Amazon workers injured on the job have increasingly relied on online fundraising to cover expenses while they experience a challenging process for obtaining compensation and disability benefits.
Three current employees shared their experiences of the bureaucratic hurdles they faced, leading one to homelessness.
Is the e-commerce giant neglecting their concerns in the workplace?
Struggles for Compensation and Support
(Photo : Andrew Stickelman from Unsplash)
Three workers who got injured while working in Amazon's warehouses said that the company allegedly neglected their concerns, forcing them to seek help online.
Injured workers at Amazon's warehouses described a grueling process to secure financial support. They reported that the company often prioritized productivity over worker well-being, denying compensation requests and ignoring concerns about the physical strains of warehouse work.
There's no doubt that this is possible since the previous CBS News report tells us that nearly half of the company's warehouse workers suffered from injuries and even burnout.
Amazon acknowledged a few issues but claimed the workers provided inaccurate information without specifying what was incorrect.
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Keith Williams' Battle with Injuries and Homelessness
Keith Williams, an Amazon worker at the SWF1 warehouse in Rock Tavern, New York, experienced two significant injuries within a few months. In August 2023, a computer desk fell on his head, leading to nausea and dizziness.
Despite seeking urgent care, he was put on light duty and faced constant pressure from managers.
In February, lifting heavy packages caused a severe wrist and elbow injury, rendering him unable to work. Williams has been fighting for disability benefits and, due to financial struggles, became homeless with his family. They were forced to move into a motel and started a GoFundMe campaign to cope with the financial impact of his injuries.
Christine Manno's Ongoing Fight for Benefits
Christine Manno, who worked as a picker and stower at Amazon's STL8 warehouse in Missouri, developed severe carpal tunnel symptoms in August 2021. Although she underwent two surgeries, she was forced to return to work with restrictions.
As The Guardian reports, a subsequent back injury in May 2022 exacerbated her condition. Manno faced resistance in her claim for disability benefits, prompting her to hire an attorney. She eventually received approval but struggled with ongoing pain and financial difficulties.
Manno turned to crowdfunding to manage her expenses as she continued to fight for long-term benefits.
Nik Moran's Experience with Workplace Safety
Nik Moran, a stower at the SWF1 warehouse, sustained a finger injury in August, requiring stitches. He returned to work immediately despite the injury due to Amazon's workers' compensation policy.
Moran criticized Amazon's focus on productivity over safety and faced challenges in getting his medical care covered. He emphasized the need for a more supportive approach to worker safety.
How Amazon Answered These Criticisms
Amazon, one of the world's largest employers with 1.5 million staff globally, has faced ongoing criticism for its warehouse working conditions.
The company pledged to become "Earth's safest place to work" and aimed to halve its workplace injury rate by 2025. However, reports from labor advocacy groups indicated that injury rates remained high.
The Strategic Organizing Center reported a 2023 injury rate of 6.5 per 100 workers, only slightly reduced from previous years. Amazon disputed these findings, claiming a 28% decline in overall injury rates.
A Glimmer of Hope for Williams
Williams recently received positive news. After raising funds through an online campaign, his family's rental application was accepted, and they hoped to move into a new apartment soon. Despite this relief, Williams continues to fight for his disability benefits, highlighting the significant gap between Amazon's profits and the support provided to its workers.
The experiences of Amazon workers like Williams, Manno, and Moran shed light on the struggles faced by injured employees in securing the necessary support and compensation. While Amazon claims to prioritize safety, the reality for many workers indicates a need for substantial improvements in addressing workplace injuries and providing adequate financial assistance.
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