the past bitched about texting and driving? And this you find “sensible”. I’ll spare the fairer sex the detailed description but in your mind go through the motions of pissing in a bottle while driving and come back and call this sensible.
It’s practical from a “ I want to finish my route and get home” point of view but it surely is not sensible.

Piecework maximizes productivity. It can be dangerous, promotes sloppy workmanship, and be unsightly.

 

[lpetrich]

The Amazon Alabama union vote could change Jeff Bezos’s company forever - Vox

Through March 29, 5,800 workers at an Amazon warehouse in north-central Alabama had the chance to cast votes by mail to decide whether to unionize. Voting is now closed, and ballots are on track to be counted during the first few days of April; results could be announced the week of April 5, barring a close vote with too many contested ballots. These employees are just a tiny fraction of Amazon’s 500,000-plus front-line US workforce, but this union vote could reshape the company’s labor practices — and maybe the future of warehouse work in America as well.

Bernie Sanders on Twitter: "Amazon workers in Alabama are sick and tired of being treated like robots. They are standing up and fighting back, and I am proud to support them. (link)" / Twitter

Then someone whose Twitter blurb states

Current SVP for policy & press @Amazon, fmr WH press secretary to @BarackObama, fmr Comms Dir to VP Biden (now @POTUS!), eternal GBV fan (@_GuidedByVoices)

Jay Carney on Twitter: "1/2 With all due respect, Senator @BernieSanders, you’re wrong on this. We treat our employees with dignity and respect. We offer a $15 min wage, health care from day one, and a safe, inclusive workplace." / Twitter

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "A loved one of mine worked Amazon delivery last year & left because that’s how dangerous it felt to them working for a company that also puts so much performance pressure on their workers that defecating in bags is a common enough occurrence that there are internal memos about it" / Twitter

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "Amazon workers in my district organized to meet with me in private last year. They were terrified & sobbing at being left in the dark about COVID exposures on the job + finding out about worksite infections through the grapevine.

This happened in Queens: (link)" / Twitter
Amazon reopened its warehouse in Queens, New York a day after a worker tested positive for coronavirus - Vox
Eek.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

Elsewhere I ran into an interesting point on this:

It's actually a sensible thing for their delivery drivers. The thing is they are paid by the delivery rather than time--finding a restroom is thus effectively off the clock time. We have seen the same thing for a long time for truckers--they're paid by the mile and it's even more of an issue for them to go to a restroom because of their big rigs. It only makes the news due to reckless disposal of the containers. This is inherent in any position where you are paid for work rather than time and aren't near a bathroom while doing so--it's the rational choice even if not overloaded.

Peeing in a bottle is not some horrible act of desperation. Note this equipment list:

https://www.kandooadventures.com/climb-kilimanjaro/plan/kilimanjaro-packing-list/

Under "Odds and Sods", look at the 6th item. Having a pee bottle in your tent makes things easier if you need to go in the night.

(Yes, this is one of the seven summits but it is a trek, not mountaineering--you just walk up. It's been done by a 6 year old.)

I can't believe you're comparing the convenience of a pee bottle used by hikers, campers, etc to those who piss in an empty drink bottle because their job requirements pressure them to do so. Getting paid by the piece causes workers to rush their job; in deliveries, in manufacturing, in construction. It is a safety hazard and should be banned.

You completely overlooked the first part of my post. This is a very practical thing for a delivery driver paid piecework.

So does Amazon mention this during the hiring video?

Maybe they could go to this support group.

 

[Loren Pechtel]

You completely overlooked the first part of my post. This is a very practical thing for a delivery driver paid piecework.

So does Amazon mention this during the hiring video?

Maybe they could go to this support group.

You're ignoring the fact that it's common with FedEx and UPS delivery drivers and with long-haul truckers. This isn't something special to Amazon. If you're paid for your work rather than your time bathroom time is effectively unpaid time. If you can discreetly pee in a container rather than go find a bathroom (when you're on the road that's a lot more than just going down the hall) you effectively give yourself a raise. It's only an issue when people dispose of it improperly. (Can you say "trucker bombs"?)

 

[Rhea]

Are you implying that they pay so badly that you NEED the raise you’d get from peeing in a bottle?

 

[Loren Pechtel]

Are you implying that they pay so badly that you NEED the raise you’d get from peeing in a bottle?

You seem to think peeing in a bottle is something horrible.

To some of us it's a very minor thing, especially for guys as our anatomy makes it easier.